Can I Get Workers’ Compensation in the Bronx for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Workplace accidents can happen as one-time events or recurring issues. A recurring issue that workers often develop is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, gets compressed or pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily caused by repetitive movements, such as typing. Because of this, many office workers develop it. It often becomes so bad that they have to have surgery and take time off work for an extended period of time, causing them to lose money.

Because of this, you may wonder if you can receive workers’ compensation in the Bronx for carpal tunnel syndrome. You potentially can if it is determined that your condition is work-related. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by prolonged use of the hands, which can occur in various occupations like typing, assembly line work, or jobs requiring the use of hand tools.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by the following:

• Repetitive hand movements. Repetitive use of the hand, especially in activities that involve flexing the wrist (like typing or using tools), can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Health conditions. Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid imbalances may increase the risk.
• Pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to swelling that may compress the median nerve.

What Do I Need to Prove?

Gerring workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome is no easy task. You’ll generally need to prove the following:

• Diagnosis. You must have a medical diagnosis confirming that you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Work-related cause. You need to demonstrate that your condition was caused or aggravated by your job duties.
• Timely filing. You must file a workers’ compensation claim within the appropriate time frame, which is generally within two years of the onset of symptoms or diagnosis. This means two years from the time you knew (or should have known) that the disease was due to the nature of employment.

It is helpful to have documentation from your doctor showing that your job duties contributed to your condition. You must show that the carpal tunnel syndrome occurred as a direct result of your employment tasks. Your doctor will want to know about your symptoms and aggravating factors. What symptoms do you have and for how long? Does anything make the symptoms worse?

They will also perform the following:

• Physical examination. There are various tests your doctor can perform. They include Tinel’s Sign, which involves tapping over the median nerve at the wrist produces tingling in the fingers. There is also the two-point discrimination, which is a test to determine whether the patient can distinguish two nearby points on the skin.
• Electrodiagnostic testing. A nerve conduction study measures the speed at which electrical impulses travel along the median nerve. Slower conduction may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. An electromyography test evaluates the electrical activity of muscles controlled by the median nerve. Abnormal findings can help confirm the diagnosis.
• Imaging studies. An ultrasound can show swelling or compression of the median nerve. An MRI may be used in some cases to visualize the carpal tunnel and surrounding tissues.

Your doctor will also rule out other conditions. Conditions like arthritis, nerve damage in other areas, or neck issues may need to be ruled out to confirm that the median nerve compression is occurring at the wrist.

This information can help prove your case. Once approved, workers’ compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. The average cost of a workers’ compensation claim based on carpal tunnel syndrome can range from $30,000 to $70,000. This will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, you may be able to receive a workers’ compensation settlement so you get paid a lump sum payment.

Contact Us Today

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating and painful. If you have been affected by this injury, make sure you get the compensation you need.

Seek legal help you need from a Bronx criminal defense attorney from Macaluso & Fafinksi, P.C. We will help you understand your legal options, such as filing a lawsuit or claim. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (800) 762-9300 or fill out the online form.