I work at a fast food restaurant. About 2 months ago I fell at work in front of our ice machine. There was no mat in place like there is supposed to be. I have an incident report, pictures and witnesses. I landed on my outstretched hand. At first I thought I might have busted a blood vessel, but my dad, who is a chiropractor, suggested I might have fractured a carpal bone.
I went to the ER but they found nothing on the x-ray and determined it was a sprain, but suggested I follow up in a week to get it x-rayed again. I followed up with the company’s doctor, who put me in physical therapy. After a month my wrist had gotten worse so they had me take an MRI, but still nothing showed up.
They then referred me to a hand specialist who diagnosed me with Traumatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Now I’m about to see a Neurologist to see if I have any nerve damage. What has me worried is having to deal with this for the rest of my life. I’m also an artist who makes money on the side selling drawings. It’s my chosen career to be a digital designer. I haven’t been able to draw since the accident.
People are telling me I should get a lawyer but so far the company has been paying for everything. I haven’t really taken off work for this yet, but I’m thinking it’s most likely going to happen. They said they would cover any time missed from work. But I’m still wondering if I should get a lawyer or not. Any thoughts? Thank you.
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Answer
Dear Jess,
According to the Mayo Clinic, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).
Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There is no single cause in many cases. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition.
Based on the facts, it appears your employer has followed proper protocol in the addressing your medical and therapy bills and out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, workers comp does not cover pain and suffering and you’re precluded from seeking pain and suffering compensation directly from your employer.
If you believe the amount of compensation you are receiving may be unfair, or that you are being denied appropriate medical or chiropractic treatment, then seek the advice and counsel of a workers comp attorney in your area.
Learn more here: Slip and Falls at Work
The above is general information. Laws change frequently, and across jurisdictions. You should get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney.
Find a local attorney to give you a free case review here, or call 888-972-0892.
We wish you the best with your claim,
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Hi out there! I fell on my left hand and left elbow they were bruised within 4 hours. I also landed on my Right backside and my right foot went under my right backside as if I wet sliding into home run. Since then I couldn’t sit down without pain on my bottom. My left hand began craping and freezing into a claw like motion.
I was told I had carpal tunnel syndrome, but not from the fall? I am right handed and rarely use my left hand maybe to pick up and or carry something, but not enough to cause that. After the fall I kept noticing my left hand just got worse. I had surgery and now my thumb and palm stayed numb! I still have that cramping and claw like frozen hand… I know that this is NOT normal. Has that happened to anyone else?
I fell down the stairs at a client’s house. Her requirements are no shoes policy on her carpet so I had no shoes on. She has no stairway railing due to no wall on the side I fell. My foot slipped and I flew and landed on my left side and on my palms of hands. The homeowner was home at the time, next room but she didn’t bother to check on me. I got X-ray but came back negative on anything broken.