Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be caused by repeated wrist bending or long-term usage of vibrating devices. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome regardless of where the injury occurred, you may be able to claim compensation.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness in your hands, difficulty gripping owing to weak thumbs, and persistent pain and tingling sensations in your fingers, hand, or arm. Contraction of the nerves may cause other discomfort and pain. Several factors, including hereditary, age, gender, weight, accidents, or illnesses like arthritis or diabetes, may cause CTS as well. Moreover, overuse or repetitive wrist and hand movements also lead to CTS. Workplace repetitive tasks involving hand movements include:
- Handling cash register
- Typing
- Pushing or cutting without a stop
Unable to work due to a carpal tunnel injury?
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to claim a TPD payment and/or income protection payments. The eligibility criteria is generally included in your policy. Even though the procedure may seem complex, our experienced TPD lawyers can simplify the steps and give you clear legal advice.
Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome covered under workers’ compensation?
If you suffered a CTS injury due to your occupation, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You can read the benefits, claim process and time limits below.
What are the benefits?
You may be entitled to the benefits below for your carpal tunnel injury claim:
- Medical expenses – i.e. necessary rehabilitative treatments and equipment like wrist braces, require surgery and medical equipment.
- Weekly payments – based on your pre-injury income
- Lump sum payout for your pain and suffering – if your physical permanent impairment is above the 10% permanent impairment unless you are an exempt worker. The permanent impairment threshold for exempt workers is greater than 0%.
- Common law/work injury damages payout – if your injury occurred as a result of your employer’s negligence and your permanent impairment is greater than 14%.
How much money do you get from a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome settlement?
Based on our estimated calculations using multiple averages we estimate that the average carpal tunnel syndrome compensation payout is $100,000.
However, the amount of compensation is not fixed; the amount varies depending on multiple factors. The factor below may affect the settlement amount of your claim:
- The severity and duration of your injury
- Date of your injury
- Financial loss
- Negligence of your employer
How do I claim?
- Be sure to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment for your injury; request your medical doctor to complete a Certificate of Capacity to obtain medical evidence that your injury occured in the course of employment.
- Complete the Workers Injury Claim form and submit it to your employer.
After the insurer receives the form from the employer, they should inform you regarding their decision in 7 days.
When can I claim?
You can start the claiming process as soon as you get injured. You have 6 months to lodge a claim after the date of the injury; however, in some situations, a claim can be made up to three years.
Why Withstand Lawyers?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common injury that we deal with at Withstand Lawyers in New South Wales and Western Australia. We will ensure we have listened to you prior to explaining your entitlements in a simple manner. You will know that your workers’ compensation claim is being handled in the best possible way. Call us on 1800 952 898 or fill out the form to maximise your compensation payout.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
