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 made carpal tunnel syndrome less of a problem in office environments.
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.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is hardly heard of in people under 30 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 doctors 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 employers 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
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 Boards 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 required for medical assessments and case preparation may lead to 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 applies, and we recommend that you contact our solicitors to discuss them.
Learn more about the statute of limitations.
Frequently Askes Questions
What is the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis in a compensation claim?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain affecting the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
Tendinitis, by contrast, is the inflammation of a tendon and generally causes pain and tenderness around a joint without nerve compression.
In a compensation claim, the distinction is important because each condition requires different medical evidence and may fall within different categories under the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
Your solicitor will obtain the appropriate medical reports to establish the correct diagnosis and support your claim.
Can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome caused by long-term computer use at work?
Yes. If your employer failed to carry out appropriate workstation risk assessments, provide ergonomic equipment, encourage regular breaks, or implement safe working practices, you may be entitled to bring a carpal tunnel syndrome claim.
Employers in Ireland have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 relating to display screen equipment.
Occupational health records, workstation assessments, and medical evidence can all help support your claim.
Does carpal tunnel syndrome affecting my dominant hand increase my compensation?
The Personal Injuries Guidelines take into account how an injury affects your ability to work and carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Where carpal tunnel syndrome affects your dominant hand and significantly impacts your ability to write, type, drive, lift objects, or perform your occupation, this may justify an award towards the higher end of the applicable compensation bracket.
Medical evidence documenting the loss of function will be important.
How long after a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis do I have to make a claim in Ireland?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury or from the date of knowledge that your condition was caused by negligence.
For work-related carpal tunnel syndrome, this will often be the date you were diagnosed or the date you were advised that your condition was linked to your employment.
As limitation periods can vary depending on the circumstances, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome if my employer provided some protective measures?
Yes. The fact that an employer provided some protective measures does not necessarily mean they fulfilled their legal duty of care.
If the measures were inadequate, for example, providing wrist supports without addressing workstation ergonomics, repetitive tasks, or appropriate work breaks, you may still have a valid claim.
Every case depends on its individual circumstances, and an experienced solicitor can advise whether your employer took all reasonably practicable steps to protect your health and safety.
