Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys at Kantrovitz & Associates are dedicated to helping injured workers recover medical coverage and maximum benefits for job-related disabilities. For over 20 years, we have successfully represented employees whose medical conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, have been caused or aggravated by work. Based in Boston, we provide individualized service and personal attention to workers injured throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder impairing the median nerve. Carpal bones and ligaments form a narrow “tunnel” in the wrist through which various nerves run. Repetitive stress in this area further tightens the tunnel and crowds the median nerve, restricting motion in the palm, wrist, and arm. Work activities that cause CTS often involve:

• Binding force
• Repetitive motion
• Posture of wrist joint
• Continual use of hands
• Constrained movements
• Fall causing wrist fracture
• Sustained gripping activity
• Vibrating or oscillating tools
• Prolonged flexion or extension

Massachusetts law provides workers’ compensation for injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. The only requirement for eligibility is causation: CTS and other repetitive stress injuries must be work-related, regardless of fault. Logging long hours punching key strokes on a meter, register, or computer can cause or exacerbate CTS. As such, the injury may be compensable.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts may provide full payment or reimbursement for medical care required to treat CTS. However, the requested treatment for CTS must be “reasonable, necessary, and related to” the injury as determined by the Department of Industrial Accidents. Payment for medical care is also limited to a certain number of tests and procedures. These may include:

• Diagnosis
  • lab tests
  • plain X-rays
  • EMG and 1 NCS
• Treatment
  • pre-operation visit
  • outpatient procedure
• Post-operative treatment
  • physician office visits
  • chiropractic, physical, occupational therapy visits
  • acupuncture visits

This comprises the maximum allowable treatment for CTS. Patients also cannot combine more than one post-operative treatment, but must choose among chiropractic, physical therapy, allopathic medicine, or acupuncture. After surgical intervention and treatment, returning workers may receive a qualified “ergonomic assessment” to improve their working space.

Workers’ Compensation

Under the workers’ compensation system, workers compensation insurers are required to pay totally disabled employees 60% of what their average weekly wage was prior to the injury. If the CTS causes partial disability requiring a change of employment, workers are entitled to 60% of the difference in wages. In certain cases where CTS results in permanent loss of function, workers may also be entitled to a one-time payment for their loss of function in addition to their weekly cash payments. Because the process of seeking benefits is complex, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney that can maximize your recovery.

Experienced Counsel

If you suffer from work-related carpal tunnel syndrome, the Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates can help. For over 20 years, we have protected the rights of workers injured by repetitive stress injuries and maximized their financial relief. We help obtain the most favorable awards possible for injured workers in Boston, Essex, Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, Suffolk, Merrimack River, and other counties. Call 800-367-0871 today for a free consultation or contact us online.