UPDATE: Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Illinois?

 Posted on September 27, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Originally published: May 19, 2021 -- Updated: September 26, 2022

Update: In addition to understanding the symptoms and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important for those who suffer from this condition to know their options for receiving workers' compensation benefits. Repetitive stress injuries will qualify for workers' comp as long as they arose out of the work you performed. If, during the course of your employment, you have regularly worked with your hands and completed tasks such as typing or operating tools or machinery, your injury will most likely be work-related, which will allow you to receive the proper benefits.

The benefits you receive may include medical benefits, which will cover the costs of all treatment related to your work injury. This will include doctor visits to diagnose your condition, any surgeries necessary to correct the issue, or ongoing forms of treatment, such as physical therapy.

You may also be able to receive disability benefits if your injury resulted in a loss of income. Temporary disability benefits will cover some of the income you lost due to being unable to work while receiving treatment. If you were only able to work a limited number of hours during your recovery, or if you experienced a reduced income because you had to work in a lower-paying position, you may receive partial disability benefits that cover some of the difference between your wages and the income you earned before your injury. If you have suffered permanent reduction of earning capacity, you may receive permanent partial disability benefits, which will usually provide you with a certain number of weeks of income based on the amount of function you lost in the parts of your body that were affected.

If you have any questions about workers' compensation and repetitive stress injuries, contact a Bensenville workers' compensation attorney with Kaiser Law today. Our lawyers can help you file a workers' compensation claim, demonstrate that your injuries were work-related, and address any issues that may affect your ability to receive the benefits you deserve. Call 630-274-4400 to set up a free consultation.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?

If your job requires you to perform the same task over and over, you may be at risk of repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive stress or repetitive motion injury that is most often associated with typing or using your hands and wrists for long periods of time. The most common symptoms associated with carpal tunnel include:

• Tingling or "electric" sensations in the fingers, hand, wrist, and arm

• Numbness in the hands and wrists

• Muscle weakness that makes it difficult to grasp objects

How Is Carpal Tunnel Treated?

If a doctor suspects that a patient may have carpal tunnel syndrome, he or she may use various medical tests, including a wrist flexion test, Tinel’s sign, x-ray, or electromyography. In some cases, the condition may be treated with non-surgical interventions, including pain medication, cortisone injections, and wearing a wrist splint. In more severe cases, a carpal tunnel sufferer may need surgery. If you require surgery, you may be unable to complete certain work-related tasks for up to six weeks.

Does Carpal Tunnel Qualify Me for Workers’ Comp?

In Illinois, employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are entitled to compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. If your carpal tunnel is directly linked to your work duties, you are most likely entitled to financial compensation through workers’ compensation. You may be compensated for your medical expenses such as medication and surgery, as well as part of your lost income from missed work. Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation claims process is often complicated. The insurance company may offer you an inadequate payout or even deny your claim entirely. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer for help.

Contact an Elk Grove Village Workers’ Comp Lawyer

If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. For help filing a claim, appealing a denied claim, or addressing other issues related to workers’ comp, contact a DuPage County workers’ compensation lawyer at Kaiser Law. Call 630-233-9946 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Information-Page