Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve disorder experienced and affects between four and ten million Americans. This is according to the American College of Rheumatology, which also reports that the condition is caused by repetitive motion and very treatable.  And 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.

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 comp attorney for guidance. 

If you are a Georgia worker with carpal tunnel, you need to understand what your options are and make sure your rights are being protected. Contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate through the process from start to finish.