New Jersey Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyers
Sussex law firm helps secure long-term relief and financial recovery
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful injury caused by repetitive stress, is a type of occupational disease affecting workers. It develops over time until the slightest wrist movement becomes agonizing. Employees suffering from this syndrome may be entitled to benefits under New Jersey workers’ compensation law. At Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, we’ve represented workers’ comp applicants for more than 60 years. If you are experiencing wrist pain, numbness or weakness that interferes with your ability to work, our New Jersey carpal tunnel syndrome lawyers can determine if you have a valid claim and help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Symptoms and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common workplace injuries. It is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms often develop gradually. Workers initially notice numbness, tingling or “pins and needles” in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Over time, symptoms include wrist pain, hand weakness and difficulty gripping. Pain can radiate up the forearm and be severe enough to disrupt sleep. Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can produce permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as wrist splinting, therapy, injections or surgery, can improve outcomes and prevent long-term impairment.
Work-related causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
Many jobs require repetitive motions that place ongoing stress on the hands and wrists, increasing the risk of nerve compression. Workers from manufacturing to office settings perform repetitive gripping, typing or tool use. Prolonged use of vibrating equipment, forceful hand movements and awkward wrist positioning can also contribute to this condition. Even seemingly low-impact jobs, such as data entry, may lead to carpal tunnel when workers perform repetitive tasks for hours each day over time.
Carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease
When workplace duties substantially contribute to causing carpal tunnel syndrome, it is a compensable occupational disease. To succeed in a New Jersey workers’ compensation claim, the employee must demonstrate that workplace duties were material factors in the development or worsening of the condition. Medical evidence linking job tasks to the diagnosis is critical.
Insurance carriers frequently argue that the condition was caused by non-work factors, such as hobbies, age, diabetes or other medical conditions. A strong claim requires detailed documentation of job duties and a medical opinion connecting the repetitive tasks to nerve compression.
Workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel claims
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as follows:
- Medical treatment — Coverage for diagnostic testing, physical therapy, medication or surgery.
- Temporary total disability — Payments to replace a portion of your lost wages when you cannot work.
- Permanent partial disability — Payments to compensate for lasting impairment, based on the degree of functional loss.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of fault, but timely reporting and proper medical documentation are essential.
Employer disputes and denied carpal tunnel claims
Employers’ insurance carriers may dispute carpal tunnel claims by arguing that the condition is not work-related, that symptoms are exaggerated or that the claim was filed too late.
If your claim is denied, a NJ workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a formal Claim Petition with the NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation. Legal counsel can also advise you on medical evaluations and represent you at hearings or a trial before a workers’ compensation judge.
Contact our NJ workers’ compensation lawyers to discuss carpal tunnel injuries
Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, with offices in Newton and Succasunna, handles workers’ compensation claims for NJ workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Call 973-737-1023 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
