You should not have to suffer in silence just because your injury developed over time. If your work caused or worsened your carpal tunnel syndrome, your Schaumburg workers’ compensation lawyer can help. You can speak with your carpal tunnel workers’ comp lawyer in Schaumburg with Therman Law to learn how to move forward with a claim backed by our more than 75 years of combined trial experience.
If you feel unsure about how to start or whether your condition qualifies, you are not alone. Many people do not realize that repetitive strain injuries are covered under Illinois workers’ compensation laws. We are here to make sure you have a complete understanding of your rights and take action that protects your health and income.
How Carpal Tunnel Develops and Why It Qualifies for Workers’ Comp
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common injuries caused by doing the same motions over and over again at work. It can affect people in food service and packaging, office jobs, manufacturing, driving, or health care, basically, anywhere your wrists are under stress.
To move forward, your carpal tunnel workers’ comp attorney in Schaumburg from Therman Law can help you show that your condition is directly tied to your job.
Everyday Movements That Can Cause Long-Term Damage
Typing, scanning groceries, driving for long hours, or cutting materials by hand all rely on repeated wrist movement. Over time, these tasks can cause inflammation and pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist. The pain does not always show up right away, but it can quickly become something you live with daily.
While the symptoms can start small, many people try to push through or ignore the pain and stress. That makes it easier for employers to claim the issue is not serious or not related to work. By the time you are losing strength or feeling constant numbness, the damage may already be done.
Some Workers Struggle to Get Their Condition Recognized
If your job is not physically intense, your employer may push back and say carpal tunnel has nothing to do with your duties. They may argue that it comes from typing at home, your age, or a past medical issue. This is especially common when the injury develops over several months instead of one sudden event.
Even with clear symptoms like tingling, weakness, and aching in your hand or wrist, it can still be hard to determine the cause. Workers in Illinois are entitled to benefits for repetitive stress injuries, but insurance companies often fight these claims. That is why having the right evidence and support makes such a difference.
Challenges That Can Delay or Derail a Carpal Tunnel Claim
Even when carpal tunnel is a real, painful injury caused by your job, the process of getting workers’ comp can still feel like an uphill climb. You might face delays, pushback from your employer, or trouble getting your doctor to connect the dots. Here are some of the most common issues that can stop a claim before it starts:
- Waiting too long to tell your employer about your symptoms
- Feeling pressure to keep working through the pain
- Missing the official window to file a claim
- Being blamed for the injury because of your hobbies or age
- A doctor who says the injury is not job-related
- Incomplete or inconsistent medical records
- Getting referred to a specialist who does not support your claim
- Being told that carpal tunnel is not severe enough to qualify=
These challenges are frustrating, but they are also common. If any of this sounds familiar, you are not the only one who has hit roadblocks. Your Schaumburg personal injury lawyer can help you meet the requirements under 820 ILCS 305/6, which usually gives you 45 days to report the injury.
Illinois Law Protects Workers With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Illinois workers’ compensation law allows you to recover benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, even if it developed slowly over time. These benefits include medical treatment, wage replacement, and support if your symptoms impact your job. Many workers do not realize how much coverage they may be entitled to under laws like 820 ILCS 305/8.
What Workers’ Comp Covers for Carpal Tunnel Injuries
If your carpal tunnel symptoms make it hard to perform your job, you may qualify for wage replacement through temporary total disability benefits. Workers’ comp can also cover the cost of surgery, physical therapy, pain management, and other treatment options that help relieve pressure on the median nerve. In some cases, ergonomic tools or modified duties can reduce strain and prevent future injury.
You do not have to file a lawsuit or prove that your employer did anything wrong. These benefits are part of your rights as a worker in Illinois. Our team can help make sure your claim is filed correctly and that nothing gets left out or denied without cause.
What Happens When an Employer Tries to Downplay the Injury
Employers sometimes try to shift the focus away from the workplace, saying that your carpal tunnel symptoms come from age, hobbies, or outside factors. Some workers are told their pain is temporary or that they should just rest and keep working through it. These reactions can delay treatment and make the condition worse over time.
You might also be pressured to come back to work before you are ready or discouraged from seeking a second opinion. That does not mean you are out of options. Fortunately, our Schaumburg team is familiar with these tactics, and we can step in to protect your rights and make sure your claim is taken seriously.
Call a Schaumburg Carpal Tunnel Workers’ Comp Lawyer Who Knows the System
You should not have to stress over paperwork or second-guess whether your injury qualifies. When you reach out to our firm, your Schaumburg carpal tunnel workers’ comp attorney at Therman Law will walk you through the details that matter most and help you get a handle on what to expect from the process. This is what we do every day, and we are ready to step in whenever you feel ready.
If something feels off at work or your symptoms are getting worse, contact us to talk about where to go from here. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and take a moment to breathe without being rushed.
