When dealing with aggravated existing injuries or repeated injuries on the job, it can be more challenging for individuals to obtain workers’ compensation. When receiving financial payment for a work-related injury or illness, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission must determine that the injury occurred due to the job at hand and not other outstanding factors. If a worker had a pre-existing injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, that was aggravated at work, a skilled workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help pursue financial compensation. Below are the steps to follow if you want to seek compensation for an aggravated work injury.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an orthopedic condition in the wrist that causes numbness, tingling sensations, and severe pain that can radiate into the hand and forearm. Carpal tunnel can be aggravated over time by excessive use of one’s hand or by leaving the issue untreated. Persistent, untreated pain can cause permanent damage to the hand or wrist. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), 3 to 6% of the general adult population in the United States suffers from carpal tunnel. This condition is often acquired or exacerbated while working with your hands.
Many occupations can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
- Secretaries
- Janitors
- Mechanics
- Assembly line workers
- Truck drivers
Receiving Compensation for Aggravated Carpal Tunnel
Although most employers and insurance companies are reluctant to provide workers’ compensation to individuals for a pre-existing condition, a resourceful attorney can help prove that an employee worsened an injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome by working. Like any other type of workers’ compensation claim, a person can file a report with their employer. The routine steps to follow when filing a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Documenting all of your medical history, including medical care or treatments for the injury or illness
- Document how the injury occurred at work or was worsened at work
- Notify your employer of the injury within 45 days of the symptom aggravation
- Your boss has 30 days to report the incident to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
The Workers’ Compensation Commission will often deny claims for aggravated pre-existing conditions such as worsened carpal tunnel syndrome. Individuals can check the status of their claim on the commission’s website. If the claim is denied, a workers’ compensation attorney can help fight for your right to financial compensation to cover medical expenses and wage losses due to your injury.
Speak to a DuPage County Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C., our DuPage County worker’s compensation and injury lawyer will fight to help you obtain financial compensation for an aggravated injury. As an employee in Illinois, it is your right to receive compensation if a pre-existing injury has become aggravated at work. Our attorney can help fight a denied claim and begin the process of representing you. For a free consultation, please contact our office by calling 630-665-5678 today.
Sources:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0415/p952.html