Who is most likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Whereas much carpal tunnel syndrome-related media attention has, in the past, been devoted to employees whose tasks include monotonous data entry on computers, more ergonomically designed computer hardware has led to carpal tunnel syndrome becoming less of a problem in an office environment. However, employees still at risk of acquiring carpal tunnel syndrome include assembly line workers and those involved in manufacturing, sewing, cleaning, and food packing.
Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome at work than men – due to their naturally thinner wrists and consequently thinner carpal tunnels – and carpal tunnel syndrome is hardly heard of in people less than thirty years of age. It is estimated that carpal tunnel syndrome affects three out of 10,000 employees each year.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Mild symptoms can usually be treated with home care. We would always suggest consulting your GP for any injury. However, you can also:
- Stop activities that cause numbness and pain. Rest your wrist longer between activities.
- Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes 1 or 2 times an hour.
- Try taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Wear a wrist splint at night. This takes the pressure off your median nerve.
The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of stopping symptoms and preventing long-term damage to the nerve. You also may need medicine for carpal tunnel syndrome or for a health problem that made you susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery is an option. But it’s usually used only when symptoms are so bad that you can’t work or do other things even after several weeks to months of different treatment. To keep carpal tunnel syndrome from coming back, take care of your essential health. Stay at a healthy weight. Don’t smoke. Exercise to stay strong and flexible. If you have a long-term health problem, such as arthritis or diabetes, follow your doctor’s advice to control your condition.
You can also try to take good care of your wrists and hands:
- Try to keep your wrist in a neutral position.
- Use your whole hand—not just your fingers—to hold objects.
- Keep your wrists straight when you type, with your hands slightly higher than yours. Relax your shoulders when your arms are at your sides.
- If you can switch hands often when you repeat movements
Steps to take if you display symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Step 1: Visit your doctor
If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your first step should be to consult your local doctor. Inform them about your symptoms, especially if you believe they may be linked to your occupation.
Step 2: Undergo medical evaluation
If necessary, your doctor will conduct initial tests and refer you to a specialist for further examination and confirmation of the diagnosis.
Step 3: Determine the cause
If the specialist confirms that your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related—such as due to repetitive hand movements, poor workplace ergonomics, or prolonged use of power tools—you may have grounds for a claim.
Step 4: Seek legal advice
Consult a solicitor experienced in workplace injury claims. They will assess your situation and determine whether you can seek compensation for your condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome is recognised as an industrial injury, particularly for employees in manufacturing or those who frequently use power tools.
Step 5: Establish liability
To make a successful claim, it must be proven that your employer’s work practices contributed to the development of your condition. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if liability is established.
5 steps to claim compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome
Step 1: Apply to the Injuries Resolution Board
Claiming compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome follows the same process as any personal injury claim. The first step is to submit an application to the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly the Injuries Board Ireland) along with an independent medical examination.
Step 2: Ensure all injury aspects are covered
Although musculoskeletal disorders are included in the Injuries Resolution Board’s Personal Injuries Guidelines, seeking assistance from a solicitor experienced in personal injury claims is advisable. A solicitor can help ensure that all aspects of your injury—immediate and long-term—are correctly documented in your application.
Step 3: Claim for additional damages
In addition to compensation for the physical impact of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may also be entitled to special damages. This can cover out-of-pocket expenses such as medical consultations, specialist visits, and travel costs related to your condition.
Step 4: Consider workplace relations
If you claim compensation from an employer, having legal representation can help minimise the risk of an uncomfortable workplace confrontation when returning to work. A solicitor can handle communications for you, making sure the process is smoother.
Step 5: Act within the statute of limitations
The statute of limitations allows two years from the date of diagnosis to make a claim. However, it is crucial not to delay seeking legal advice. Carpal tunnel syndrome claims can be complex, and the time needed for medical assessments and case preparation may result in delays. Failing to act in time could result in your claim becoming time-barred.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the accident date within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules apply, and we would recommend you contact our solicitors to talk about these. Learn more about the statute of limitations.
Our team
If you have experienced injury or an accident in the workplace and have questions about it, please get in touch with our workplace injury solicitors at Coleman Legal to find out if you have a potential legal action against your employer. Our dedicated team has over 30 years of collective experience and is ready to help you with your claim. If you want to take legal action over an injury, you should consult our accidents in the workplace solicitors, who are members of the Law Society’s injury accreditation scheme and clinical negligence accreditation scheme. Contact Rose Sweeney or Philip Treacy by email or FREE phone at 1800 844 104 to see how we can help you concerning your injury or accident in the workplace.
