Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of soft tissue injury that can cause serious pain and limited movement in the hand, wrist, and arm. It occurs due to repetitive stress and can impact people in a variety of occupations. If left untreated, it generally gets worse over time and can result in long-term disabilities. Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains more about carpal tunnel syndrome, who is at risk, and how to get the benefits you are entitled to.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Why It Happens And Who Is At Risk

The term ‘carpal tunnel’ refers to narrow pathways in the wrists through which the median nerve travels. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that it is one of the main nerves in the hand and is responsible for a variety of different movements and functions.

The median nerve extends from the hand up through the carpal tunnel and into the forearm, eventually separating into smaller nerves. When these nerves are pinched due to carpal tunnel syndrome, it can cause chronic pain and limited movement in the hands, wrists, and throughout the arm.

While carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of injury, it is important not to downplay the risks. It can impact workers in a variety of occupations, including:

• Data entry operators and other office workers;
• Bakers and chefs;
• Landscapers and gardeners;
• Construction workers;
• Manufacturing and assembly workers;
• Shipping and delivery workers;
• Hairdressers and manicurists;
• Mechanics;
• People who work on cleaning crews;
• Farmers and workers in the commercial fishing industry.

Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation In Maryland For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Mayo Clinic warns workers in the above or other occupations to be aware of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as tingling, numbness, shaking, and pain in the hands, wrists, or forearms. Report these symptoms immediately to your employer and seek medical care. Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse and may result in permanent nerve and muscle damage.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is often anti-inflammatory medications and possible steroid injections. Physical therapy helps regain strength and flexibility. When this fails to work, surgery may be required. Provided carpal tunnel syndrome is related to your job, benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission can help cover your costs. This includes:

• Payment of all reasonable, necessary, and causally related medical expenses;
• Reimbursement for lost wages;
• Compensation for permanent disabilities;
• Job retraining if carpal tunnel syndrome prevents you from returning to your job.

Request A Consultation With Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition that can have permanent impacts on your health and your ability to perform certain types of tasks. When it happens as a result of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland. To protect your rights in filing a claim, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP.

We guide you through the process and help you get the maximum benefits you are entitled to. Request a consultation with our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.

Sources:

orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/#:~:text=Carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome%20is%20a,syndrome%20gets%20worse%20over%20time.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603

wcc.state.md.us/