If you’ve been feeling numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or wrists from your job, you’re not alone – and you may be dealing with more than just a temporary strain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are among the most common workplace injuries. These injuries are especially prevalent among people whose jobs involve typing, lifting, scanning, or using tools over long periods.
Because carpal tunnel syndrome and RSIs can be work-related, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for workers’ comp. If you are, you’ve come to the right place.
Learn more about how workers’ compensation applies to carpal tunnel and repetitive stress injuries, and what steps to take next.
Understanding Repetitive Stress and Carpal Tunnel Injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Repetitive movements, especially over months or years, can lead to inflammation and pain.
Other repetitive stress injuries can affect your elbows, shoulders, neck, and back, depending on the nature of your work.
These injuries often happen gradually, making it harder to pinpoint an exact moment of injury. That doesn’t make your case any less valid. In Minnesota, you can still qualify for workers’ compensation if your job duties were a significant contributing factor to your condition.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for RSI and Carpal Tunnel Injuries
If your injuries were caused by your job, you have a right to claim workers’ compensation. Here’s how you can claim compensation for your work-related injuries.
Step 1: Recognize the Symptoms
The first step is knowing what to watch for. Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers
- Pain in your wrist or hand that worsens with activity
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
- Stiffness in joints after repetitive tasks
If these symptoms develop over time and you suspect they’re connected to your job, it’s time to act.
Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer
In Minnesota, you must report your work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible. With gradual-onset conditions like carpal tunnel, the clock starts ticking when you realize your symptoms are likely related to your work.
You’ll want to notify your employer in writing and make a note of the date. Waiting too long can result in a denied claim. Reporting early shows that you took the situation seriously and helps create a paper trail that supports your case.
Step 3: Get Medical Attention
Your health and recovery are priorities, so you should seek care from a medical provider as soon as symptoms appear.
Be honest with your doctor about your job duties and how often you perform repetitive tasks. If your provider believes your injury is work-related, ask them to document that in your medical records.
Accurate and thorough medical documentation is one of the most important parts of a successful workers’ compensation claim because it links your injury to your job and helps justify treatment and benefits.
Step 4: File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After reporting the injury and seeing a doctor, your employer is supposed to notify their insurance company and file a First Report of Injury. This step starts the claims process.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages if you can’t work
- Vocational rehabilitation if you need to switch jobs
Step 5: Talk to a Work-Related Injury Lawyer in Minnesota
Unfortunately, claims for carpal tunnel and repetitive stress injuries are sometimes denied or delayed. Insurers may argue that your injury is due to age, hobbies, or other health conditions and not your job.
That’s when you need to call a work-related injury lawyer in Minnesota.
At Osterbauer Law, we’ve represented thousands of clients with carpal tunnel injuries and other workplace-related conditions. We know how insurers think, and we know how to prove your injury is work-related even if it didn’t happen all at once.
As experienced workplace injury lawyers in Minnesota, we can help:
- Strengthen your claim with supporting evidence
- Challenge claim denials or underpaid benefits
- Represent you in hearings or appeals if needed
- Maximize your compensation for medical care and lost income
Consulting a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re suing your employer – it means you’re protecting your right to fair compensation under Minnesota law.
Step 6: Protect Your Long-Term Health and Rights
Repetitive stress injuries can get worse if left untreated. Don’t try to “push through the pain” or delay care. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering and keeping your job or finding new work that fits your abilities.
You also have the right to choose your treating physician in Minnesota. That doctor’s opinion can play a key role in your case, so don’t settle for a provider who downplays your symptoms or rushes your return to work.
Are You Ready to Talk About Your Injury?
If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel or another repetitive stress injury from work, don’t wait to get help. These injuries can get worse over time, and the claims process isn’t always easy, especially when insurers push back.
We’ve been helping injured workers in Minnesota since 1992, and we know what it takes to win. Schedule a free consultation with Osterbauer Law Firm today and start your comeback journey.