When many people think of injuries and illnesses that can be compensable under the workers’ compensation law in Minnesota, a variety of injuries will come to mind. Some of the key injuries that many people think about instantly are acute injuries like falling and back injuries.
Acute injuries make up a significant portion of workers’ compensation claims, but many workers have also suffered from injuries that are caused by constant repetitive motions that develop over time.
One of these injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome. People suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome develop numbness and pain that will require professional medical treatment. If you have suffered from injuries as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome, you could be eligible to receive workers’ compensation.
A 1960 Minnesota Supreme Court was essential in establishing that injuries caused by overuse will be covered by the workers’ compensation program. The Gillette v. Harold, Inc. case involved looking at an amendment in the workers’ compensation law and making changes. The Supreme Court eventually determine that a disabling injury should not be limited to one defining act.
Although Minnesota workers’ compensation cases for carpal tunnel syndrome may not be at the level they have been in past years, many workers still have carpal tunnel syndrome today.
Who Can Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- People who suffer from diabetes
- People who suffer from hypothyroidism
- Data entry employees
- Locksmiths
- Painters
- Mechanics
- Cashiers
- Pregnant women
What Are Some Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome will vary from person to person, and the symptoms will depend on the nature of the activities that have been completed. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:
- Frequently dropping objects
- Dexterity loss in one or more fingers
- Swollen fingers
- Finger numbness
- Pain when typing or writing
- A burning sensation in the hand, thumbs, fingers, and palm
Why Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Eligible For Workers’ Compensation?
In the state of Minnesota, employees who have work-related injuries can be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Carpal tunnel syndrome as a long list of causes, including repetitive motion due to computer use, acute injuries, and overexertion of the wrist. If carpal tunnel syndrome develops at work, workers are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
While many people can be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome every year, many people are unaware they could be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be difficult to analyze.
Some of the symptoms that are subtle in the beginning are fatigue and tingling in the fingers or hands. Also, not everyone will realize that the symptoms they are experiencing can come from work-related activities. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur to many workers when they are consistently using mouse and keyboards in a non-ergonomic matter.
Office workers who do not have ergonomic office furniture, equipment, etc. can develop subtle symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that can become debilitating over time. Even if workers use computers at home, they could still be eligible to receive benefits. There will need to be proof that the carpal tunnel syndrome was a direct result of the duties you performed at work.
Which Benefits Will You Be Eligible To Receive?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota will provide benefits to injured workers. The payments to injured workers can be used to cover wages that have been lost due to time off work, medical payments, and rehabilitation benefits.
Workers will need to show that the carpal tunnel syndrome occurred as a direct result of work-related duties. If it is proven that you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome from work, the medical benefits could cover the carpal tunnel surgery in full.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you are working in an industry that involves work that requires repetitive motions and you begin to develop symptoms that relate to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you could be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. The claim you file can be valid if you begin to develop these symptoms and are no longer employed with that company.
In several cases, repetitive injuries can take a while to show. The carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may not begin to show after you have completed the tasks that lead to the condition.
How Can You Make A Claim?
Carpal tunnel syndrome cases are not easy. If you want to increase your chances of acquiring the benefits you feel you deserve, we recommend hiring an experienced legal team. It is important to partner with a legal team that has experience in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cases.
The legal team you choose will be able to gather the evidence that is needed to prove your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was a result of your line of work. Your lawyer will be able to question medical professionals on the severity of your medical condition and work together to build a solid case on your behalf.
What will happen if your employer is willing to negotiate? If your employer is open to negotiations, your lawyer will be able to assist you throughout the settlement process from beginning to end. If you are offered a settlement that you do not find acceptable and fair, your lawyer will be able to represent you in court.
Due to the subtle nature of the injuries related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, proving that the injury is related to work-related activities can be a real challenge. If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your line of work and you can prove that your injuries are due to your job, you should enlist the services of an experienced and dedicated law team to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you want to learn more about how Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers can help you build your Carpal Tunnel case or if you would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact us today. You can call us at 507-424-3000 or use our online form to request a free case evaluation.
We are committed to making sure you will be provided with the legal counsel you need.