So let’s say you just started a new office job, one with very few external hazards and limited risk with harm—you might think there’s no way you would ever get injured at work. Even if your job is almost entirely based on the computer and you find yourself sitting and typing all day, you could experience a repetitive use injury. Often seen in office workers, factory workers, medical workers, or anybody who repeatedly strains susceptible areas, injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve problems are becoming more common. While the onset of carpal tunnel is generally slow to develop, it is just as debilitating as any other type of sudden injury that may happen at work. The condition is treatable, but lost work time, medical costs, and other expenses related to the injury may be covered by workers compensation.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve located on the inside of the palm of your hand. It can occur in one or both hands and leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness on the side of your hand right by the thumb. 

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel is usually caused by an underlying medical condition that causes swelling in the wrist such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be made worse by repetitive motions. This is when it becomes a work related injury. Some common instances of carpal tunnel being made worse include:

• A job where you constantly have to position your wrist while using a keyboard
• A job where you have to repeat movement that overextends your wrist—such as typing
• A job where you have prolonged or repeated exposure to vibrations—such as hand tools or power tools

Common Occupations to Develop Carpal Tunnel

The following jobs involve repetitive wrist movement and increase your risk for developing carpal tunnel:

• Manufacturing jobs
• Secretarial and other typing jobs
• Construction jobs
• Assembly line jobs

Carpal Tunnel and Georgia Law

If you are in Georgia and develop carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your work, you can get payment for medical treatment and lost wage benefits. Georgia law provides coverage for cumulative conditions that occur as a result of your job. In order to receive benefits, you must show that your work caused the condition or aggravated it. 

If the insurance company at your work agrees that you have carpal tunnel syndrome because of work related activities, they will probably accept the case and start making payments. They will also pay you temporary total disability benefits in the event you miss work due to the condition. If the insurance company denies your claim, you will need to request a hearing. This is when it is absolutely essential you contact a Georgia worker’s compensation attorney for guidance. 

Poirier Law Firm has over 20 years of experience in workers’ compensation law. Contact our team today for more information about filing a claim for a repetitive use injury. Don’t wait until it’s too late!