Can I get Workers' Compensation for Carpal Tunnel?

Workers' compensation laws vary from place to place, but it is possible to receive workers' compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome in many areas. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition that occurs when the median nerve in the arm becomes pinched or squeezed by the carpal bones or other structures in the the wrist. This condition is often a repetitive motion injury, caused by jobs like working on computers or on an assembly line, so many jurisdictions allow injured workers to file claims to get workers' compensation for it.

CTS is caused by repetitive motions that create swelling in the carpal tunnel, a space between the bones of the wrists. When this swelling occurs, the median nerve is pinched and can cause pain and numbness in the hands, a prickly pins-and-needles sensation that is commonly referred to as one's hand going to sleep. For individuals who rely heavily on the use of their hands for work, CTS can be devastating. In some cases, the symptoms can become so painful that the victim is unable to work or perform basic functions for himself or herself and might require surgery to correct the condition.

Although there has been a great deal of debate in legal and medical circles on whether CTS is a product of a working environment or a predisposition towards the condition, many jurisdictions allow claims against workers' compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome. In the United States, for example, it is the most commonly paid injury benefit, accounting for about one-third of the total cost.

If you are suffering from the effects of CTS and you believe that your injuries may be work related, you should consult a workers' compensation attorney to see what remediation is available to you. These attorneys can tell you about the local laws regarding workers' compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome and how to file your claim. The lawyer will also be able to assist you in suing for carpal tunnel syndrome and ergonomic injuries, and he or she can help you find proper medical care for the condition while you are pursuing your case.