Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common workplace injuries, particularly among employees who perform repetitive tasks such as typing, assembly line work, or the use of vibrating tools. This painful and debilitating condition not only requires significant medical intervention, it also can prevent employees from being able to earn an income. Fortunately, Maryland workers who develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to their job duties are often entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical expenses and lost wages. If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to your job, you should talk to an attorney about your rights. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys can assess your case and aid you in seeking the maximum benefits recoverable.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is brought about by the compression of the median nerve, which is the nerve that runs through a narrow channel in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. This condition typically develops over time due to repetitive motions, prolonged wrist positioning, or activities that place excessive strain on the wrist. Workers in industries such as manufacturing, data entry, construction, and healthcare are at particular risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, as their job duties often involve repetitive hand movements, sustained force, or awkward wrist positions.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, or pain in the index, middle, and ring fingers and thumb, as well as weakness in the hand that can make gripping objects difficult. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. The condition often requires medical intervention, ranging from splinting and physical therapy to corticosteroid injections or surgical release of the carpal tunnel.

In Maryland, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses that arise out of and during the course of employment. In other words, employees who work full-time, part-time, or seasonally are typically eligible for workers’ compensation, while independent contractors are generally excluded unless they have been misclassified.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a compensable injury when it is caused or exacerbated by job-related activities. Disputes often arise in carpal tunnel syndrome claims when employers or insurers argue that the condition is unrelated to the workplace or is the result of aging or pre-existing health issues. As such, to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, workers must provide medical evidence linking their condition to their job duties. This often includes documentation from treating physicians, diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies, and a detailed explanation of how specific work activities contributed to the development of the condition.

Maryland workers’ compensation laws provide that employees who sustain carpal tunnel syndrome due to workplace conditions can recover medical and disability benefits. Medical benefits may include coverage for medical expenses such as doctor visits, physical or occupational therapy, medications, and surgical procedures.

Workers who are temporarily unable to work due to their condition may receive temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. Such benefits are based on their average weekly wage and are subject to state maximums. If the condition results in lasting impairments, workers may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits to compensate for reduced function or mobility in the hand or wrist.

If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to your job duties, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits, and you should speak to an attorney. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys understand the challenges workers may face when seeking benefits for repetitive stress injuries, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, as well as all counties in the State of Maryland. To set up a free and confidential conference, please use our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.