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Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeExperiencing work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can significantly impact your ability to perform job duties. An injury can result in lost wages and additional treatment and rehabilitation expenses. Workers’ compensation can help alleviate financial and medical pressures during recovery — provided your job caused your CTS.
Understanding your rights and taking proactive steps can help you handle your claim effectively. Filing a claim requires documentation of your diagnosis, evidence linking the condition to workplace activities and additional compliance requirements.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS is caused by the median nerve compressing as it passes through your wrist’s carpal tunnel. It is classified as a repetitive stress injury, meaning it develops over time rather than from a single incident. The compression causes inflammation, which leads to symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the hand and wrist, sometimes extending into the arm. Untreated CTS can reduce dexterity and lead to permanent nerve damage, potentially causing a disability.
Daily tasks and job responsibilities often become more challenging as pain and weakness in the hand or wrist limit your ability to type, grip tools or perform other repetitive motions. These limitations can lead to decreased productivity and missed workdays.
How Is CTS Diagnosed?
A medical professional will perform a physical exam and other tests, such as an electromyograph or nerve conduction test, both of which measure electrical signals in the fingers, hands and arms. Diagnosis may include X-rays or MRIs to rule out potential underlying conditions that can cause these symptoms.
Treatment may involve nonsurgical or, in extreme cases, surgical intervention. Initially, doctors may apply wrist splints to immobilize the area, especially at night, and prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may also administer corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and relieve pressure on the median nerve. Physical therapy exercises, like nerve gliding techniques, can also help restore mobility and alleviate symptoms.
Activities That May Cause CTS
Repetitive motions or continuous activities involving the hands and wrists can contribute to CTS development. Even prolonged or awkward wrist positioning can aggravate the condition, increasing strain on the median nerve. Common causes include:
Typing or extensive computer use.
Operating machinery or tools with repetitive wrist motions.
Assembling products on production lines.
Prolonged use of vibrating tools like jackhammers.
Some jobs are more likely to contribute to CTS due to repetitive or forceful hand movements. Construction workers, office workers, health care professionals, retail workers and assembly line employees all work in high-risk industries when it comes to CTS.
Is Carpal Tunnel Covered by Workers’ Comp?
CTS can be covered by workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania if the injury resulted from work-related activities. Proving CTS is a work-related injury requires medical evidence linking your condition to work-related activities. You will have to document your job duties and detail how they contribute to repetitive stress on the wrist.
While CTS may qualify as an occupational disease under workers’ comp laws in some states, it’s considered a work-related injury in Pennsylvania.
Can You Sue Under the Americans With Disabilities Act?
If your employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations for CTS, you can apply for reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires employers to adjust or modify workplace or job duties for employees with disabilities, provided it does not impose an undue hardship on the business. For example, if the modifications would financially strain a company, considering its size and available resources, this may qualify as undue hardship.
For CTS, these reasonable accommodations may include ergonomic equipment, modified work schedules or adjustments to your job tasks to reduce repetitive motions. If your employer denies your request for such changes or retaliates against you for seeking them, you can pursue legal action.
Filing a claim with the ADA requires you to first file a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If they find merit in your claim or issue a “right to sue” letter, you can proceed with the lawsuit. Consulting an attorney with ADA experience can also help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled properly.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for Work-Related CTS
Workers’ compensation generally covers CTS if it is proven to be work-related, making documentation crucial. Employers and insurance companies require strong evidence that your condition is directly caused by job duties, so it is essential to stay organized, keep all records of medical visits and treatments, and communicate with your employer or their insurer. Attend all appointments and adhere to prescribed medical treatments, as gaps in care can jeopardize your claim. You have 120 days from the date you know you have CTS from work or are diagnosed with CTS and believe it is work related, whichever comes first, to report the injury to your employer. You must file a formal work comp claim within 3 years of the injury.
To pursue a claim for CTS, follow these steps:
Seek medical treatment: Get a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional. During the evaluation, be sure to clearly describe your job duties and symptoms.
Notify your employer: Report symptoms to your employer as soon as possible, as delays can result in a claim denial.
File the claim: Submit a workers’ compensation claim through your employer or their insurance carrier, including all the necessary forms and supporting documents.
Provide evidence: Gather documentation like medical records, job descriptions and statements from colleagues or supervisors about your tasks.
How Can an Attorney Help?
An attorney can assist in navigating the complexities of filing your workers’ compensation claim for CTS. They can ensure all necessary medical documentation is included and that you meet all deadlines to avoid claim denial. If your claim is disputed or denied, an attorney can represent you during appeals and negotiate your carpal tunnel workers’ comp settlement. Legal guidance can also help prove the connection between your diagnosis and workplace duties, ensuring you receive full benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.
Trust Frommer D’Amico for Support With Your Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Comp Case
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses, including CTS. If you believe your CTS is caused by your work activities, understanding your rights and the claims process is essential. Is your claim denied, or are your benefits insufficient? Consider getting legal assistance. Consulting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you assess whether to appeal or pursue additional legal action.
John Frommer and Joe D’Amico are here to offer confidential legal support for your workers’ compensation carpal tunnel claims. As Certified Workers’ Comp Specialists by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, both attorneys provide personalized legal support with lower fees and are backed by a variety of case wins.
You can contact John Frommer and Joe D’Amico at 717-400-1405 or online for a free consultation with your PA workers’ comp specialists.
Joe D’Amico has more than 20 years of experience fighting for injured workers. He is Certified as an Expert in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Joe is one of the very few Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys who have obtained a recovery in excess of $1.5 million for an injured worker.
Reviewed by Joe D’Amico.