How Does Workers’ Comp for Carpal Tunnel Work?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2020
If you have developed a pain in your wrist and hand that continues for more than several days, it could be carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs by overworking the wrists, and those who work on the computer or who have jobs that require them to make repetitive hand movements often develop it. Early on, you can treat carpal tunnel by wearing a wrist brace, taking over-the-counter medication, and changing your work habits. However, many people find that they need surgery to truly alleviate the pain. The good news is that workers’ comp does cover carpal tunnel if you can show that you developed it on the job.
The Process of Applying for Workers’ Comp for Carpal Tunnel
When you first believe you may be suffering from carpal tunnel, you should notify your employer. Let them know even if you don’t have an official diagnosis yet because it’s important to document the entire process. You will need to let them know when you first began experiencing symptoms, too. After that is done, you will need to have the condition officially diagnosed and submit the appropriate paperwork to begin the workers’ comp process.
What Can Make the Process More Difficult?
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company is going to want to deny your claim, as they typically want to deny as many claims as possible to save them money. For carpal tunnel, this means they will be looking for anything they can use to show that your condition developed as the result of something you did outside of work. You will want to talk to your doctor about these activities and ask them what the likely primary cause of your carpal tunnel is.
The good news is that it’s often easy to see that work is that main cause because you engage in work-related activities 40 hours a week. It’s not likely that you do anything else as often. However, don’t hide any hobbies or other activities you do. If it comes out that you were attempting to hide activities that many have impacted your workers’ comp claim, it can result in your claim being dismissed.
Another way of making your claim pass through the system more quickly is to have an experienced workers’ comp doctor on your side. The team at Maximum Orthopedics has years of working with employees, and we can help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Posted in: Blog, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation Benefits