In many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is covered by workers’ compensation, as long is it developed as a result of job activities. You must be able to prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is not the result of non-work-related factors, such as a sport you play, a second job you have, or a pre-existing health condition.
In carpal tunnel syndrome cases, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and physical therapy expenses. You could also be entitled to receive weekly temporary total disability, partial disability, or permanent and total disability benefits. This will be based on your average weekly wage, your degree of incapacity, and other factors.
It is estimated that 50% of carpal tunnel syndrome cases are work-related. This painful hand and wrist injury can affect your work performance and force you to undergo surgery, leading to expensive medical bills and lost wages. But is carpal tunnel syndrome covered by workers’ compensation? Speaking with a qualified workers’ comp lawyer can help you go over the facts of your individual case to give you a direct answer.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
When you bend or flex your wrist or fingers, your muscles and tendons slide easily due to a slippery fluid that lubricates your tendons. However, when fluid is not produced, there can be friction, which results in swelling. That swelling can compress and squeeze the median nerve and tendons that run through the “carpal tunnel” in your wrist. This leads to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which limits wrist movement, and causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the wrist and hand.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repetitive exertions of the hand or wrist, repetitive tasks combined with awkward hand positions, or exposure to hand vibration. Many times, carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by improper posture and improper hand positions while sitting at a desk typing on a computer. Other common work-related examples of repetitive tasks, which have the potential to cause carpal tunnel syndrome, are:
- Using a cash register
- Slicing or pressing objects for long periods of time with no rest
- Hairdressing
- Hand-weeding
- Sewing
- Kneading dough
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, manufacturing workers (assembly line, meatpacking, food processing, etc.) have the highest rate of carpal tunnel syndrome workplace injuries. Other jobs with a high risk of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- Data entry clerks
- General office clerks
- Grocery store cashiers
- Hospital secretaries
- Janitors
Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Receiving compensation for your workplace carpal tunnel syndrome can be tricky. This is because, many times, the condition develops over a period of time. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly how the condition developed. This is why contacting a workers’ comp attorney can be helpful. At Powers & Caccavale, we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve by advocating on your behalf every step of the way. To learn more, fill out our free case evaluation or call us at (617) 379-0016.