Plenty of occupations deal with menial and repetitive interactions, from repeatedly talking to clients to routinely transferring goods from one place to another. All jobs involve a form of repetition, which can be a difficult learning curve for recruits to a company. Additionally, people who have been doing the same repetitive tasks for an extended period are prone to developing stress injuries.
Unbeknownst to most of the general public, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common consequence of difficult workplace conditions. Although getting diagnosed with this injury should be covered under worker's compensation benefit, not all companies approve this claim. For this reason, you must understand how carpal tunnel syndrome develops and what you can do to prove the validity of your claim.
How does a worker develop carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the nerves and tendons of a person’s wrist are regularly compressed. This happens due to repeated compression of the median nerve, which controls movement in most parts of the fingers. Once the tendons within your wrist's carpal tunnel swell up, it will lead to chronic pain and difficulty moving the hand and arm. Its symptoms include tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, and wrists, causing weakness, pain, and poor grip.
You can get carpal tunnel syndrome through repeated lifting, pulling, bending, or typing for extended periods without rest. Besides the pain that it causes, the repetitive stress it induces can also lead to long-term debilitating effects.
Which occupations are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome?
Worker's compensation benefits can only provide health benefits to employees that experience work-related injuries and illnesses within the scope of employment. For this reason, you'll need to show proof that your injury resulted in the standard practices of your position in the workplace. Although the emergence of carpal tunnel syndrome differs from person to person, some occupations are more prone to it than others.
Chefs, butchers, and other food preparation workers who regularly work with cutlery knives experience wrist and arm strain throughout the day. Administrative workers and data entry workers who spend long hours tabulating and typing information on a keyboard are also prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Even truck drivers and janitors are susceptible to the stress of routine wrist movements with little to no rest.
How can I claim my workplace compensation benefit for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Because carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that gradually develops over time, it's generally more challenging to contest its connection with workplace conditions. This makes it challenging to file for workplace compensation benefits. Your employer can argue that your injury developed due to other activities, either from a second job or other hobbies.
To prove the validity of any medical illness, you'll need a qualified healthcare professional to examine your condition. Getting proper documentation through medical tests, x-rays, and other medical procedures can strengthen the validity of your claim. You may also list down the requirements of your work, from the kind of menial labor you go through to the extended work periods that led to your wrists' current state. The better you can illustrate the connection of carpal tunnel syndrome with your activities in the workplace, the greater your chances of receiving compensation for your condition.
Conclusion
Although it's a blessing to find employment, that doesn't give your employer the right to disregard your work-related injuries. You owe it to your company to accomplish your job well, but you owe it to yourself to take care of your well-being. For this reason, you shouldn't undermine any injuries and complications you develop in the workplace. While being employed is important, you shouldn't prioritize it over the value of good health.
No injury is too small or minor, especially when it affects your ability to work and be a productive individual. At Pacific Workers, our legal experts are trained to protect your health from unfair and unlawful work practices.
If you want to work with workers compensation attorneys in Oakland, contact us today at 800-606-6999 for a free consultation.
