Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Florida

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Florida Workplaces

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often a repetitive stress injury. The condition develops when there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. At work, this could occur from typing, awkward wrist bending, or using force.

A 2022 study published in Health Science Reports showed that some of the most common activities that could cause carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements: Office workers, data entry workers, assembly line workers, and cashiers may be at risk for such injuries.
• Overworking or Overloading the Hands: Any worker who pushes past their personal physical limits can put themselves at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Forceful Gripping or Lifting: Warehouse workers, construction workers, laborers, or assembly line workers might be required to exert intense force, putting stress on their hands.

Other considerations that could contribute to your condition and entitle you to workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome in Florida include:

• Poorly designed workstations, especially for those who work at a desk for long hours without an ergonomic setup
• Keeping your hands or wrists in awkward positions for long periods, such as if you do assembly line work, play guitar, or type with bent wrists
• Working long hours using repetitive movements without breaks

How Common Is Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The state and federal governments do not track the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome from workplace causes. However, we do know that the condition is common. The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that carpal tunnel syndrome affects as many as ten million people in the United States.

If you believe you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, make an appointment with a healthcare provider in your employer’s workers’ comp network. Report your symptoms to the doctor and tell them that you believe they are related to your work. Then let Rosenberg & Rosenberg’s workers’ compensation attorneys pursue the benefits you need.

What Compensation May Be Available Based on Your Florida Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis?

Most Florida employers have to provide workers’ compensation coverage for all employees. This is true of almost every company with four or more workers. When you have work-related carpal tunnel syndrome and work for an employer who provides this type of insurance policy, you can file for benefits that include:

• Medical care for your carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wage replacement payments that cover a portion of your missed pay until you can return to work
• Disability payments for those with severe carpal tunnel
• Vocational rehabilitation to help you find a new job if necessary

It is important to note that you generally cannot sue your employer based on your on-the-job injuries in Florida.

Seeking Compensation Through a Personal Injury Claim

Occasionally, a negligent third party might contribute to or cause your hand or wrist injury and symptoms. If this occurs, and if you can document their negligence, you can hold them responsible for their role. Our workplace injury attorneys can review your case and determine if this is an option for you.

This type of negligence case could allow you to recover:

• Additional expenses not covered by workers’ compensation
• Future and ongoing care needs
• Lost income and benefits while you are out of work
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your former job
• Pain and suffering

How to Get Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Florida

If you believe you have carpal tunnel syndrome or another issue that is causing similar symptoms, you should see a doctor approved by your company’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier as soon as possible. These doctors should be listed in your employee handbook, posted near the time clock, or available through your human resources department.

Once you see the doctor and have your diagnosis confirmed, you must: 

• Report the injury and diagnosis to your employer
• Follow any rules outlined in the employee handbook or other paperwork
• Put your report in writing via typed letter or email
• Keep all documentation of your symptoms, doctor’s visit(s), and diagnosis

Your employer should report the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company to begin the claims process as soon as possible. If they fail to file the claim, you can contact the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to do so yourself. The insurance company’s contact information should be readily available to you in your breakroom, employee handbook, or another handy location.

If you run into any issues during this process or need help understanding your rights and options, our attorneys are here for you. Call Rosenberg & Rosenberg today, and we will assess your case and explain your next steps. We know how to challenge denials and take other steps to fight for the benefits you need and deserve.

We understand how important workers’ compensation and other types of financial recovery are when you are undergoing treatment and out of work. We can seek maximum compensation for you, no matter how long your case takes to settle.

How Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Handle Carpal Tunnel Cases in FL

Rosenberg & Rosenberg has recovered millions of dollars for our clients by seeking the money they deserve after an on-the-job injury, a chronic use injury, or injuries from an accident. We provide free case assessments around the clock.

Our firm was founded on a desire to help those who need us. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are not afraid to roll up our sleeves and go to work on even the most challenging and complex cases. We have a large, diverse team of lawyers who come from different backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences.

We can protect your right to receive fair compensation while also giving you resources to help you recover from your injuries. You can expect:

• Regular updates
• Someone available to answer your questions promptly
• A law firm partner working on your case alongside a personal legal team
• Team members who listen to you and understand your case
• Support and compassion at every step
• A long list of testimonials that show how previous clients benefited from our services

We handle each workplace injury case with no upfront fees or costs. Our clients do not pay a retainer to hire our team. We never ask you to pay anything unless we win your case and secure compensation for you.

How Long Do You Have to File for Workers’ Compensation Based on Your Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis?

Time limits apply to every step in the workplace injury compensation process. These limits can be confusing in cases involving carpal tunnel, which develops over time and cannot always be traced back to a single instigating event.

Our Florida lawyers can help you navigate deadlines like the following:

• According to guidance from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you must get medical care and notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. There is a 30-day deadline to officially notify your company of your diagnosis.
• Then, you have up to two years to file your workers’ compensation claim. However, you will want to work quickly to get wage loss benefits while you are out of work.
• If you receive a denial or need to challenge a decision made by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, you will only have a short time to do so.
• For those with a third-party injury case, Florida Statutes § 95.11 sets a deadline to sue. This is likely two years from the discovery of your injury, but you should act quickly in these cases, too. The earlier we can begin our investigation, the stronger the evidence we can uncover to support your case.

Discuss Your Florida Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis With Our Workers’ Comp Team

Rosenberg & Rosenberg provides free consultations for workers who are out of work due to injuries or illnesses. We understand how difficult it can be to get workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome in Florida and are here to help. We can assess your options and discuss your next steps with you during a free, confidential case review.

Contact our family-owned firm today to learn more about how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.