Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

 Posted on September 25, 2019 in Workers' Compensation

When it comes to being injured on the job, many injuries are readily apparent and require immediate medical attention. For these types of injuries, it is often easier to pursue workers’ compensation benefits because it is simple to prove that the workplace was the direct cause of the accident. For other workplace injuries, it can take weeks, months, or even years to fully manifest, making it more difficult for someone to claim benefits. One such injury that can be difficult to receive benefits for is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a chronic injury to the wrist and hand.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In your arm, you have what is called the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through the carpal tunnel (a small opening in your wrist) and into your hand. The median nerve is responsible for the feeling and sensation of the palm side of your thumb and fingers, not including the pinky finger. If that nerve is stretched, compressed or otherwise irritated, it could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of this syndrome usually begin gradually and come and go from time to time. As the condition progresses, the symptoms typically get worse and can include:

• Pain

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Burning sensation in the wrist, hand or forearm

• Weakness or clumsiness in the hand

What Are Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when you perform repetitive motions, which can cause damage to the median nerve. Workers in many different professions can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome because of doing the same motion over and over again. Examples of actions at work that could cause it include:

• Typing

• Playing a musical instrument

• Painting

• Scrubbing

• Sewing

• Assembling parts in a factory

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Illinois Workers’ Compensation

According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, carpal tunnel syndrome is a valid injury for which you can seek benefits through workers’ compensation. To claim these benefits, you must be able to prove that the carpal tunnel syndrome made you unable to perform your job or has limited the type of work you are able to do. The Act states that you are able to claim benefits for up to 190 weeks after you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Contact a Will County Workplace Injury Attorney 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of those workplace injuries that does not always manifest itself immediately. In a lot of cases, symptoms appear after months or years of repetitive actions. If you believe that you have suffered carpal tunnel syndrome because of your profession, Flaherty Law, LLC can help you. This type of workplace injury can be difficult to obtain compensation for, which is why it is crucial that you hire a Plainfield, IL workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you with your claim. Our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys will explain all of your options and determine the best way to proceed for seeking benefits. Call our office today at 815-577-7500 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68