Carpal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common medical condition. Statistics indicate approximately one to three persons per 1000 people in the United States develop this condition every year.
Many develop carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of performing certain tasks at work. If you believe this has happened to you, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Review your case with an Oakland, California carpal tunnel injury attorney at JML Law for more information. We’ll evaluate your case and inform you of your legal options.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The onset of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms typically occurs gradually. Common symptoms you may notice include:
- Weakness: The hand affected by carpal tunnel syndrome may grow weak over time. For example, people with carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes find they begin dropping items unexpectedly, as they are no longer able to grip and carry certain items as comfortably as they used to.
- Tingling: It’s very common for carpal tunnel syndrome patients to experience tingling in one or more of the affected hand’s fingers. Typically, the little finger won’t exhibit this symptom, although the thumb, index, middle, and/or ring fingers can. Some also describe this tingling as a feeling of an electric shock. Others notice a tingling sensation which begins in the wrist and moves up the arm. This symptom is more common when gripping a steering wheel or holding an item like a phone. Additionally, some patients describe the sensation (or lack thereof) as one of numbness rather than tingling.
Seek medical attention right away if you notice these symptoms. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the odds you’ll prevent your condition from worsening.
Oakland Carpal Tunnel Injuries May Result from Workplace Factors
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from consistent pressure on the median nerve which runs through the wrist from the forearm. Researchers have observed that some people are more likely than others to develop this condition due to the nature of their jobs. The following are just a few workplace factors that can increase one’s chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Working with vibrating tools, such as jackhammers
- Working on an assembly line
- Using a computer, although research linking carpal tunnel syndrome and computer use is inconclusive right now
How an Oakland Carpal Tunnel Injury Attorney Can Help
If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of workplace factors, you may be able to pursue compensation for certain economic losses associated with your condition, such as medical bills and lost wages. You can do so by filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
To collect what you’re owed, you’ll likely need to provide sufficient evidence showing that your condition is linked to your work. An insurance company might attempt to deny your claim if you fail to do so.
This is one of many reasons it’s wise to enlist the help of an attorney. An Oakland carpal tunnel injury lawyer can:
- Gather evidence showing your condition is work-related
- Determine approximately how much compensation you may deserve by adding up your compensable economic losses
- Entering into negotiations if the insurance company attempts to settle for less than your claim is worth
At JML Law, our Oakland carpal tunnel injury attorneys know this condition can have a significant impact on your comfort, employment prospects, and more. If you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to the nature of your work, we can help you seek the workers’ compensation benefits for which you’re eligible. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 818-610-8800.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to workplace conditions,
