Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Illinois?
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition wherein the median nerve — which runs from the forearm to the palm — is compressed. This nerve controls finger and thumb movement, in addition to sensations in the palm of the hand.
Those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Burning, itching, tingling, and/or numbness in the palms and fingers
- A sensation of having swollen fingers, even when the fingers are not swollen
- A feeling of stiffness in in the fingers upon waking up
- Decreased strength in the hand
- Decreased ability to grip
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops gradually, and can be the result of a number of factors, mostly involving continual repetitive movements. The majority of instances of carpal tunnel syndrome are common among office workers who spend long hours typing on keyboards. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur from a single traumatic event.
Can Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Comp Claims Be Denied?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common in a number of occupations. Fortunately, carpal tunnel is covered under Illinois workers’ compensation law, meaning sufferers may be eligible for benefits.
Some of the professions that most commonly lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Office workers
- Factory workers
Carpal Tunnel & Workers Comp Law in Illinois
As carpal tunnel syndrome can adversely affect an employee’s ability to perform his or her job, which can lead to the inability to work, the employer may be liable to provide workers’ compensation benefits. While employees may have intrinsic risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome — such as smoking, obesity, or diabetes — the employee is likely still eligible for benefits as long as work is a causative factor of the condition.
Since it typically sets in gradually, those seeking to collect workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome in Illinois are sometimes unclear on when exactly they are eligible for benefits or how to initiate a claim. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.
Contact Rubens and Mulholland
The attorneys here at Rubens and Mulholland have extensive experience in this area, and have helped many carpal tunnel sufferers collect workers’ compensation benefits. If you want more information, contact us online or by phone at (312) 728-3014. You can also reach us toll-free at (866) 938-4034. There is no fee unless you collect, so you can be confident that you’ll have a winning team working for you.