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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and forearm. There are various ways that carpal tunnel syndrome arises, particularly in the workplace. Often, this condition is associated with office workers and those who spend time on computers, but other types of workers who perform the same motions repeatedly with their hands, wrists, and arms are also at risk. Here, we want to discuss whether or not you can recover workers’ compensation benefits in Nevada for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most people are unaware that the “carpal tunnel” is an actual tunnel part of our wrist anatomy. The tunnel contains the median nerve and flexor tendons that assist with bending the fingers and the thumb. When the carpal tunnel is compressed, the tunnel becomes narrowed, or the tissue around the flexor tendons swells, which puts pressure on the median nerve. This pressure on the nerve can result in the tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand that is so common for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel can occur in a variety of ways. In some cases, individuals are more genetically likely to incur this condition. Other types of health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid gland issues, and diabetes, are also associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, most individuals incur carpal tunnel as a result of repetitive hand motions, such as repeating the same hand and wrist motions over and over again for a prolonged period of time. Individuals can also sustain carpal tunnel as a result of poor hand and wrist positioning when doing certain activities, including using a computer.
Individuals may certainly be able to recover compensation if their carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by workplace activities. However, these claims can be complicated, and it is important for individuals to seek medical care as soon as they notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A medical professional will ask questions and perform various tests, and carpal tunnel syndrome could be diagnosed. So long as an individual and their medical professional can link the carpal tunnel to their workplace activities, they should be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to help pay for medical bills associated with the carpal tunnel diagnosis, including any corrective surgeries or other non-invasive procedures. If an individual is unable to work while they recover, workers’ compensation may be able to provide a significant portion of lost wages until a person can return to work.
However, we strongly encourage individuals to reach out to a skilled Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible if they receive any pushback from an employer or insurance carrier. One major complication with these types of claims, and other claims involving repetitive stress injuries, is proving that the workplace is what caused the injury. Because these injuries typically occur over longer periods of time, an insurance carrier or employer may attempt to say that the worker already had carpal tunnel or that something else out of the workplace caused the injury. An attorney can help gather the facts of the case, handle negotiations with other parties, and resolve any appeals related to the work injury claim.