The legal team at Murphy Law Firm fights diligently for the lives of workers and their livelihoods. When people in the Great Falls area need help filing workers’ compensation claims, they know that we will advise them carefully and offer strong guidance throughout the process.
Workers’ compensation claims can be tricky. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel injuries, having a lawyer on your side could be a crucial step in receiving your workers’ compensation benefits.
What Is a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers an issue with the median nerve. This nerve runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand. When this nerve is squeezed, pinched, or compressed in the wrist, it can result in a number of problems affecting the hand. Most notably, carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with hand pain, problems with your grip, and issues moving the thumb and your first three fingers.
It’s been estimated that carpal tunnel syndrome and injuries affect up to 6 percent of the population of the United States. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition, meaning that it can get worse over time.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are a variety of causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. With regard to jobs and job duties, the most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive stress and hand movements. These kinds of movements are associated with the following tasks:
- Typing
- Data entry
- Working on assembly lines
- Computer work
- Repeated use of power tools
- Playing certain musical instruments
Carpal tunnel issues can also be the result of serious trauma to the hands, wrist, or arms.
Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include the following:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb or fingers
- Burning sensations in the thumb or fingers
- Soreness in the hands
- Pain radiating from the hands to the shoulder
- Changes in grip strength
- Difficulty grabbing or holding objects
- Constant dropping or fumbling of objects
How Carpal Tunnel Can Affect Your Ability to Work
When your hands are affected by injuries, this can lead to a number of issues doing work. Certain job duties can become incredibly difficult. You many not be able to perform these duties any longer as a result of a carpal tunnel injury. In addition, the pain of simply typing or using your hands can be severe, making your job quite difficult. Future employment prospects might be affected if the carpal tunnel syndrome grows worse.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel injuries can be complicated. It’s important to demonstrate the the condition was a result of your occupation rather than an accident that is separate from your job.
There are additional medical conditions that may complicate these matters further. For instance, if you have arthritis or diabetes, it could be argued that those health issues were the cause of the carpal tunnel issues rather than an occupational injury.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Given the many complications involved in the process, consulting a skilled work injury attorney is often in your best interests. We can assess your situation and help you with the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you are denied benefits, we can offer additional counsel to help you receive the benefits you deserve. This push in the right direction can offer you peace of mind as you attempt to address your injuries and consider your options moving forward.
Speak with the Team at Murphy Law Firm
For more information about your legal rights and options following a workplace injury, be sure to contact our team of work injury attorneys today. Murphy Law Firm is here to help you in your time of legal need.
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