Many people think about acute traumatic injuries when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. While most claims involve injuries that can be attributed to a single event, a decent percentage involve repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Understandably, injured workers want to know, Can carpal tunnel be filed under workers’ compensation benefits? You could have a valid workers’ compensation claim for benefits if you can show a link between your carpal tunnel and your work duties.
Have you received a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis and need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim? If so, contact an experienced Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits lawyer at Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers’ Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression or damage to your median nerve, which is in your hand and forearm.
There are several different reasons people develop carpal tunnel, including repetitive motions, such as typing, or daily overexertion. In other cases, it can result from acute trauma.
It’s crucial to take extra care at work to protect yourself from repetitive stress injuries. Consider proper posture control, ergonomic workstations, regular breaks, etc.
Without these precautions, you could be putting yourself at greater risk for repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 data shows 17,160 cases of reported work-related injuries involving repetitive motions out of 888,220 total cases. The breakdown is:
- 4,420 injuries from repetitive motions involving unspecified microtasks;
- 2,170 injuries from typing, key entry, texting, or using a mouse;
- 3,670 injuries caused by the repetitive use of tools and instruments;
- 5,200 injuries caused by the repetitive grasping, placing, or moving objects other than tools;
- 620 injuries from the repetitive use of hands and not involving tools;
- 500 injuries from multiple types of repetitive motions; and
- 590 injuries caused by repetitive motions involving other microtasks.
It’s essential to understand the potential signs of carpal tunnel development. Symptoms of carpal tunnel include:
- A burning sensation in your hand, palm, or fingers;
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand;
- Weakness in your finger grip;
- Pain when you are typing or writing for an extended period of time; and
- Feeling of swollenness or actual swollen fingers.
If you are having any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away.
What Compensation Is Available from Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Carpal tunnel injuries can be painful and interfere with multiple aspects of your life. You may be missing time from work, but you also may struggle with daily activities at home because of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The benefits you receive through work can help reimburse you for a portion of your lost wages and other expenses related to your claim, such as the cost of physical therapy necessary to treat your carpal tunnel symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be serious. Don’t attempt to fight for benefits on your own. You should be concentrating on your recovery and what the future holds.
However, you need to pursue a workers’ compensation claim because you could be entitled to benefits. This financial assistance can help you pay your bills and find a new line of work if necessary.
Collecting Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Injuries
Before you can successfully collect workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, you must show how your job caused the injury. Carpal tunnel is a covered condition under Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits. However, proving your job caused it isn’t always easy.
Part of the problem is that some workers are unaware they have early symptoms, while others don’t realize the carpal tunnel symptoms they are experiencing are due to their job. Recognizing symptoms early on can help prevent further damage to your hand or wrist and help you receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Suppose you are unable to return to work full time. In that case, your potential settlement could include disability compensation or retraining so you can work again in a different capacity or field.
How a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
At the law offices of Arechigo & Stokka, we understand what a stressful time it is for you and your family when you can’t work because you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
We know you have concerns about your job and you need to receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. Know that you aren’t alone. Our legal team has years of experience helping injured workers like you. We can help you get the benefits you are entitled to in a worker’s compensation case.
If you filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome and it was denied, do not worry. You have the right to appeal the denial. It’s actually common for initial claims to be denied.
Sometimes, the rejection is for something minimal, such as missing documentation, and easily fixed. Once you provide the missing information or documentation, the decision might be reversed and benefits approved.
The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Arechigo & Stokka know exactly what goes into a claim, and we are ready to help you through all steps of the process, from filing the initial paperwork to appealing a denial.
When you retain a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney at Arechigo & Stokka, we will handle all the stressful and frustrating legal aspects of your claim while you heal.
Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can assist you. Let us review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
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