Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a Work-Related Injury in California
Many jobs involve repetitive motions, from continuous typing and data entry to handling tools, equipment, or materials throughout the day. While repetition is part of nearly every occupation, workers who perform the same hand and wrist movements for long periods without adequate rest are at significant risk of developing repetitive stress injuries. One of the most common of these is carpal tunnel syndrome.
In California, carpal tunnel syndrome can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits when it is caused or aggravated by your job duties. Unfortunately, many employers and insurance companies initially deny repetitive stress injury claims, arguing that the condition is not work-related or was caused by something else.
Understanding how carpal tunnel syndrome develops, how California workers’ compensation law treats these cases, and what evidence you need to support your claim can make a major difference in protecting your rights.
How Does a Worker Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed due to swelling and inflammation of the surrounding tendons inside the carpal tunnel.
The median nerve controls sensation and movement in much of the hand. When the tendons in the wrist become irritated and inflamed from repetitive or forceful hand movements, they can press against this nerve, leading to pain, weakness, and loss of function.
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers
Weakness and reduced grip strength
Pain that may radiate up the forearm
Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning clothes or gripping small objects
Workers can develop carpal tunnel syndrome through repeated lifting, pulling, pushing, gripping, or typing over long periods, especially without proper ergonomic support or adequate breaks. Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can become permanently disabling and may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Which Jobs Are Most at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Under California workers’ compensation law, employees are entitled to benefits for injuries and illnesses that arise out of and in the course of their employment. To qualify, you must show that your job duties were a contributing cause of your condition.
While carpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone, it is especially common in jobs involving repetitive hand and wrist use, including:
Food Service and Food Preparation Workers: Chefs, butchers, and food prep workers who constantly use knives and cutting tools
Office and Administrative Workers: Data entry professionals, administrative assistants, and others who spend long hours typing or using a mouse
Manual Labor and Warehouse Workers: Assembly line workers, manufacturing employees, and construction workers who frequently grip tools or lift objects
Transportation Workers: Truck drivers and delivery workers who maintain prolonged gripping positions while driving
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, dental hygienists, and others who perform repetitive manual tasks throughout the day
Maintenance and Janitorial Staff: Workers who perform repetitive cleaning motions or operate hand tools and machinery
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in California
Because carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops gradually over time rather than from a single accident, insurance companies often try to argue that the condition was caused by hobbies, aging, or a pre-existing problem rather than your job.
To protect your claim, documentation is critical.
Steps to Strengthen Your Claim
1. Get Medical Treatment as Soon as You Notice Symptoms
See a doctor promptly. A physician may use diagnostic tests such as:
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography (EMG)
Imaging studies when appropriate
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and document the severity of your condition.
2. Document Your Job Duties
Write down detailed information about:
The repetitive tasks you perform
How often and how long you perform them
Your daily and weekly work hours
Whether your employer provides adequate breaks
Any ergonomic issues in your workplace
3. Report Your Injury to Your Employer
California law requires workers to report work-related injuries promptly. Notify your employer in writing and keep a copy for your records.
4. Keep Complete Medical Records
Save copies of:
Doctor’s notes and diagnoses
Test results
Treatment recommendations
Physical therapy records
Prescriptions and medical devices
5. Follow Your Treatment Plan
Gaps in treatment are often used by insurance companies to argue that your condition is not serious or not work-related.
6. Consider Hiring a California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can:
Prove the connection between your job and your condition
Handle insurance company disputes
Protect you during medical evaluations
Fight for full benefits, including temporary and permanent disability
The Stronger Your Documentation, the Stronger Your Case
The better you can demonstrate the relationship between your job duties and your carpal tunnel syndrome, the better your chances of receiving:
Medical treatment coverage
Temporary disability benefits
Permanent disability compensation, if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel and Workers’ Comp in California
Is carpal tunnel automatically covered by workers’ compensation in California?
No. You must prove that your job duties were a contributing cause of your condition.
Can my employer deny a repetitive stress injury claim?
Yes. These claims are frequently disputed, especially when the injury develops over time.
What if I had mild symptoms before this job?
You may still qualify if your job worsened or accelerated the condition.
Do I need surgery to receive workers’ compensation benefits?
No. You can qualify for benefits even if your condition is treated with braces, therapy, or other non-surgical methods.
Conclusion
While having a job is important, no one should have to sacrifice their long-term health to earn a living. California law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees who are injured on the job, including those who suffer from repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
No injury is “minor” when it affects your ability to work, support your family, and live without pain.
Need Help With a Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?
At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, our legal team has been protecting injured workers throughout Northern California since 1994. We have recovered over $355 million for our clients and maintain a 98% success rate.
No fees unless we win your case
Over 10,000 clients helped
Serving all of Northern California
📞 Call us at (888) 740-6434 or (800) 606-6999 today.
Don’t let the insurance company deny or undervalue your claim. We’re ready to fight for your rights and help you focus on your recovery.