Submitted by Kanoski Bresney Law Firm
When most people think of workers’ compensation, they picture an injured worker who fell or otherwise suffered a one-time traumatic accident. However, this is not the only type of worker harm that may result in a workers’ comp claim. While office jobs are generally considered to be safer than blue-collar jobs, people working in an office environment get hurt all the time. Some office injuries are caused by sudden accidents such as slipping on a wet floor, while other injuries slowly develop over time.
One of the most common injuries that office workers encounter is carpal tunnel syndrome caused by typing on a keyboard. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can develop due to repetitive motions of the wrists and hands. The condition occurs when a person experiences compression or pressure on the median nerve, an important neural pathway that runs through a small space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically manifests as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and fingers. The symptoms are often worse at night and may cause difficulty sleeping. Other symptoms can include weakness in the hands and loss of grip strength. Symptoms typically develop gradually over time, but they can also come on suddenly if nerves become severely compressed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often caused by repeated motions of the wrists and hands, such as typing for long periods of time, using hand tools, or manipulating small objects. Performing the same physical task over and over can be hard on the body and result in repetitive stress or repetitive strain injuries.
Jobs that require these types of motions on a regular basis, such as office work, auto repair, or other positions that involve fine motor skills, can sometimes cause or aggravate carpal tunnel issues. However, other factors can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including injuries to the wrist resulting in sprains or fractures, pituitary or thyroid issues, pregnancy, menopause, or rheumatoid arthritis.
In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits following a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, you will need to prove that your job duties played a direct role in causing or aggravating your condition. In general, this will require medical evidence from a qualified healthcare professional diagnosing you with carpal tunnel syndrome and documenting how your job duties contributed to the development or worsening of your symptoms.
If you can demonstrate that your condition is work-related, you will be able to receive medical benefits that cover all forms of treatment you receive. This may include surgery, physical therapy, medications, or any other types of care to help address your symptoms and ensure that you can regain function in your hands and fingers. If carpal tunnel concerns have temporarily or permanently affected your ability to work, you may also qualify for disability benefits. These may include wage differential benefits that pay a percentage of the difference between what you earned prior to your injury and what you are currently able to earn, as well as permanent partial disability benefits that will address irreversible damage that has limited function in the parts of the body that have been affected.
Office workers have the same right to compensation as workers in any other industry. That being said, it is sometimes hard for office workers to get the compensation they need. If you have experienced issues related to carpal tunnel syndrome and are wondering if you can receive workers’ compensation, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your claim, explain your rights under Illinois law, and help you navigate the claims process to get the compensation that you deserve.
For more information on any type of personal injury or to schedule a free consultation, contact Kanoski Bresney law firm at 888-826-8682. They are the largest personal injury law firm located within central Illinois and they have the resources to handle any type of injury claim anywhere in the state including McLean County, Sangamon County, Adams County, Champaign County, Schuyler County, Peoria County, Macomb, Macon County, Quincy, Bloomington, Tazewell County, Champaign, Decatur, McDonough County, Pekin, Springfield, Peoria, and Rushville. Their experience helps ensure that their clients get the respect, response, and results® they deserve. You may contact their Bloomington office, located at 237 East Front St., at 309-829-5700, or online at www.kbinjurylaw.com.