Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyers in New York
Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating, and affect many different types of workers, from administrative professionals to hairstylists. For more than 30 years, our workers’ comp lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, have represented injured workers in the greater New York City area. We understand that claims involving carpal tunnel syndrome are complex, and fight to help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow part of the wrist where it meets your palm, and is surrounded by the wrist bones, ligaments, and tendons. The median nerve passes through this “tunnel” and carries signals that control muscles and provide sensation in the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers. When tendons in the carpal tunnel become inflamed or swollen, it compresses the median nerve, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Typically, symptoms of CTS start out as a sensation of burning, numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, fingers, and forearms. Symptoms often manifest at night, as most people sleep with their wrists bent, which puts pressure on the median nerve. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can progress to the point where it may affect your ability to grip or hold things and feel sensations like hot or cold. Some other symptoms to watch for include:
- Your fingers feel swollen, even though no swelling is apparent
- Pain and tingling traveling from your wrist or forearm up to your shoulder
- Nerve “shocks” in your thumb and fingers
- Inability to grip or pinch due to weakened muscles or numbness
- Reduced fine motor skills
- Difficulty making a fist
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Workplace
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by several things and affects workers in many different jobs and industries. Some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Frequent, repetitive movement of the hands, such as typing on a keyboard
- Tasks that repeatedly require you to use your hands in an awkward position
- Tightly gripping tools
- Using tools or equipment that vibrates
- Stress on the palm caused by a mechanical tool
CTS also can be caused by arthritis, hormonal changes, changes in blood sugar levels due to diabetes, genetic predisposition, and other injuries or conditions that affect the wrist, so proving that carpal tunnel syndrome was solely caused by job-related tasks can be challenging. Our occupational disease lawyers know how to gather and use relevant evidence to tie it all together and prove your CTS is work-related.
Common Professions Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although carpal tunnel syndrome often is associated with IT workers, other jobs that have a high incidence of CTS include:
- Manufacturing and assembly line work
- Meat, poultry, or fish packing
- Sewing or knitting
- Cleaning
- Landscaping and gardening
- Farming
- Auto repair
- Painting
- Retail cashier
- Data entry
- Construction work and carpentry
- Locksmith
- Baking and cooking
- Hairstyling
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam and order diagnostic tests to determine whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome. This may include x-rays, ultrasound, electromyography, and a nerve conduction study. Depending on your specific condition, treatment may involve wrist splinting, corticosteroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is more advanced, you may require surgery. After surgery, you may not be able to work for a few weeks or months, although you may be able to go on light duty performing tasks that won’t aggravate your CTS.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in New York
If you’re suffering from CTS as a direct result of your employment duties, you can file a workers’ compensation claim in New York. However, you must prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related and wasn't caused by a non-work-related activity or preexisting condition.
Because carpal tunnel syndrome develops over time, unlike other types of work injuries, you can’t really pinpoint one event or accident that others may have witnessed. If you believe you’re suffering from CTS, it’s important to document your job duties, symptoms, and how they may be related to your injuries. It’s also crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible so you can receive treatment and stop the condition from progressing.
Our workers’ comp lawyers in New York can help you file a claim with your employer. If you’ve already submitted a claim that’s been delayed or denied, our experienced occupational disease attorneys can help navigate the complicated process and fight to help you obtain the full amount of benefits you need for your medical treatment and wage loss. You also may be entitled to receive temporary or permanent social security disability benefits, depending on the severity of your CTS.
Why Choose Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we care about our clients and understand that an on-the-job injury can be life-altering. We strive for the best possible outcome for your case and guide you through the process every step of the way. Attorney Rolando Cubela is proud to provide quality legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact Our NYC Occupational Disease Lawyers
If you’re suffering from work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in New York, our experienced team at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can help. Our workers’ comp lawyers offer free case evaluations and are dedicated to helping workers in the greater NYC area get the benefits they need. Call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
