Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and progressive condition triggered by compressing nerves in the wrist. These injuries are usually the result of awkward and repetitive motions that cause wrist strain. Carpal tunnel can have painful and debilitating symptoms, which may severely impact your ability to handle the job duties you had before your injury. A well-versed workers’ compensation attorney could help you pursue an injury claim.

While surgery is not always a requirement, people usually need physical therapy and other medical interventions. Therefore, many injured workers must file a workers’ compensation case to collect the necessary benefits. A Downey workplace carpal tunnel injury lawyer is familiar with the steps that you need to take to file a claim and could ensure that all crucial paperwork is filed correctly.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve controls functionality and runs from the arm into the hands. When this nerve is compressed, it could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms may include:

  • Swollen fingers
  • Hand numbness
  • Slow nerve impulses
  • Impaired coordination
  • Tingling in the fingers and hands
  • Weakness when gripping objects
  • The feeling of pins and needles in the fingers
  • A burning sensation, particularly in the thumbs, middle, and index fingers

Carpal tunnel syndrome is progressive, which means the condition will likely continue to worsen without medical care. It is urgent to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. A Downey attorney skilled in understanding the nuances of workplace carpal tunnel injuries could handle an injured worker’s claim and assist them throughout the process to ensure they can collect the maximum amount of benefits available.

Collecting Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When a person sustains a carpal tunnel injury while carrying out necessary work duties, they may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Payments may include medical care and lost pay. California follows a no-fault workers’ compensation system, which means employees are eligible to collect benefits regardless of who is at fault. In exchange for providing the benefits, companies enjoy protection from employees filing civil lawsuits against them for damages.

Understanding the Process of Applying for Workers’ Comp

Employees must complete each step as required under the law or risk timely delays or receiving a denial of benefits from the insurer. According to the instruction provided by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, the injured worker must report their injury or medical condition to their employer right away, and the business must provide them a form to complete within one business day.

The injured person must complete the employee section, including signing and dating the form and promptly returning it to their employer in person or through mail. Once received, the company must complete the employer section and forward the document to its insurance provider. After receiving the form, the insurance company typically processes it quickly, and the worker should receive notice of the status of their claim within 14 days.

Disputing a Claim

When the benefits are approved, they should start accepting payments. However, if the person filing a claim disagrees with the notice, they can dispute their findings. A Downey attorney could provide an injured worker with the necessary legal guidance regarding their carpal tunnel injury claim and help them navigate each step of the claims process quickly.

Meet with a Downey Attorney About Your Workplace Carpal Tunnel Injury Claim Today

Sustaining carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and debilitating, and because it is progressive, seeking medical attention is vital. Fortunately, most workers in California are eligible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that happen while handling work duties.

The process can be confusing and frustrating without the help of a Downey workplace carpal tunnel injury lawyer who understands the guidelines for filing a successful workers’ compensation claim. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation appointment with a practiced attorney.

Downey Workplace Carpal Tunnel Injury Lawyer

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