Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys Blog

As a Chicago Work Comp lawyer I have seen thousands of carpal tunnel cases. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can have a combination of symptoms. There are over 15 different possible work-related contributing factors or causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, people often have a wide variety of symptoms and responses. These symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Restricted blood circulation
• Burning pain that radiates up the forearm
• Difficulty gripping
• Routinely dropping objects
• Loss of feeling or swollen sensations in the hand or fingers

Chicago workers compensation attorneys at our law firm have found there is no cure for carpal tunnel syndrome if it has progressed. If carpal tunnel syndrome is treated early on it can often result in the relief of some symptoms in a few days. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress work injury, this means it often comes back even after surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome should not be ignored because of the impact you it can have on your ability to work.
If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms inform your employer and consult a physician immediately. Also consult an experienced Chicago work comp law firm

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a debilitating diagnosis that results in pain in the hands. Choosing the proper doctor is very important to treat this debilitating condition. Our Illinois Workers Compensation law firm has seen clients treated by chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, neurosurgeons and neurologists.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons travel from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

Our Chicago repetitive trauma attorneys have rarely seen chiropractors or physical therapist cure carpal tunnel syndrome. We have seen them relieve the symptoms temporarily. Once the pain effects your quality of life often carpal tunnel surgery is the only option. Our experienced Chicago work injury lawyers have achieved tremendous success obtaining workers compensation benefits for those workers who have carpal tunnel symptoms do to an specific or repetitive trauma injury on the job. Our law firms can advise on which doctor are best for you to see with your carpal tunnel.

Report this injury to your employer and consult an attorney that concentrates in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cases. You have workers compensation rights.

In every five work-related injury, one results from a slip, trip, or
fall. Slip, trips, and fall can be tragic and affect your ability to
work.

According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of
work-related injuries. Whether fatal or non-fatal, falls are a safety
concern in the work-place. Workplace falls has taken over 715 lives
and caused 313,335 injuries involving a work absence every year.
Slips and trips make up over 65% of work-related injuries.

Falls can result in serious injuries such as severe head injuries,
back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, sprains and strains to muscles
and even death. Even an effort to catch your balance to prevent from
slipping or tripping can cause sprains and strains to muscles or
joints and permanent back injuries.

If you have a work-related injury that resulted from a slip, trip, or
fall inform your employer immediately and consult an attorney.

OSHA, 2005

Partial Permanent Disability.

In an Illinois Workers' Compensation case you are entitled to be compensated for the extent that your injury has caused a Partial Permanent Disability (PPD). This compensation is either through settlement or arbitration award once your condition has reached a state of permanence.

What is partial permanent disability?

Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) is any lasting disability from your work injury or illness that affects your ability to earn a living. You are entitled to compensation for Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) benefits even if you are able to go back to work.

How is Partial Permanent Disability (PPD) determined?

When your doctor has found that you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, he determines what your permanent physical restrictions will be. These permanent restrictions are based on the nature of your injury and the extent of your recovery. Additionally, the restrictions may be based on objective testing such as MRIs, Operative Reports, and Functional Capacity Examinations.

How is your claim resolved?

Workers' Compensation Claims are resolved by settlement or by arbitration. In negotiating settlement, permanent restrictions are compared with the restrictions of similarly situated injured workers with similar recoveries. These comparisons are assessed based on prior arbitration decisions. Your workers' compensation attorney will be in the best position to get an accurate assessment of the partial permanent disability in your case.

What is The Illinois Workers Compensation Act?

The Illinois Workers Compensation Act promotes the general welfare of the people of this state by providing compensation for accidental injuries or death suffered in the course of employment within this state and without this state where the contract of employment is made within this state; providing for the enforcement and administering thereof, and a penalty for its violation, and repealing an act therein named Compensation involves payment for time off of work, payment of medical expenses, and payment for partial permanent disability.

Whom does Workers Compensation cover?

Almost all persons who are employed are covered by workers compensation. Workers' Compensation laws also applies to government agencies as well as private employers most city, county, and state workers are covered. Workers' compensation death benefits are available to dependent family members of eligible workers who die from work-related injuries.

What entitles you to benefits?

Most injuries that are covered under workers compensation result from some form of work-related injuries. The most common injuries include:

• Falls
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Back injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Worker's Compensation laws are designed to protect employees no matter who is at fault. Workers compensation is an insurance claim not a lawsuit. Therefore you should consult with an Illinois Work Injury attorney, to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

A Herniated disc is a common form of work related injury which occurs when the small, flat discs that cushion the spine bulge or break open. Herniated discs can occur anywhere on the spine, but are most common in the lower back and the neck.

Herniated discs are caused by the degeneration of the disc, aging or injury to the spine. Degeneration may result from tiny tears or cracks in the outer shell of the disc. Injury can occur from a sudden, heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Repetitive work related activities, as well as prolonged exposure to vibration increase the risk of disc herniation. The most common causes of herniated disc are:

• A fall or accident
• Repeated straining of your back
• A sudden strain on the back from lifting or twisting violently

Symptoms of a herniated disc depends on its position. Symptoms may begin gradually or suddenly. Aching in the back or neck or being unable to straighten without extreme pain are signs of herniated disc problems. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms is another sign of herniated discs.

Herniated disc can cause serious or permanent disability and affect your ability to work. If you have been injured immediately report the injury to your employer and consult an Illinois Work Injury Attorney today.

Herniated Disc: Diagnosis/Treatment

While working at your desk, you try to ignore the tingling and numbness you've had for months in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up your arm. Give your job notice of this occurrence immediately. Likely, you may have a work related injury called carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.

People who do the same movements at work with their wrists and hands over and over may be more likely to develop a carpal tunnel syndrome work injury. Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress work injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually, with pain, tingling, weakness, or
numbness in one or both hands radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, tie shoes, pick up small objects, or perform other manual work related tasks.

Report this injury to your employer and consult an Illinois Work Injury attorney. You have workers compensation rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation.