When people think of injuries that can be compensated by workers’ compensation, they usually picture something like falling off of a ladder or being hit by an object. These are considered acute injuries and they do make up a lot of the workers’ comp claims that are filed in Mankato and Southern Minnesota. However, there are workers that suffer from repetitive use or strain injuries like carpal tunnel. It can take years for these conditions to develop. When it does, it’s important to file a claim at work and talk to a Mankato workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
Workers’ compensation claims can be difficult to navigate, although they shouldn’t be. Fortunately, there are attorneys that focus on helping injured workers file claims and take legal action so recovery can happen faster.
Help For Workers Suffering From Carpal Tunnel
When a person develops carpal tunnel, it is the result of the median nerve in the forearm and hand becoming damaged or compressed. For most people, it develops because of repetitive motions like typing. For others, it is an injury to the median nerve. Overexerting the wrist is another culprit. If preventative steps aren’t being taken, such as employers providing ergonomic workstations, allowing routine breaks, or putting in measures that aid in posture control, a person can be at risk for carpal tunnel.
Symptoms can include:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands
- A burning sensation in the hand
- Swollen fingers or the feeling of swelling even if they aren’t
- A weak grip
- Pain when typing or writing after a long period of time
If you have these symptoms, you most likely have carpal tunnel. Of course, the determination can be officially made by a doctor.
Navigating Carpal Tunnel Work Comp Claims
What’s unfortunate is that these claims can be difficult. Fortunately, a qualified workers’ comp attorney can help. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, carpal tunnel claims have decreased in recent years. This could be due in part to the numbers being difficult to tally since many workers aren’t aware of the early signs of the condition and many don’t make the connection between the condition and their work. The symptoms tend to come on gradually, so workers sometimes don’t understand that this is, in fact, an injury.
The good news is that carpal tunnel is recognized within Minnesota’s workers’ comp law, which means you could be eligible for the wage loss benefits and medical treatment workers’ compensation provides.
Contact Our Mankato Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you have developed carpal tunnel or another repetitive stress injury, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits so you can recover. To learn more about your rights and options, contact Harvey & Carpenter, Attorneys At Law at (507)-779-7529 to schedule a free consultation.
