Carpal tunnel syndrome and workers’ compensation
Many workers in Illinois face a high occupational risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common workplace injuries, and leads to more lost time from work than any other workplace injury.
CTS is an example of a common repetitive stress injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is irritated at the wrist. The term “carpal tunnel” refers to the part of the wrist where the median nerve and tendons travel through. The median nerve controls both feel and movement of the thumb and first three fingers of each hand.
CTS is an example of an injury due to “overexertion”. Other examples of overexertion include back pain due to lifting heavy objects repeatedly, muscle and joint pain, and disease or organ damage due to prolonged exposure to chemicals or toxic fumes.
The following occupations are most at risk for sustaining CTS injuries:
• Construction work
• Assembly line work
• Driving motor vehicles
• Managing the cash register
• Keyboarding occupations
• Repetitively pressing objects
• Repetitively pushing objects
• Repetitively slicing objects
Any worker in any occupation with extensive hand use can be susceptible to Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and pursue a workers’ compensation claim. We will review your injuries, the circumstances of the workplace injury and your viable legal options. For immediate help with a work injury case call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online.