The modern workforce in the United States is more reliant on computer technology than ever before, which means that more people must use computers for work every day. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a degenerative condition that affects the wrists, hands, and finger joints. Typing and other repetitive motions are the most commonly cited causes of this condition, and many people develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to the nature of their everyday job duties.

If you believe you developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your job duties, you will need to prove that this is the case to succeed with a workers’ compensation claim. Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome have quickly become some of the most commonly reported work-related injuries in the US. However, even though carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries now account for a large share of the total workers’ compensation claims filed in the US each year, carpal tunnel syndrome can be complicated to prove, and it can be even more difficult to prove that it developed from one’s work responsibilities.

How Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in a variety of ways, including:

  • Genetic predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome due to family medical factors.
  • Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and arthritis.
  • Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.
  • Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

This condition can also occur because of repetitive use of the hands and wrists, especially from certain types of work. One of the biggest challenges facing any worker who intends to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome will be the need to prove their condition directly resulted from their job duties and not one of these other causes.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects everyone who has it differently and this condition is capable of causing a wide range of symptoms. However, some of the most commonly reported symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Swelling or sensations of swelling in the wrists, hands, and fingers.
  • “Pins and needles” sensations or persistent tingling in the wrists and hands.
  • Weakness in the wrists and hands that can make it difficult to grip objects or perform certain fine motor functions.
  • Persistent pain in the wrists and hands. Some people struggle with chronic pain while others will have periodic flare-ups that may worsen over time.
  • Burning sensations that can manifest randomly. Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome will report these symptoms appearing during the night, interrupting sleep.

Ultimately, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and disruptive to work and everyday life. If you believe your condition manifested because of your job duties, it’s essential to know how you must go about proving this to secure workers’ compensation benefits.

Is My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Work-Related?

You may have some predisposition toward carpal tunnel syndrome because of your family medical history or personal medical conditions, but these factors may not preclude you from securing workers’ compensation benefits if your condition develops or worsens due to your job duties. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a work-related injury when it develops or worsens through performing your job duties. This applies even when the condition develops slowly over time.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help clients prove that their carpal tunnel syndrome developed because of their job. This may involve recovering older medical records that show the claimant had no symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome before starting their job and then slowly began displaying symptoms over time as they continued working.

Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you intend to file a workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome, you should do so as soon as possible after your symptoms have started to interfere with your ability to do your job. The sooner you start the process, the more likely you will be to succeed with the claim. You will need to visit a physician approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This doctor will examine you to determine the severity of your condition and whether you are likely to face long-term complications because of it. They will assign a disability rating that will factor heavily into the benefits determination from the insurance carrier.

Workers’ compensation typically offers full coverage for a claimant’s medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency care, necessary immediate treatments to fully recover, and any ongoing care the claimant requires. Additionally, workers’ compensation can provide disability benefits when the claimant cannot work due to their injuries. For example, many people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome from work may require alternative duties, and some may be compelled to seek different jobs that pose less stress on the hands and wrists. Finally, partial disability benefits are possible when a claimant cannot earn as much income as they did previously due to their condition.

Workers’ compensation disability benefits, when awarded temporarily, typically provide about two-thirds of the claimant’s average weekly wage for each week until they can resume work. These payments may continue for up to 104 weeks for most claimants, and some claimants can have these payments spread over five years if they require such arrangements. For example, many people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome will require ongoing therapy and prescription medications to manage their symptoms, and workers’ compensation will generally cover these costs.

Find Legal Counsel to Assist You

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex medical condition that can be very difficult to prove, and it can be even more challenging to prove that this condition resulted from performing work-related duties. It’s natural to be stressed and feel uncertain about your situation when you are unsure whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim. The right Long Beach workers’ compensation attorney can be a tremendous asset in this situation, helping you make more informed decisions about your legal options.

If you believe you developed carpal tunnel syndrome from work but aren’t sure how you can prove it, Pratt Williams can help you. Our firm has years of experience guiding clients through complex workers’ compensation cases, and we can provide the support and guidance you need for your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and find out how we can assist you with your case.