What is carpal tunnel syndrome? – Workers’ Compensation Attorney El Cajon
Carpal tunnel in itself is a narrow tunnel going through our wrists and it contains the median nerve and tendons that flex our fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that can be caused by repetitive duties on the job. The symptoms of CTS are usually tingling, numbness and pain, predominantly in the thumb area and the first three fingers. Symptoms are very often experienced (or they worsen) at night or right after waking up.
The symptoms start inconspicuously and the injured worker hopes they will subside, but they don’t. Because the worker continues with the job duties without a proper treatment, the symptoms exacerbate until they render the worker unable to continue performing the job tasks.
How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop? – Work Comp Attorney El Cajon
As we have said, CTS is a repetitive strain injury. It is caused by repetitive hyperflexion, wrist twisting, prolonged hand use of vibratory tools, forceful grasping and awkward wrist positions. The professions that are commonly hit by CTS are office workers whose job duties require excessive typing, cash register workers, and assembly line workers, to name a few. Practically any job that requires continuous pushing, pressing and slicing can bring about CTS in workers.
Can I get workers’ compensation for CTS? – Workers’ Compensation Attorney El Cajon
If you are experiencing a carpal tunnel syndrome as a consequence of performing your job-related duties, you are eligible to receive compensation under California Labor Code. Unfortunately, asserting your rights when it comes to CTS injury has specific challenges that make it difficult to navigate through the workers’ compensation system without professional help.
How is a CTS work comp claim specific? – WC Lawyer El Cajon
An overwhelming majority of CTS work injury claims are initially denied. The problem is that the physician who examines the worker first usually lacks unquestionable evidence that the injury is work-related. At first, CTS is usually termed as tendinitis and the physician makes no definitive claims about the source of injury.
Without a doctor’s confirmation about the connection between the worker’s injury and the job, adjusters commonly deny the claim. It sometimes happens that they allow the worker to visit a hand specialist, but if they don’t, the worker has to see a hand specialist through private insurance.
A hand specialist is capable of thoroughly examining the worker and they also ask for detailed information regarding the worker’s job duties. To make the case win, the hand specialist has to be able to make a conclusive link between the worker’s occupational activities and CTS symptoms.
Get the help of an expert workers’ compensation attorney in El Cajon
Carpal tunnel syndrome claims require a comprehensive knowledge of Californian legal system and a vast experience in workers’ compensation to ensure victory. Don’t get intimidated by the workers’ compensation procedures and the court system – assert your rights and obtain the medical treatment you need to restore your abilities and quality of life. If you are thinking of filing a claim for CTS, feel free to consult Accident & Work Injury Law Group and get no-cost and no-pressure advice. We are always ready to take your call – pick up the phone and call us now!