Some repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and other upper extremity conditions are the result of workplace injuries. If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and think it was caused by your job, you need an attorney who understands Washington State workers’ compensation law and can help you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops over time. It’s usually caused by the repetitive or forceful movements of your hand or wrist. As you repeat these motions, your hand, wrist, and fingers become inflamed, which compresses the median nerve (the nerve that goes from your forearm to your hand) inside the carpal tunnel, the narrow passage in your wrist.
Jobs where you perform repetitive motions for extended periods put you at a higher risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. So if your duties include:
- Gripping or pinching
- Forceful hand movements
- Using vibrating tools
- Constant keyboard use
- Working on an assembly or production line
- Lifting while bending the wrist
- Using hand tools for extended periods
You could be at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Injured workers may not realize they’re developing carpal tunnel syndrome because the symptoms may come and go. Early symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers
- Hand weakness
- Wrist or forearm pain
- Difficult gripping
- An increase in these symptoms at night
Because symptoms may only be experienced some of the time, an injured worker may not seek medical care until it’s too late.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Washington State?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a recognized medical condition in Washington State, and you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You have to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
However, carpal tunnel syndrome is an occupational disease, not an injury. An injury is often a single event that caused your medical condition. An occupational disease means your medical condition develops slowly and over time due to your job duties.
The distinction puts the burden on you to demonstrate that your carpal tunnel syndrome is a work-related injury. You’ll need medical records and other medical documentation that demonstrates your carpal tunnel diagnosis is a direct result of your workplace injuries.
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What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Get for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome are limited to medical care, wage replacement, and disability compensation. If L&I approves your claim, you may receive:
- Medical benefits, like surgery
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Time-loss benefits (wage replacement if you can’t work)
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits
- Vocational retraining or other services, if you can’t return to your job but may be able to work in a different one.
Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Your Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Because carpal tunnel develops slowly, an official diagnosis and medical evidence may not be enough to win your claim. Labor and Industries, insurance companies, and self-insured employers often dispute carpal tunnel claims, claiming it was caused by:
- Hobbies or other activities
- Age
- Preexisting conditions
- Prior injuries
Employers or L&I may also claim that the job duties weren’t stressful enough to cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney understands the law and the medical causation issues that can prove your case. They can summarize the facts of your disability and push for the workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome you’re entitled to.
Why Hire Walthew Law Firm for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
For over 90 years, Walthew Law Firm has advocated for injured workers and their loved ones. With vast experience in workplace injury claims, we always put our clients first. Our experienced team of workers’ compensation lawyers works collaboratively on your case, gathering the evidence that supports your claim. We will:
- Work with your attending physician to ensure your medical condition is accurately documented
- Challenge independent medical exams that undermine your claim
- Fight for time-loss benefits if you can’t work
- Represent you throughout the appeals process if your claim is denied
- Protect your rights to vocational services, pension, and other benefits you’re entitled to
- Collaborate with you through the entire claim process with open communication and legal advice
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys You Can Trust
Workers’ compensation is more than filling out a form and collecting a check. The experienced team at Walthew Law Firm has provided legal representation for injured workers throughout Western Washington, protecting their rights and ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they’re entitled to for their workers’ compensation claim.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis.. We only get paid when you get paid.
Don’t go it alone. Put our experience to work for you. Contact Walthew Law Firm in Seattle, WA, today to schedule a confidential, free case evaluation with an experienced upper extremity injuries and carpal tunnel lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
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