California workers may be aware that they have workers’ compensation coverage in case they sustain an injury or illness related to their work duties. While some injuries manifest immediately, such as those related to a slip and fall accident, others take time to come to light. Repetitive stress injuries, of which carpal tunnel is one, is such a condition that can take years to develop but can end up affecting a worker’s ability to continue working.
What is carpal tunnel’s syndrome?
Individuals who work in jobs that require repetitive actions, such as people who operate keyboards or heavy machinery that vibrates such as jackhammers or chain saws, are more at risk of developing of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The persistent movement causes swelling and inflammation in the hand and wrist, but can travel up to the neck, shoulder and arm. It can result in numbness, tingling and pain that can even affect someone’s ability to sleep.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel’s syndrome?
While doctors can perform some tests to diagnose the condition, it is work history that is very helpful to confirm it. Treatment can also be relatively straightforward but if it involves reducing the repetitive motion that caused the injury in the first place, it can affect a worker’s ability to continue working.
It can be difficult to prove the causation of an injury that develops over time and employers and insurers try to pass the buck to one another in an attempt to avoid liability. An experienced attorney can help injured workers get the workers’ compensation they deserve to cover their medical expenses and wages lost due to the injury.