Rockford, IL Carpal Tunnel Injury Lawyers

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common work-related injuries in the United States. Unlike an injury in a workplace accident, carpal tunnel develops gradually through repetitive hand and wrist movements performed day after day while working. By the time symptoms become severe enough to interfere with a person's work and daily life, they may have suffered extensive nerve damage, and surgery and other forms of treatment may be needed. Fortunately, workers' compensation benefits may be available for this type of repetitive motion injury.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys can help workers address carpal tunnel injuries in workers' compensation claims. We can help gather the medical evidence needed to support a claim and make sure a person will receive the full benefits they need for a work-related injury.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the nerves in the wrists. The compression of these nerves may affect sensation in the thumbs, fingers, and other parts of the hands. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include tingling or numbness in the fingers and hand, difficulty gripping objects or making fine motor movements, or pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. As symptoms get worse, a loss of sensation and strength in the hand may affect a person's ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Work?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop when a person engages in activities that place pressure on the nerves in the wrists. Repetitive hand and wrist motions can affect the nerves in the carpal tunnel over time. Workers who continually perform the same hand movements during shifts may be at risk of injury. The use of vibrating tools like drills, jackhammers, and grinders may also lead to injuries.

Professions at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect workers in any occupation that involves repetitive use of the hands. However, the risks of carpal tunnel issues may be higher for people in certain professions, including:

• Assembly Line and Manufacturing Workers: People who perform the same hand and wrist movements over and over during shifts may experience nerve injuries.
• Construction Workers: People who regularly use vibrating power tools like drills, grinders, sanders, and jackhammers may experience nerve injuries. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other construction workers may experience injuries due to the use of hand tools.
• Meatpacking and Food Processing Workers: Repetitive cutting, trimming, and similar motions can create a risk of nerve injuries. In many cases, workers in these industries work in cold environments, which can lead to the constriction of blood vessels and increase the risks of carpal tunnel issues.
• Office Workers: People who spend the majority of their time at work typing or using a mouse may be affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Healthcare Workers: Nurses, surgical technicians, dental hygienists, and physical therapists who perform repetitive tasks when treating patients and handling instruments may experience injuries affecting their wrists and hands.
• Retail Workers: People who perform repetitive tasks related to scanning, bagging, and stocking products may experience carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Mechanics: Technicians use hand tools regularly, and they may need to work with their wrists in awkward positions as they reach into engine compartments or other parts of vehicles. These motions can increase the risks of carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Workers' Compensation Addresses Carpal Tunnel Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries may be considered to be occupational diseases that are covered by workers' compensation. When a person experiences carpal tunnel syndrome that was caused or aggravated by the work they performed, they can receive benefits such as:

Medical Benefits

Workers' compensation will cover all medical treatment for a work-related injury. To address carpal tunnel syndrome, a person may need to visit doctors or specialists. They may receive diagnostic tests to confirm a carpal tunnel diagnosis and determine the severity of their injuries. Treatment for these issues may include wrist splints, steroid injections, or surgery. All forms of treatment should be fully covered by workers' comp.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

If carpal tunnel symptoms prevent a person from working, or if they will need to take time away from work while recovering from surgery, they may be entitled to temporary total disability (TTD) benefits that will make up some of the income lost during this time.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits

When a worker can continue working while recovering from carpal tunnel injuries, but the types of work they can perform are limited, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits can make up for their reduction in income during this time.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

If carpal tunnel syndrome results in permanent impairments, a person may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. The compensation they receive will typically be based on their loss of use in their hands, wrists, or other parts of the body that have been affected by a work-related injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel Workers' Compensation Claims

Contact Our Rockford, Illinois Workplace Carpal Tunnel Injury Lawyers

Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult or impossible to continue working in your job. When the work you have performed is the reason for your injuries, you can receive workers' compensation. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers are here to help you receive the medical care and financial benefits you deserve for a workplace injury. Contact our Rockford carpal tunnel syndrome attorneys at 847-797-8000 to set up your free consultation.