Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating condition that affects many people in the UK. Did you know however that in certain circumstances it may be possible to make carpal tunnel syndrome claims for compensation? We will try to give you as much information about the condition as we can. What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition involving the median nerve in the wrist becoming repeatedly compressed. It was first noted in medical literature in the early twentieth century and was recorded under the name ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’ in the year 1939. The condition became widely known during the 1990s when the increase in diagnoses was linked to the rise in the number of people with office jobs. The symptoms of the condition are tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand and wrist muscles. The symptoms appear gradually and steadily get worse with time. Many sufferers also notice that their symptoms get worse at night. This is due to the position many people sleep in which puts pressure on the median nerve. The ultimate treatment for the syndrome is surgery. The procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament in two and thus relieving pressure on the nerve itself. This is helpful in preventing further damage but damage done to the nerves before surgery is usually permanent. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? Activities that put regular pressure on the wrist and involve bending of the median nerve can help develop carpal tunnel syndrome in a sufferer. This can include regular heavy lifting. Any activity that involves bending the wrist or using a pinch grip – a grip that involves the fingers on one side of an object while the thumb is on the other – can encourage the condition to develop. Most cases however are idiopathic – without a specific cause – and therefore it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt that the condition was instigated by workplace activity to begin a compensation claim. Can I claim carpal tunnel syndrome compensation? If your carpal tunnel syndrome has developed due to an activity in your workplace then you may be eligible to claim compensation for your condition. A certain percentage of the population is genetically disposed to the condition and is naturally prone to developing it. These cases are not eligible for compensation. Workplace cases however, are eligible. Many different occupations are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the activities in the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of employees and guidelines for them are set down in law. If they have not followed these guidelines then they are negligent in their care for you as an employee. It is in cases like these that you are likely to be eligible for carpal tunnel syndrome compensation. An industrial disease solicitor is the best person to speak to, to discover if you have a case to claim compensation. If you are still suffering pain from the syndrome, a medical professional will be able too advise you on the best way of treating this.