Can you make a claim for Carpal Tunnel Injury at work?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when pressure is experienced upon the median nerve. The median nerve extends from the forearm to the palm of the hand. It controls the movement of the first three fingers and the thumb. The nerve tunnel shrinks due to pressure which results in irritation. This condition is painful and it worsens with time. Sometimes, the feeling of numbness or tingling in hands and fingers can be the initial symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If this is a work related injury, you ned to file a Carpal Tunnel Injury Claim to start the workers compensation process.
Some common symptoms of this syndrome comprise intense pain, tingling, feeling of numbness or sensations of burning or itchiness. Those who suffer from the syndrome face difficulty while grasping or holding tools such as a mouse, hammer or other such equipment. Some jobs that can lead to cCarpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Typing or data entry jobs
- Jobs that require playing musical instruments
- Professional drivers
- Jobs of farmers, craftsmen, and cashiers
- Chefs and cooking experts
Carpal Tunnel Injury Claims
The syndrome is severe because it is not immediately apparent. It is a progressive injury that takes months or even years before it develops into a syndrome. If the symptoms are experienced, medical care should be sought immediately and the employer should be notified.
Employees affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on account of the work they are assigned at their jobs, have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. The reimbursements that are received as a result of workers’ compensation include fees for doctors and therapists, expenses of medications etc., and 60 percent of lost salaries.
The process of workers’ compensation starts as soon as you complete the “first report of injury” form. The form includes questions to identify the date, time and severity of the injury. An approximate date about the first experience of the symptoms should be given.
Most states recognize Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as an injury for which compensation can be obtained. The nature of the injury and the state of residency largely determine the amount of money that will be received. One may be entitled to recover medical expenses and lost wages in addition to compensation for the injury.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Sometimes, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results from some event that is not related to one’s job. Such an event can be a car accident or another related traumatic incident. For example, drivers who undergo car accidents experience traumatic wrist injuries commonly that may arise as a result of grip of hands on the steering wheel. These injuries can result in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A legal claim can still be pursued for such injuries.
Social Security Disability
Other than the worker’s compensation claims or a personal injury claim, a social security disability claim can also be made in case of the initiation of the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
If carpal tunnel is diagnosed as a temporary disability, the employee may have the ability to continue his or her previous job after he or she has received the required medical treatment. However, in case that a permanent disability is diagnosed, the employees receive some amount from workers’ compensation in addition to the reimbursement for medical and therapy bills and lost wages. This amount is determined by the state’s workers’ compensation administration.
