While many workers might feel insulated from the risk of physical injury at their office job, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common across industries. If you are at risk or are already suffering from this condition, contact our team today to learn about your options for compensation through workers’ comp.
Basics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition caused by pressure on a nerve within the wrist’s carpal tunnel. This nerve controls sensations in parts of the fingers, wrist, and arms and facilitates nervous system communications.
Most CTS symptoms involve tingling, pain, or numbness in the hand or arm and difficulty controlling them. Symptoms of CTS tend to worsen over time, especially if the action causing the condition is continued or not addressed. Given the potential impact of CTS on one’s quality of life and ability to work, workers should be encouraged to speak up about symptoms and seek adjustments or medical advice early to avoid long-term damage.
Workers Facing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risks
CTS does not discriminate and can affect anyone in any industry or job title involving repetitive motions, as we have described. However, some professions and activities certainly increase the risk of developing CTS.
- Office workers, particularly those who type or use a mouse for hours daily, are commonly affected by CTS. The repetitive motion of typing, along with the prevalence of improper ergonomics, means office workers are just as much at risk as workers at more physically demanding jobs.
- In a similar fashion, assembly line workers face a high risk of CTS. These jobs often require workers to repeat the same hand and wrist motions thousands of times per shift, significantly increasing the strain on the median nerve.
- Professions where craftsmen or artists perform fine, detailed work also fall into the high-risk category. The precision required for creating high-end jewelry or crafts can lead to extended periods of pinching and fine motor activities that strain the wrist’s carpal tunnel.
- Workers using vibrating hand tools in construction, landscaping, or similar trades are at risk, as the vibration can contribute to nerve damage. The force needed to operate these tools can also exacerbate the strain on the wrist and hand.
Even if you work in a different industry, you may be at risk of CTS, and you have the right to file for workers’ compensation if you were injured on the job and are facing hardship.
Debunking Misconceptions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims
You may be unsure if your CTS claim is valid. Many workers don’t fully understand what rights are afforded to them or what can influence a workers’ compensation claim. If you ever have questions or concerns, contact an attorney to get the answers you need.
Myth 1: CTS is Too Common to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation
Some believe that because CTS is a common condition, it’s not eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if CTS can be directly linked to one’s job duties, it absolutely qualifies for compensation under Florida workers’ compensation laws. The key is proving the direct correlation between work activities and the syndrome.
Myth 2: Only Manual Labor Workers Can File CTS Claims
Another widespread misconception is that only those in physically demanding jobs, like construction or manufacturing, can claim workers’ compensation for CTS. In reality, employees from any sector, including office workers who spend extensive hours typing, are eligible for claims if their work activities contribute to the condition.
Myth 3: Filing a Claim is Not Worth the Effort
Many workers believe that pursuing a workers’ compensation claim for CTS is futile, believing they won’t succeed or that the benefits aren’t substantial enough to justify the process. On the contrary, successful claims can cover medical treatments and compensation for lost wages and disability.
Myth 4: You Need to Prove Employer Negligence to Receive Compensation
Some workers assume that they must prove employer negligence to receive compensation. However, workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system. This means employees don’t need to prove negligence but rather that their injury or condition is work-related.
Contact Probinsky & Cole today to get the help you need if you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to work-related activities.
