Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Your Rights To Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A serious and potentially debilitating condition that impacts workers throughout Maryland, carpal tunnel syndrome can happen when repetitive hand and wrist movements put stress on underlying joints and tendons. It can cause significant pain, making it difficult to perform simple daily tasks.
Workers’ compensation in Maryland can help cover medical costs and lost wages you suffer due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains who is at risk, common symptoms, and your rights to benefits.
Maryland Workers Most at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) impacts the hands and the wrists. It is named for the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway in the wrists. The Mayo Clinic states that the median nerve, which passes through this passageway, can get compressed due to repetitive stress.
This causes pain, tingling, and weakness that may impact your ability to perform certain tasks.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that these types of repetitive stress injuries are common and impact workers across multiple industries. Workers who are most likely to be affected include:
- Office and Administrative Workers: Typing, data entry, and prolonged computer mouse use put excessive strain on the wrist.
- Manufacturing and Assembly Line Workers: The repetitive use of hand tools and machinery increases the risk of nerve compression.
- Utility workers, such as cable installers: The repetitive hand movements, frequent use of hand tools, and prolonged awkward wrist positions required during installations and repairs, can lead to CTS.
- Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, dental hygienists, and lab technicians all frequently perform repetitive motions that can lead to CTS.
- Retail and Warehouse Employees: Scanning items, handling inventory, and gripping tools can contribute to carpal tunnel.
- Mechanics and Construction Workers: Frequent use of power tools and heavy lifting can aggravate the median nerve, causing painful symptoms that prevent you from working.
Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Maryland And Your Rights To Benefits
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually among workers. If left untreated, it can get dramatically worse over time and may cause permanent disabilities. Symptoms to be alert for include:
- Tingling, numbness, or burning in the fingers;
- Hand weakness, making it hard to grip objects or perform fine motor tasks;
- Pain radiating up the arm from the wrist;
- Increased pain and tingling at night, leading to disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue.
If you suffer carpal tunnel syndrome due to performing repetitive tasks on the job, you have the right to seek benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). These can help cover your medical expenses, offset lost wages, and provide payment for long-term disabilities caused by CTS.
To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you get diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be entitled to benefits in a Maryland workers’ compensation claim. However, proving CTS is work-related can be challenging, as employers and insurers often attempt to dispute these claims.
To get the benefits you need to cover your lost earnings and medical costs, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney protects your rights throughout the claims process and fights for the maximum compensation you deserve. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603
osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1993-06-21-1
