Our San Diego workers compensation attorneys see clients with many types of work related injuries, but one of the injuries we see most often is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently brushed off as a little pain from too many years of typing, but that stereotype is grossly inaccurate. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be very painful and in severe cases, it can be debilitating.
HOW CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME DEVELOPS
Bones, ligaments, and tendons in your hand and wrist help to form the carpal tunnel passageway through which ligaments and your median nerve pass through. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel that essentially pinches the median nerve. This can result in pain and restricted use of the thumb and several fingers.
OCCUPATIONS COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH CARPAL TUNNEL
Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop in several different ways, but it is most well known for being a work injury caused by repetitive motions such as typing, working on an assembly line, or due to use of vibrating equipment. See below for jobs that are often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Administrative work due to repetitive motions such as typing and filing.
- Butchers as a result of the movements involved in preparing meat such as cutting and de-boning.
- Bakers thanks to the physical work involved in kneading, mixing, and forming dough.
- Cashiers’ repetitive movements in scanning groceries.
- Mechanics, carpenters, and construction workers who exercise many hours of hand labor a day.
- Painters due to holding brushes and sprayers and repetitive painting motions.
- Hairdressers who spend their days manipulating scissors, rollers, and coloring equipment.
- Seamstresses who work almost exclusively with their hands often held in very cramped positions.
- Gamers (yes this is a real job for some people) because the repetitive hand and finger motions involved in playing video games can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can range from mild to severe. What usually starts out as some pain, tingling, and numbness can lead to immense pain and disability. People with severe carpal tunnel syndrome may have limited use of their hand due to the inability to grasp objects and perform other manual tasks and they may suffer muscle loss as a result.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
If you are suffering from painful and debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome due to the nature of your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that should help with your medical bills, lost wages, and disability. Applying for and obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can sometimes be complicated and frustrating, especially when your request is denied. If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome or any other work related injuries, contact an San Diego carpal tunnel syndrome attorney at Hiden Rott & Oertele LLP to schedule a consultation. Our experts will help you apply for workers’ compensation, we will help with any necessary appeals due to claim denials, and we will work to see that you receive the maximum compensation for your work injury and damages.