Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive stress injury that people in many different types of jobs can suffer. Working on a computer all day can cause it, but so can any type of repetitive motion that stresses the ligaments contained in the wrist, like slicing meat at a butcher counter or working on a factory assembly line. Even working with high-powered vibrating machinery can cause it.
At the very least, CTS can be painful and cause the wrist to become weak. If it’s not treated early, it can cause permanent nerve and muscle damage. If dealt with in time, nonsurgical treatments may be enough to deal with it.
However, getting workers’ compensation benefits for CTS can be challenging. How do you prove that it was caused by your work activities and not activities outside of work — like playing a musical instrument, tennis or video games?
If you are in a job where you are doing work all day that has been shown to cause CTS, you’ll probably have a better chance of getting workers’ comp. People who have already left a job may have a difficult time seeking workers’ comp for CTS from their previous employer. If you have an underlying condition like arthritis or diabetes that makes it more likely to develop CTS, you may face challenges in seeking workers’ comp.
If you developed CTS on the job and are having difficulty getting the workers’ comp benefits you need for treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical, and time away from work, if necessary, it’s wise to seek legal guidance. An experienced attorney can help you gather and present the necessary evidence to get the benefits you deserve.