Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Not all harm that arises in the workplace is caused by accidents or acute injuries. Instead, some impairments, like carpal tunnel syndrome, develop over time due to repetitive motions. Regardless of how they occur, injuries brought about by workplace conditions are typically compensable. As such, if you were hurt while working, you should speak to an attorney about whether you may be owed workers’ compensation benefits. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is a seasoned Rockland County workers’ compensation lawyer who takes pride in helping injured workers obtain the results they deserve, and if you hire her, she will work tirelessly to help you seek the maximum benefits available under the law. Ms. Crown regularly represents people in workers’ compensation claims in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties and in the greater metropolitan area.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the term used to describe the symptoms caused by neuropathy in one of the nerves in the carpal tunnel. It can occur in both hands and usually arises due to pressure on the nerve as it travels through the wrist. In many cases, the pressure is brought about by repetitive or prolonged twisting or flexing of the wrist or vibrations caused by machinery. In some instances, it can be brought about by extensive computer use. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, weakness, and numbness, which can make performing job duties and daily tasks of living difficult. In some instances, it can be cured via conservative measures such as rest, medication, or splinting the wrist. In many cases, though, it requires surgical repair.

People that develop carpal tunnel at work can often recover workers’ compensation benefits pursuant to the New York Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). The Act dictates that to be eligible for such benefits, there must be an employer-employee relationship. Secondly, the carpal tunnel syndrome must have arisen during the course and scope of employment, which means that it happened due to workplace conditions or because of the performance of work activities. In some instances, an employer will dispute that an employee’s carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by work conditions and will argue that it was caused by an unrelated issue. In such cases, the employee may need to undergo a medical examination with a doctor, chosen by the employer’s insurance carrier, to establish the work-related nature of their harm.

Employees, who demonstrate that their carpal tunnel syndrome entitles them to workers’ compensation benefits, may be granted medical and disability benefits. Medical benefits could include any necessary medical care, including braces, medication, physical and occupational therapy, and surgery. Such treatment must typically comply with the Workers’ Compensation Board’s applicable treatment guidelines and must be rendered by a Workers’ Compensation Board approved healthcare provider.

An employee who cannot work, due to carpal tunnel syndrome, may be eligible to recover disability benefits as well. The amount of disability benefits an employee is owed will depend on the extent and duration of their harm, their average weekly wage before they were unable to work due to carpal tunnel syndrome, and state limits.

Disability benefits are granted for temporary and total, temporary and partial, permanent and total, and permanent and partial impairments. Partial disabilities prevent employees from executing some of their job duties, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Total disabilities prevent an employee from performing any job duties, either temporarily or permanently.

While carpal tunnel syndrome is not life-threatening it is nonetheless a painful and debilitating condition, and when it occurs due to workplace conditions, it may be grounds for seeking workers’ compensation benefits. If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to work activities, you should meet with an attorney to discuss your options as soon as possible. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is a trusted workers’ compensation attorney who can advise you of your rights and aid you in seeking benefits for your losses. Ms. Crown has an office in New York, and she regularly represents employees in workers’ compensation claims in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties and in the greater metropolitan area. You can reach Ms. Crown via the online form or by calling 845-708-5900 (office number) or 845-598-8253 (Valerie’s direct cellphone 24/7).