Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the nerve that travels from the palm side of the wrist is compressed, or pinched. This nerve — also known as the median nerve — travels through an area called the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes numbness, burning pain, and tingling in the hand and wrist. It may also cause numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle finger. People with CTS sometimes report weakness in the affected hand and swollen fingers.
In a workers’ compensation claim, carpal tunnel syndrome would fall under the category of a repetitive motion injury. These types of injuries occur through continual use of the arms and wrists while performing the duties of your job. In South Carolina, you can obtain workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome as long as you can prove the condition is work-related. However, it’s not always easy to convince an employer’s insurance company to pay workers’ comp for carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you’re struggling to obtain workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Stewart Law Offices today. Our team of highly qualified South Carolina workers’ comp attorneys can help prepare your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic, any activity that puts pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. That is what makes it a tricky workers’ compensation claim. You must show that the injury is directly related to work, not to other medical conditions or daily life activities.
Common causes of CTS include:
- A wrist injury
- Pre-existing diagnosis of arthritis or diabetes
- Fluid retention caused by pregnancy or menopause
- Hypothyroidism
- A cyst or tumor in the carpal tunnel
- Repetitive use of the wrist
Sometimes, a person can have several risk factors that, in combination, result in carpal tunnel syndrome. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Stewart Law Offices can help collect the necessary evidence to show why your claim should be paid fully and fairly.
What Is a Repetitive Motion Claim in Workers’ Compensation?
Many occupations involve repetitive hand and wrist motions that could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. These include:
- Assembly line workers
- Machinists
- Construction workers
- Farmers
- Landscapers
- Office workers
- Data entry specialists
Workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome can include payment for medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages. You may also be eligible for permanent disability benefits depending on the severity of your repetitive stress injury.
Making a Workers’ Comp Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
South Carolina workers only have 90 days from the time CTS first requires medical care or begins to interfere with the worker’s ability to perform his/her job to make a carpal tunnel claim. Before getting started, it’s recommended to speak with an attorney about the requirements and procedures for handling these complex claims.
Successfully linking your work activities to your diagnosis will be essential in order to be awarded workers’ compensation benefits. To do that, you will need substantial medical evidence.
A doctor will conduct an exam to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. He or she will then take a detailed history of your specific job activities to show how they contributed to your injury. The physician will also determine whether your condition is permanent or not.
This testimony, combined with other information collected by your attorney, can help build a strong case for workers’ compensation in South Carolina.
How Stewart Law Offices Can Help You
The attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can guide you through the entire process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. We understand that your livelihood may be at stake and will leave no stone unturned as we put together a claim that shows why you deserve compensation.
Call or contact us now to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation.
