According to Mayo Clinic, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition which:
- Happens when an unnatural level of pressure falls on the median nerve within your hand
- May arise because of damage to or irregularities with your carpal tunnel, a passageway that contains carpal bones, tendons, your transverse carpal ligament, and the median nerve
- May be painful and cause a lack of control over and sensation in your hand and wrist
You may have developed CTS as a result of your job, in which case you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. A Los Angeles carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer may be able to help you file a claim and defend you against illegal attempts to fire or mistreat you.
Call the team from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free case evaluation.
Certain Jobs may Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
According to Healthline, some of the possible causes of and risk factors for developing CTS include:
- Having a medical condition such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, arthritis, or some types of autoimmune disease
- Suffering an injury to your wrist
- Having a condition, whether it is an injury or medical ailment, that causes the buildup of fluid in your wrist
One or more of these factors may increase the risk that you may develop CTS. Some activities may directly cause or contribute to CTS, including:
- Typing or using a mouse in a repetitive fashion
- Using power tools, or other devices that vibrate intensely
- Any other motion that puts strain on your wrist which you engage in repeatedly
Based on the prerequisites for developing carpal tunnel syndrome, some of the types of employees that may be at a higher-than-average risk for developing CTS include:
- Receptionists
- Secretaries
- Paralegals
- Research assistants
- Construction workers
- Carpenters
- Teachers
- Accountants
- Lawyers
- Journalists and writers
- Assembly line workers
If you or your loved one develop CTS, then you may:
- Make the condition worse if you continue to work without receiving the proper rest and treatment
- Fear that, if you request time off or make your condition known, you may be fired
If your job requires you to use your hands in a way that led to CTS, the health of your lower arms, wrists, and hands is paramount. Persisting in the job without time off for recovery may put your long-term professional prospects at risk.
The Symptoms of CTS may Prevent You From Working
Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms of CTS, including:
- Hand weakness, which you may notice as you attempt to do your work or carry out basic tasks such as holding objects
- Loss of sensation in one or more parts of your hand
- A tingling sensation in one or more parts of your hand
- Swelling or thickening of your wrist, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Pain in your forearm or arm
Each of these symptoms may interfere with your ability to do your job in a substantial way, or may make doing your job extremely uncomfortable. You should not have to continue as if nothing is wrong if you have developed CTS, and you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation if your CTS stems from your work.
A Los Angeles carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer may be able to help you file a workers’ compensation claim and provide additional services. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to learn more about how we may be able to assist you.
Workplace Injuries are not Always Handled Properly
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) outlines the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You may file your claim online, but you may also want to speak with a lawyer for several reasons, including if:
- You are unsure of or uncomfortable with one or more aspects of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- The DIR denies your workers’ compensation claim.
- Your employer attempts to fire you for seeking workers’ compensation.
- Your employer does not attempt to fire you, but attempts to punish you in another manner for seeking workers’ compensation.
It is possible that you may need a lawyer to help defend you from any improper claim denials or actions by the DIR, your employer, or anybody else.
A Lawyer may Help You File Your Claim
Some of the ways that a lawyer may be able to assist you include:
- Helping you file your claim, whether it means filling out the claim or reviewing your claim before you submit it.
- Reviewing the response from the DIR, whether your claim is approved or denied, and helping you interpret their response.
- If your claim is denied, appealing the denial on your behalf.
- Representing you in any negotiations, hearings, or legal matters that may arise because of your initial claim or appeal.
- Defending you from any unreasonable or unjust action, such as attempted termination.
There is no telling how your workers’ compensation may be received by one or more California government agencies or by your employer, and a lawyer may be able to help your peace of mind as you navigate a potentially tricky experience.
For a free legal consultation with a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Injuries Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm
CTS may prevent you from doing your job, and a Los Angeles carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer may be able to help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to. Call the team from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing out of pocket for our representation and nothing unless we win.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
