Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims

The carpal tunnel is a small passageway made up of fibrous tissues, running from the wrist into the hands. Inside there are tendons and nerves which control movement in our hands. When this tunnel gets blocked and the median nerve is compressed, numbness and discomfort in the hands and wrists appear causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

In some instances, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is brought upon by repetitive movement of the hand(s) or wrist(s), usually in the workplace.

If you have contracted this condition through your work environment or some other type of environment where there is another party to blame, you could be entitled to a make a carpal tunnel syndrome claim for compensation.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness in the hands
• Pins and needles
• Pain in the thumb, middle finger and ring finger (where the median nerve extends to)
• Dropping objects more frequently than usual
• Waking abruptly in the night; some medical experts believe that sleeping on one side may be an associated element
• Difficulty performing jobs that require more dexterity e.g. changing a battery in a radio

Possible Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Extra fluid or inflammation often causes the space inside the carpal tunnel to shrink, putting strain on the median nerve and triggering pain.
• Pregnant women can experience the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during gestation.
• Repetitive actions such as playing sports, typing on a keyboard, working on a sewing machine or with vehicle controls initiate swelling and inflammation in the wrist resulting in CTS.
• Research indicates that genetics can be a contributing factor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; those who are shorter in height can be predisposed to the condition.
• Hormonal abnormalities can contribute to the reduction of space in the carpal tunnel and also result in symptoms of CTS.
• Direct damage like a broken wrist can also cause symptoms.

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Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common yet painful disorder and can prevent people from carrying out simple tasks. However, there are a number of things sufferers can do to ease their symptoms, such as:

• avoiding repetitive movements during work and leisure
• taking frequent breaks
• wearing wrist supports when needed
• making sure your seating station at work is positioned properly

In more serious cases it is possible to get anti-inflammatory medication from your GP who may also suggest wearing a wrist splint or steroid injections to reduce swelling.

An operation named ‘carpal tunnel release’ is carried out in more severe cases to reduce the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery of this nature has high success rates and patients can return to normal life. In very rare cases, the outcome of CTS can be long-term nerve damage with constant numbness and weakness.

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Seeking Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Compensation

One of the most common reasons why office workers seek a claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is because of the repetitive strain on their wrists. Typing on a keyboard and navigating a mouse are two main causes.

Manual workers are at risk if they are carrying out daily tasks requiring them to form an unusual bodily posture or continually lifting or moving heavy tools or machinery in a rhythmic manner. Again this can place strain on various parts of the body including the wrists.

The following activities are the most common:

• Repetitive pinching or clenching grips
• Continual bending of the wrist
• Repetitive heavy lifting
• Applying repetitive pressure on the base of your palm

In the first instance, it is important to establish how you acquired CTS and to have it confirmed by a doctor. Employers have a duty of care to look after the safety of their employees; if they have failed to perform the required standard for health and safety in the workplace and did not take any preventative action to stop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome then you could be eligible to make a claim for personal injury.

The main health and safety legislations governing workplace-related carpal tunnel syndrome are:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

If your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is due to your employers negligence, then you could make a claim for compensation.

How much compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Exactly how much compensation will receive for your carpal tunnel syndrome claim will depend on certain criteria, which will be discussed in a consultation with your solicitor. These include:

• How long you have been suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• The impact the condition has had on your everyday life
• How your earnings have been affected and whether the condition is likely to prevent or minimise any future earnings
• Whether or not you have had to pay for any medical aides like wrists supports
• If you are out of pocket because of travelling to appointments e.g. physiotherapy appointments

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Making a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claim

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.