- June 28, 2024
Some work-related injuries are not caused by a single accident, but by overuse due to repetitive movements. One of these injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome. With the help of an experienced Atlanta workers comp lawyer, you can file a claim for workers comp for carpal tunnel.
Let us discuss in detail about this condition and how to prove that it’s related to your work duties.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Your fingers and muscles in the hand are controlled by a single nerve, called the median nerve. It starts at the neck, runs down through your arm and passes through a small space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.
The space is formed by tiny bones called the carpal bones, which form the complex wrist joint. Due to various issues, the wrist joint can become swollen and inflamed. The carpal tunnel becomes smaller, putting pressure on the median nerve. This is what causes the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Types of Jobs that May Lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The key rule to qualify for workers comp for carpal tunnel is that the condition should be caused by conditions at your workplace or your job duties. According to the OSHA, some of the common jobs that may cause this health issue are:
- Office workers who use computers
- House painters and decorators
- Workers at assembly lines
- Massage therapists
- Hairdressers
- Cashiers using handheld scanners
All these jobs have one thing in common: repetitive wrist movements, which is the number one cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In workers comp cases, it is essential to act quickly after you are injured or develop a work-related condition. The rules state that you have 30 days to report your injury to your employer and one year to file a claim.
In the case of a condition caused by overuse, these deadlines start running from the moment you start experiencing the symptoms or should reasonably be aware of them.
An Atlanta workers comp lawyer always stresses the importance of seeing a doctor as soon as you feel something is wrong with your wrist and hand. The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- Pain, tingling and numbness of the thumb, index and third finger
- Weakness in the hand (inability to grip object firmly in the hand)
- Loss of dexterity in performing fine movements with the fingers
- Dry skin due to reduced sweating
Proving that Your Condition Is Work-Related
Given the fact that we use our hands a lot for everyday tasks, the first thing a workers comp insurance adjuster will say is that your condition is not work-related. This is why many claims for workers comp for carpal tunnel get denied.
However, an experienced lawyer knows how to prove that you deserve benefits. These steps include:
- Using your medical history to prove you did not develop this condition before starting the current job
- Relying on statistical data proving the connection between certain occupations and the condition
- Hiring expert witnesses to show that your job activity often leads to this condition
- Identifying lack of ergonomic features at your workplace which contributed to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Types of Benefits You Are Entitled to Obtain
Workers comp for carpal tunnel will pay for your medical treatment for the condition. You will also receive replacement wages until you are fit to return to work. These replacement wages represent 2/3 of your regular weekly wages.
Also, if you are left with an impairment that prevents you from returning to your job, you may also benefit from vocational rehabilitation services. You will receive assistance to retrain for a new job and find employment.
Schedule a Free Case Review with an Experienced Atlanta Workers Comp Lawyer!
If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your job duties, reach out to an experienced Atlanta workers comp lawyer. The attorney will analyze the facts of your case and, if you have a valid claim, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis.
As a new client, you benefit from a free case evaluation, so call us today at 470-518-5026!
