If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, it may have a work-related cause. Although Minnesota workers’ compensation cases for carpal tunnel syndrome may have declined in recent years, perhaps due to an increase in education about the disease, many workers still have it today.
Why Are Workers with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Eligible for Benefits?
In Minnesota, employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses can often receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workplace injuries can include everything from acute injuries such as broken bones to repetitive strain injuries to occupational diseases such as mesothelioma.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has several possible causes: repetitive motion (often from computer use), daily overexertion of your wrist and forearm, or acute injuries. It occurs when a nerve in your hand and forearm becomes compressed or gets damaged. Mouse and keyboard use in a non-ergonomic way frequently leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, and many office workers do not have ergonomic desk setups. Because their carpal tunnel syndrome develops at work, they are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Although many people are diagnosed with carpal tunnel every year, they often do not realize that they could receive benefits. The symptoms of early carpal tunnel, including tingling and fatigue, are subtle. Also, not everyone realizes that their symptoms are work-related.
Which Benefits Can You Receive?
Workers’ compensation in Minnesota provides injured workers with payments for wage loss due to time off work or reduced wages, payment of reasonable medical costs, and job rehabilitation benefits. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome from work, your medical benefits potentially could include full payment for carpal tunnel surgery by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
What If You Use the Computer at Home Too?
If you use a computer frequently at home, as well as at work, you could still receive workers’ compensation benefits. You will need to show that the carpal tunnel syndrome developed as a result of your work duties. Talk to your doctor and speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer about your options.
Need help getting workers’ compensation for your carpal tunnel syndrome? Joe Osterbauer, Esq. and the Osterbauer Law Firm stand up for injured Minnesota workers’ rights. Joe’s 27 years of workers’ compensation experience and his team’s speedy service combine to get clients the results they need. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joe’s office at (612) 334-3434.
