Carpal Tunnel Due To Work Duties

Many people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome but may not understand exactly what this condition entails. For anyone who may have developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of their work-related duties, it is particularly important to learn more about the condition and what you can do to seek workers’ compensation coverage in South Florida. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorneys can give you more information about the condition and the steps you should take in order to obtain workers’ compensation coverage.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

What should you know about carpal tunnel syndrome? As the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains, “carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm,” and it “occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.” According to the Mayo Clinic, the median nerve is within the carpal tunnel, which is “a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand.”

Most often, carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness or tingling, as well as weakness, in the affected hand and arm. Without treatment, permanent nerve damage can occur. This condition can affect a person’s work, sleep, and everyday life.

Types of Jobs That Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Some types of jobs are more likely than others to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. In short, jobs that require frequent and repetitive use of the hands and wrists, as well as related body parts, can lead to nerve compression and carpal tunnel syndrome. The following are examples of types of jobs where workers often suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and may seek workers’ compensation benefits:

• Administrative assistant;
• Data entry work;
• Barber or hairstylist;
• Musician;
• Writer;
• Editor;
• Tailor;
• Chef or food preparation worker;
• Baker;
• Cashier; and
• Assembly line worker.

What to Do If You Believe Your Job Tasks Caused Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 What should you do if you believe your job is the cause of your recently diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome? It could be time to seek workers’ compensation benefits. First, you need to report your condition to your employer quickly. Under Florida law, you must report your diagnosis within 30 days from the date your health care provider diagnosed you if you want to be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. If you have already missed that deadline, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible about exceptions. Regardless, you should seek advice from a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you with your claim.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 

Were you diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome? The experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. know how debilitating this condition can be, and we know how important it is to seek compensation. We can help you every step of the way with your Florida workers’ compensation claim. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about how we help injured workers with initial claims and appeals for workers’ compensation benefits.

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603#:~:text=Carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome%20is%20caused,in%20the%20hand%20and%20arm

orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/