Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many workers, including factory employees and anyone in an industrial, construction, or even office setting, can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful nerve compression condition that can cause debilitating pain. Symptoms often start as tingling or numbness in the fingers but can proceed to pain.

Being in pain isn’t “just part of the job,” no matter what your job is. If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of work and would like to know what options you have for seeking compensation, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, with a median nerve running through it. This nerve is what is responsible for movement and sensation in your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a musculoskeletal disorder that happens when the median nerve is compressed.

This can happen in any workplace where an employee is gripping tools, performing repetitive tasks with their hands (such as typing or assembling the same part on a factory floor).  CTS can also develop due to repetitive use of vibrating tools or tasks that require repeated wrist extension or flexion. In these cases, CTS can develop gradually, and symptoms can be subtle at first.

The condition can also be caused by a sudden injury to the wrist. For example, if your wrists strike the steering wheel during a car accident, you may be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. In cases of CTS caused by an injury, symptoms can appear suddenly.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts gradually and symptoms may include:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, often occurring at night.
• Pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or forearm, which may radiate up the arm.
• Weakness in the hand.
• A tendency to drop objects.
• A burning or “electric shock” sensation that worsens with use of your hand.
• Reduced grip strength or dexterity.
• A feeling that your hands and fingers are swollen, even if they do not appear swollen.

These symptoms may appear intermittently at first but can become constant as the condition progresses.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can impact daily life and job performance. Tasks that were once routine—like typing, writing, holding a phone, or opening jars—can become painful. For workers, especially those in administrative, manufacturing, or tech roles, this can mean lost productivity, time off work, or even long-term disability if left untreated.

In severe cases, untreated CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage, making it crucial to address symptoms early and consider workplace ergonomics, rest, or medical intervention.

Can I Get Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The challenge with CTS is that one of the first lines of defense is to rest to heal the injury. This can mean taking time away from work to rest your hand and wrists, but it can be challenging to take time off. It is possible to perform repetitive tasks more safely, but not all employers are willing to accommodate an injury.

Another challenge is that this condition is often dismissed as “minor,” which can make it hard to get the compensation you deserve. Since this condition is treated as not a very serious injury, it may be hard to take time off work to heal and it may be more challenging to file a disability claim.

A third challenge is that it can be hard to prove that your injury was caused by workplace conditions. Since CTS can develop gradually over time, an employer and their insurance company may claim that your injuries were caused by something else.

Even with these challenges, it may be possible to secure compensation. Most workers are covered by workers’ compensation. This is a form of insurance that employers are required by law to carry for their workers, with a few exceptions. If you develop carpal tunnel because of your work duties, you can apply for benefits, which will cover all your required medical bills as well as part of your lost wages.

Some workers are not covered by workers’ comp, including some workers who are most at risk of developing CTS, such as hairdressers, freelancers, admins, temp workers, and contractors. Even if you do qualify, workers’ compensation will not cover all your costs.

If your CTS is significant and prevents you from working or taking care of everyday tasks, it can be useful to consult with a personal injury attorney about the possibility of a legal claim. A legal claim can help you cover more of your losses after a workplace injury. You may be able to seek financial recovery for pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, past and future earnings and loss of earnings capacity, and any incidental expenses related to your injury. With more resources secured, you may be able to seek better medical care for your injuries and rebuild your life. With fairer compensation, you may feel less pressured to return to work before you are healed (unfortunately, this is a common concern with workers who have carpal tunnel).

Legal claims involving CTS can be challenging, especially if you work from home or have not been in your current role for long. Employers and their insurance companies usually defend these claims aggressively, which is why it is useful to contact a personal injury lawyer soon after you have been diagnosed. An attorney can review the information you provide and can help you understand what options you may have if you decide to pursue compensation. If you decide to work with a lawyer, your attorney will take care of all filings, investigation, negotiations, and legal details for you.

When To Contact Our Law Firm

If you develop any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel, seek medical help immediately. A doctor can diagnose you and recommend treatment options. He or she can also explain how you can avoid exacerbating the injury. Seeing a medical professional also starts documenting the injury and may help you link your CTS to your work conditions.

While medical help should be your first priority, you also need to consider your financial future. CTS can be a debilitating condition, and one that can impact your quality of life and your ability to perform work duties in the future. It may also require ongoing medical care, including corticosteroid medicines and surgery. Should your CTS be severe, you may need to go through the process of reskilling and finding different work.

Since CTS can end up being costly, you may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience in workplace accident and injury cases. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as you suspect you may have a case, and you will certainly want a consultation before you make a statement to insurers or sign any paperwork related to your injury. An attorney can explain your rights and options, so you can make an informed decision about filing a lawsuit or seeking benefits.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, our team has helped many workplace injury survivors. Our founder has almost 40 years of experience with these types of cases and will be personally overseeing your case if you work with us. When you work with us, you’ll be working with a dedicated team committed to making sure you have the best chance at securing fair compensation. We research diligently and prepare your case for trial from the start, so that even at the negotiation table we’re ready to present the strongest arguments.

We believe you’re the most important part of your case, so we always keep you informed about the status of your case. And if you have any questions, we reply quickly by phone or email. Through our offices in White Plains and Peekskill, we’re ready to represent injured workers.

If you have developed CTS because of your job, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation with a member of our team.