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Pursuing Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome at your workplace, you can claim workers’ compensation under section 287.067 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and 44-5a01 K.S.A. under the occupational diseases category. Learn how to seek workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel. Our lawyers at Royce Injury specialize in workers’ compensation carpal tunnel cases, ensuring you get the help you deserve.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as Median nerve entrapment, is a medical condition in which the median nerve of the hand is affected due to repetitive motions of the wrist. This disease is common in construction site workers, computer operators, etc.
Identifying Causes and Symptoms
The most common causes of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), according to the Mayo Clinic, are repetitive wrist movements, prolonged wrist or hand movement in a task that needs fingers, wrist, or hand manual work, and working on vibrating tools such as jackhammers, etc.
Workplace Disabilities Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, preventive measures such as breaks at the workplace, circulation of tasks so that one person doesn’t have to do repetitive motion over a long period, and ergonomic workstations are highly recommended under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In Bissell v. Paramount Cap Mfg. Co., the company was held negligent for not observing these recommendations, and the plaintiff was awarded compensation.
High-Risk Professions for Carpal Tunnel
According to the statistics of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), more than 139,336 cases of CTS have been reported in the USA in 2022. These cases from the industries of:
- Cloth and apparel manufacturing (43.1%)
- Construction sites (23.6%)
- Raw textile and fabric manufacturing (44.9%)
- Meat Industry (14.8%)
Proving a Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Case
Work-related carpal tunnel cases are complex to navigate without the assistance of an expert lawyer. You should have the following document ready at hand before you file a claim.
- Medical history (if any) related to CTS
- Latest diagnosis report from the doctor to prove your CTS is work-related
- Statements of fellow employees
- Medical bills and expenses to treat the CTS
- Opinion from the experts
- Insurance company claim documents. Some common workers’ comp insurance companies in Missouri are Travelers and MEM.
Steps for Reporting and Filing a Claim
To get your workers' compensation for carpal tunnel, follow these steps::
Step 1
Report the issue to the employer: For residents of Missouri (30 days), the incident must be reported within the prescribed time to the Missouri Labour Department - Division of Workers’ Compensation or call on +1 573-751-423.
Step 2
Medical check-ups from the doctors: Get a diagnosis from the doctors approved by the insurance company of your employer.
Step 3
File a claim: You can file a claim at https://labor.mo.gov/DWC/Forms
Step 4
Alternate claim: For any denied claim, an alternate claim can be made at the Jackson County Court Missouri, which can be accessed by this link - https://www.16thcircuit.org/
Step 5
Follow-ups: Do regular follow-ups with the assistance of your lawyer.
Typical Settlements for Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claims
Benefits are awarded to employees who have suffered carpal tunnel injury at work due to negligence of the employer. Four different types of disability benefits are awarded to the employees, depending on the circumstances of each case. Below are some cases in which compensation was awarded to the employees.
S.no | Case title | Benefits type |
1 | Permanent partial disability benefits were awarded to Lisa Cook | |
2 | Medical expenses were awarded to Jackline D. Bissell | |
3 | Wage and medical expenses were awarded | |
4 | Partial compensation awarded due to previous illness |
How Our Legal Team Assists with Carpal Tunnel Cases
Our team at Royce Injury will help you at each step of your claim so you get the carpal tunnel workers’ compensation you deserve. From filing your claim to following up and making alternate claims if the claim is rejected or denied, we’ll be with you to ensure the best legal support you can get in Kansas City.
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