According to the National Institutes of Health, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects up to 6 percent of the entire U.S. population. Although linked with genetic factors, CTS can also be triggered by repetitive, strenuous work duties — even if you have no family history of this condition.
Like many nerve issues, carpal tunnel generally gets worse with time — leaving California workers struggling with increasing levels of impairment. Eventually, many workers have to abandon work altogether and accept permanent disabilities caused by CTS.
If this all sounds familiar, you might be wondering whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim for your carpal tunnel syndrome. Each case is slightly different, and you might need to discuss the specifics of your situation with a carpal tunnel workers’ compensation lawyer in California.
Remember: CTS is a legitimate medical condition that deserves compensation just like any other workplace injury. Book a consultation with Attorney James Koh today to pursue your compensation with confidence and efficiency.
What Is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or “CTS,” is a nerve condition that affects the wrist, hand, and individual fingers.
Although symptoms vary, most patients complain of numbness, tingling, or pain in these areas. Some also experience these sensations in the forearm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be highly distressing and uncomfortable. It can also lead to physical impairments. Along with numbness and pain, patients may experience weakness in their fingers and wrists — making it difficult or completely impossible to carry out even the most routine daily tasks.
If patients do not seek treatment for this nerve condition, it becomes increasingly worse — potentially leading to permanent dysfunction of the affected area.
The “carpal tunnel” is a small area of the wrist flanked on all sides by bones and tissues in the wrist. It is an extremely narrow passageway barely wide enough to house the median nerve. This nerve sends electrical signals from the neck through the arm and into each finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this narrow passageway becomes too narrow for the median nerve — generally due to the swelling or inflammation of surrounding tissue.
This places increased pressure on the median nerve, takes away its blood supply, and prevents electrical signals from reaching the hand. The pinky finger is not affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, as it is connected to a different nerve.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel tends to begin gradually, but symptoms become increasingly severe over time. At first, symptoms may appear and disappear very quickly. If left untreated, however, CTS causes symptoms to persist for longer periods — and with greater intensity.
Certain activities trigger CTS symptoms. Many patients find it difficult to sleep due to the natural bending motion of their wrists while resting.
During the day, repetitive hand motions can easily induce CTS symptoms. Often, these tasks eventually become impossible due to severe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Shock-like sensations
- Clumsiness
- Dropping items
- Burning sensations
- Pain
- Tingling
- Paralysis
- Numbness
- “Pins and needles”
- Weakness
While CTS symptoms generally involve the hand, wrist, and fingers, CTS can affect other parts of the body as well. For some patients, these sensations travel up the arm — reaching as high as the shoulder.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If CTS is caused by swollen tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel, then what causes this swelling to occur in the first place? There are numerous potential factors to consider.
A wrist fracture can cause swelling and displacement of the wrist bones, putting more than enough pressure on the carpal tunnel to affect the median nerve. Related conditions like arthritis may also cause this area to become inflamed, causing the carpal tunnel to narrow.
And, according to the Mayo Clinic, repetitive hand motions can potentially cause CTS.
Repetitive hand motions are a leading cause of CTS in California workplaces. For example, you might ring items through a cash register all day in a highly repetitive fashion. Perhaps you type on a computer for hours on end. You might be a craftsperson who carries out highly intricate tasks, such as watch repair or sewing.
Countless repetitive hand motions could trigger CTS among workers in California. Repetitive motions are not natural, and the human body did not evolve to handle these tasks. As a result, they may aggravate wrist tendons, causing them to swell and put pressure on the median nerve.
Some individuals may be more prone to CTS than others because of genetic factors. Doctors believe that some people are born with smaller, more narrow carpal tunnels — increasing the chances of carpal tunnel with less space for the median nerve to operate. Some studies suggest that women are more likely to develop CTS due to their smaller bodies. And if your family members have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be likely to develop it as well.
For many workers, carpal tunnel syndrome appears suddenly and without any clear cause. Unlike many other workplace injuries, it may be difficult to connect your CTS with a specific incident. Instead, the condition is often caused by the cumulative effects of numerous repetitive motions over an extended period of time.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis?
While arthritis is a joint disorder, carpal tunnel is a nerve condition. The symptoms are also different, as arthritis causes joint stiffness and pain rather than tingling or numbness.
However, some people struggle with both arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. And arthritis may cause CTS by inflaming the carpal tunnel. Doctors must therefore treat both conditions simultaneously when dealing with these patients.
What Are My Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in California?
Early treatment is critical when it comes to carpal tunnel. If addressed quickly, treatment is usually non-invasive and effective.
If you leave carpal tunnel syndrome unaddressed for too long, however, you may require more extensive treatment.
Early carpal tunnel treatment may involve the following:
- Wrist splints
- Rehabilitative exercises
- Rest
- Steroid injections
If you miss the early treatment window, these options may no longer be effective. For serious cases of CTS, doctors may recommend various surgeries. The goal of these surgeries is to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Common Jobs and Situations That Can Lead to Carpal-Tunnel-Related Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Some workers face higher risks than others for developing CTS. Those who perform repetitive motions with their hands are far more likely to develop this condition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically highlights the apparel manufacturing industry, including those who operate sewing machines. Anyone in the food processing industry is also likely to develop CTS, especially butchers. The broad field of “administrative work” is also a common cause of CTS, and this includes workers who type on keyboards.
Although these fields exhibit high CTS rates, the CDC also highlights specific jobs with extremely high CTS levels. These include coffee shop counter attendants, telephone operators, and electromechanical assemblers.
One study found that 70% of all guitar players suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. Hair stylists also tend to struggle with this nerve condition. Many professional drivers complain of CTS after holding steering wheels for extended periods.
There are many other other jobs linked with high CTS rates:
- Assembly line workers
- Mechanics
- Painters
- Farmers
- Janitors
- Dental workers
- Massage workers
- Computer programmers
- Cashiers
- Locksmiths
- Carpenters
As a worker in California, you have every right to demand safer, less repetitive work duties — and your employer should make a reasonable effort to accommodate you. This might involve assigning you a greater variety of tasks to reduce repetitive motions or providing more ergonomic work equipment. Remember: California workers are guaranteed regular breaks throughout the day.
You can also take the initiative and make various changes without assistance from your employer. Simply improving your posture can make a difference. You might also want to replace your keyboard or mouse with more ergonomic options, as this may provide considerable relief.
General Workers’ Compensation Guidelines After Carpal Tunnel
Medical Care
If you think you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, your first step should be to seek medical attention.
Even if your condition seems obvious, you must get it properly diagnosed before you can pursue compensation. A doctor can assess your condition and provide you with an official diagnosis, and this diagnosis will go on your medical records.
These records provide clear documentation of your carpal tunnel syndrome, and you can use this to prove the existence of your workplace injuries. Proving your injuries may be more important than you realize, especially given the lack of a clear work-related accident and the inevitable skepticism of insurers.
If someone suffers a broken bone after a crane collapse on a construction site, they can point to a clear, undeniable cause for their injury. On the other hand, someone who develops CTS gradually over time cannot point to a similar “trigger” for their nerve condition.
As a result, your doctors’ notes may become incredibly important, and your healthcare providers may need to explain exactly how your workplace injury was gradually caused by your work. Request copies of these doctors’ notes, medical images, receipts, photographs, and anything else you think might be important.
Doctor’s Orders and First Workers’ Comp Steps
Your next step should be to rest according to your doctor’s instructions. During this rest period, your California carpal tunnel workers’ comp lawyer may advise you to provide your employer with an official accident report.
You will likely need to explain that you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, and be sure to note that it was caused by repetitive strain at work.
Always provide this report in writing with your attorney’s help, and avoid explaining yourself over the phone or in person. Written documents can be used as evidence, and you can carefully draft them alongside your lawyer.
On the other hand, verbal conversations are inherently unofficial and may lead to problematic slips of the tongue. At some point, your employer must provide you with Form DWC-1. Fill out this form with help from your carpal tunnel workers’ compensation lawyer.
Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Comp Benefits
Depending on the nature and extent of your injury, you may be eligible for various benefits. Generally speaking, these benefits should cover your medical bills.
You should also receive partial compensation for the income you missed due to your CTS. If your carpal tunnel syndrome causes a permanent disability that prevents you from ever working again, you may be eligible for ongoing permanent disability (PD) benefits.
Many workers struggle with denied workers’ compensation claims. If you face this issue, your lawyer can help you appeal your denied claim — and you can even take your case to a higher court in some cases.
You should know that independent contractors are ineligible to file workers’ compensation claims in California. Also known as 1099 workers, these individuals may be involved in industries like transport, food delivery, and digital marketing. Online freelance workers may be especially at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, since this condition can easily be triggered by repetitive use of keyboards and computer mice.
That being said, independent contractors are often “misclassified” — and they may still be eligible to file workers’ compensation claims under certain circumstances.
Speak to a workers’ compensation attorney for details specific to your situation.
Contact a Qualified Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Although carpal tunnel can leave you feeling paralyzed, you must do everything in your power to take action. There is no reason to sit back and suffer after experiencing work-related carpal tunnel syndrome, and you have every right to pursue compensation.
A carpal tunnel workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather documentation, file your claim, and overcome any challenges along the way. Even if you’re struggling with a denied claim, your lawyer can help you file an appeal and fight for fair compensation.
Remember: Carpal tunnel becomes worse with time, so it’s often best to take action as soon as possible. Reach out to James Koh today to begin this legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many California workers who develop carpal tunnel have important questions. Here are a few frequently asked questions (and answers):
1. What’s the time limit on carpal tunnel workers’ compensation claims?
In California, you have one year to file your workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it is important to note that this time limit only begins once you become “aware” of your injury. For example, an accident might cause swelling in your hand – but your carpal tunnel syndrome could take months to develop after the initial injury. The time limit only begins after you learn of your carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. How do I file a claim for carpal tunnel pain?
Your first step should be to seek medical attention as soon as you experience pain and discomfort. After you receive a carpal tunnel diagnosis, you should follow up with your doctors and, after speaking with an attorney, file an accident report with your employer. Follow medical instructions and rest as long as necessary. In the meantime, your lawyer can help you negotiate for maximum workers’ comp benefits.
3. What if I can’t work due to carpal tunnel pain?
If you cannot work due to carpal tunnel pain, it is typically best to rest. Although it might feel tempting to keep working, you will only make your condition worse. You may even suffer a permanent disability if you continue to aggravate the median nerve. If your carpal tunnel has already led to permanent disability, you may be eligible for PD benefits under California’s workers’ compensation program.
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