Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Workers’ Compensation Claims

Helping Illinois Workers Recover Benefits for Job-Related Carpal Tunnel Injuries

Workers in Illinois can suffer from many workplace injuries. While some are more severe than others, a condition like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can still have a major impact on your future. If you fall victim to this condition because of your work duties, you can pursue a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome workers’ compensation claim. This insurance is available through most employers in Illinois for workers who are injured or become ill on the job.

Although workers’ compensation benefits are available to most injured employees, securing the payments you deserve is not always easy. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, our team will guide you through the claim or appeal process to fight for fair compensation. We serve employees throughout the state from our Chicago office. 

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How Does It Develop in the Workplace?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS, is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve passes through a narrow entrance in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. 

If you develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may find many tasks more difficult. Weakness in the hand and trouble gripping objects are common symptoms. Additionally, you may experience pain or aching in the hand and forearm. 

Here are some common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that can occur in workplaces across Illinois:

• Repetitive typing, data entry, or scanning
• Assembly line and manufacturing tasks
• Repetitive lifting, gripping, or tool use
• Prolonged use of vibrating tools

Which Occupations Are Most At Risk for Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If your job requires repetitive motion with your hands or awkward hand positions, you may be at risk of developing CTS. Some industries are more dangerous than others regarding the compression of the median nerve. 

The following occupations may have an increased risk of this work-related injury:

• Construction (welders, carpenters, concrete workers)
• Manufacturing (assembly line workers)
• Food service industry (chefs, servers)
• Office work (administrative professionals, data entry clerks, salespeople)

What Benefits Are Available for Workers with CTS in Illinois?

Workers’ comp benefits are outlined by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). These insurance payments are designed to compensate employees who are missing out on potential income or facing steep costs for medical treatment. 

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you are eligible for benefits even if you are at fault for the injury. However, your claim could be denied if you were violating company policies or intoxicated at the time. 

Here are the primary benefits available from your employer’s insurance company:

• Medical expense coverage – Costs associated with your diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, ergonomic equipment, and medication
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – Payments to cover lost wages while you are out of work temporarily
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – Wages to cover the loss in income due to a reduced working capacity
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – Ongoing wages to cover the loss in income from a diminished ability to work
• Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – Ongoing wage replacement if you are unable to work as a result of your injury
• Vocational rehabilitation – Coverage for expenses related to training for a new job if you cannot return to your previous role

What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Carpal Tunnel Settlement?

Multiple elements will affect the value of your case, including injury severity, long-term impact, liability, and insurance policy limits. The average payout for a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome workers’ comp case is $830,125, with a median value of $415,000.

Example Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cases

Phyllis, a general manager for a restaurant, had returned to work at this location when she was offered the general manager position. However, numerous employees were soon laid off, forcing her to do additional tasks like bussing. Due to the extra strain on her body, Phyllis sustained Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both her hands. When she filed a workers’ compensation case and took time off work, her employer decided to terminate her. A jury awarded Phyllis $200,000 in the settlement. 

In another case, a plaintiff had been employed as a forklift operator for seven years. They operated the steering wheel with a ball device attachment and sustained Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in their left wrist. The defendant claimed that the condition developed because the plaintiff plays guitar. Eventually, the plaintiff received $4,500 plus medical expenses in the workers’ compensation settlement. 

How to File a Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois

If you are struggling with work-related carpal tunnel symptoms, filing for workers’ compensation could help you recover some of your financial losses. Whether you are losing income or paying high rehabilitation bills, your employer’s insurance company can provide benefits to secure your financial future. 

To have the best chance of winning your claim, you must follow the appropriate steps for filing:

• Report the injury to your employer within 45 days of diagnosis or when you knew it was work-related 
• Seek medical attention immediately and have your provider document that your condition is work-related
• Document your job duties and how they require repetitive wrist movements
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) to protect your rights
• Keep records of all medical treatment, bills, and time missed from work
• Work with our top attorneys to ensure workers’ compensation covers all medical needs and lost earnings

How Long After Developing Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Illinois?

Under state law 820 ILCS 305/6(c), you must report your injury to your employer within 45 days of the incident or discovery of your injury. 

Then, you must adhere to the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation in Illinois (820 ILCS 305/6(d)). Under this law, you have three years from the date of your diagnosis or two years from the last benefit payment, whichever is later, to file your claim. 

Taking action early is also wise because it will be easier to procure evidence about your injury.

How Do I Prove My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is a Work-Related Injury?

You will need substantial medical evidence to prove you suffered a work-related injury. Since Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often develops over time, it can be harder to confirm that it occurred during your job duties.

Some types of evidence that can support your work injury include medical records, test results, doctor testimony, OSHA violations, a lack of ergonomic measures by the employer, past complaint reports, and carpal tunnel expert consultations. 

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

IL Work Injury Lawyer is committed to supporting your pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits. Our Chicago work injury lawyer team has worked with numerous carpal tunnel workers, helping them secure financial compensation for lost wages and medical attention costs. 

Our legal services include:

• Gathering medical and ergonomic evidence linking your job duties to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Working with occupational health experts to strengthen your case
• Negotiating for full wage loss, medical, and vocational rehabilitation benefits with the insurance company

FAQs

What are the risk factors for developing CTS?

If your job requires frequent lifting, repetitive activities with your hands, or awkward hand positions, you are at a higher risk of sustaining carpal tunnel injuries. 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to pain in the wrist and forearm, hand weakness, difficulty with grip, numbness, tingling, and a loss of control of your fingers. 

How is CTS treated?

A treatment plan is designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve and can involve steroid injections, pain medication, wrist splinting, and surgical intervention for carpal release. 

Is carpal tunnel syndrome considered a disability?

Carpal tunnel is not automatically considered a disability, though a severe case that prevents you from working for an extended period may qualify it for this designation. 

Can CTS be prevented?

OSHA has numerous guidelines promoting ergonomic practices in workplaces to prevent carpal tunnel injuries. 

Can I file a third-party claim while receiving benefits?

You could file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer is at fault for your injuries. A defective product could fall under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-21, which allows injured victims to hold manufacturers liable. 

For most personal injuries, you will have two years to file your claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Book a Free Consultation

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can have a major impact on your ability to earn money. With the help of a Chicago workers’ comp attorney from our team, you can recover some of the losses you incur because of your work-related injury. At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discuss legal options.