For many different employment positions throughout Council Bluffs, the development of carpal tunnel syndrome is an occupational hazard. If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome and you believe that this development was a direct result of your employment, here’s what you need to know about this injury type and filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits—
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes weakness, numbness, and tingling in the affected hand and arm. These sensations are caused by compression of the nerve within the carpal tunnel. Sometimes, the condition can be painful and inhibit the affected individual from using their hands.
The cause of the syndrome is pressure on the median nerve, which is caused by inflammation and swelling around the nerve. While there are a number of risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, including an injury to the wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, and other medical conditions, one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel is repetitive stress. Things like constant typing, working on an assembly line, using a jackhammer or other construction tools that result in constant vibrations–all which can be found in various workplaces–can lead to the condition.
Is Carpal Tunnel Covered Under Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
In order to recover workers’ compensation insurance in Iowa, you must prove that an injury–or in this case, a condition or disease–is directly the result of a work-related activity. For this reason, workers’ compensation claims can be complicated. Indeed, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurer may acknowledge that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, but may deny that the syndrome was a direct result of your employment activities, instead alleging that you would have developed the condition otherwise. In fact, they may even cite lifestyle factors that you maintain (Do you like to knit? Are you an avid writer who uses your computer to type stories? Do you paint or do crafts) to disprove your claim that the carpal tunnel resulted from your occupation.
In navigating the workers’ compensation system and recovering the compensation for your carpal tunnel syndrome and related damages (lost wages, medical expenses associated with the condition, etc.), one of the most valuable things will be the opinion of a medical professional. A medical professional can help you to prove that your harm is work-related, and prove the extent of your impairment.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Council Bluffs Can Help
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition to live with, and it may inhibit your ability to perform your job or do other enjoyable things in your life, as well as necessary things – like eat or brush your teeth. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and you highly suspect that the condition would not have developed but for your job-related tasks, you should call our Council Bluffs workers’ compensation law firm.
Our lawyers have the resources your case deserves, work with medical experts who can help to build your claim, and are experienced in workers’ compensation law. Call us today to learn more about our legal services.