Illinois Workplace Injuries: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 Posted on June 07, 2018 in Workers' Compensation

Accidents happen — that is why there is such a thing as workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that was designed to help those who are hurt on the job and have suffered injuries that prevent them from working, or limit what they can do. One of the injuries that you can file a workers’ compensation claim for is carpal tunnel syndrome, an injury of the hand and wrist.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves that runs through the hand, is stretched or compressed, causing damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a progressive injury, which means it can get worse over time if you do not treat it right away. Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and progressively get worse. Symptoms of this syndrome can include:

• Pain;
• Numbness;
• Tingling;
• Burning sensation;
• Pain or tingling that travels up the forearm to the shoulder; and
• Weakness or clumsiness in the hand.

How Can Work Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when you perform a certain motion repeatedly. The repetitive motion can cause trauma to the certain part of the body. Types of repetitive motions at work can include:

• Typing;
• Sewing;
• Playing a musical instrument;
• Painting;
• Cutting hair;
• Scrubbing; and
• Assembling parts in a factory.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in Illinois

The state of Illinois has written many laws on workers’ compensation, which are compiled into the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The act includes laws about hand injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the act, carpal tunnel syndrome is a valid injury to claim workers’ compensation benefits if the syndrome caused sufferers to be unable to work or limited the type of work that a person can do.

The act also states that employees can claim workers’ compensation benefits for up to 190 weeks after carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed. It also says that those who are diagnosed with workers’ compensation shall not be considered more than 15 percent of a loss of hand, but can be considered up to 30 percent loss of hand if evidence is clear.

Get Legal Representation from a Wheaton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome from work duties, you need the immediate help of a Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer. The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. can help you prove that your repetitive motion injury was caused by your daily activities at work. Call our office at 630-665-5678 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.isba.org/ibj/2011/08/the2011rewriteoftheillinoisworkersc

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355608