Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Lawyers Advocating for Those Injured in Wheaton and Schaumburg As a type of nerve injury, cubital tunnel syndrome can result from work-related tasks that place pressure on the ulnar nerve. This syndrome is also known as ulnar neuropathy because the increased pressure often leads to weakness, tingling, and numbness. Employees suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome may be unable to fully perform their tasks, and in severe cases, unable to work. Left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent nerve damage. The Wheaton and Schaumburg workers’ compensation attorneys at Therman Law Office help injured workers pursue benefits and compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim according to Illinois law. For more than three decades of combined experience, we have worked to secure employees and their families the assistance they deserve. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, force and repetitive motion cause cubital tunnel syndrome. Work-related tasks can lead to nerve compression through direct pressure at the elbow, and movements that narrow the tunnel through which the ulnar nerve travels ultimately damage the nerve. Hammering or lifting are examples of motion that can compress the ulnar nerve. Unfortunately, ignoring the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome will not make it disappear. Medication, surgery, and ongoing professional care are often required to alleviate the effects and treat cubital tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel syndrome often limits a person’s capacity to work. Laws designed to help injured workers are set forth in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (IWCA). An employee diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome may be entitled to expenses related to medically necessary care. Disability payments may also be secured for time away from work, during a period of healing and recovery. Ongoing permanent disability payments may be available, and vocational training can provide another way to return to the workforce when severely impacted by cubital tunnel syndrome. Eligibility for Compensation Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act To be eligible for worker’s compensation for employment-related cubital tunnel syndrome, an employee must make clear that over time, their work tasks led to the compression of the nerve. In some cases there may be an accident that led to the injury. Proper medical documentation should make clear the syndrome is work-related by clearly documenting the cause of the syndrome. However, there is no requirement, according to the IWCA, that a worker show fault for their condition.
Insurance companies and employers may attempt to deny the employee’s medical condition, and argue that the evidence does not support a finding that cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by work. It can be challenging to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome, and workers may not present with a definite description of the condition. If there is a failure to pay for approved medical treatment, or a conflict regarding proper treatment, an experienced lawyer can help you understand next legal steps.
Benefits Available to Employees Suffering from Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Employees suffering cubital tunnel syndrome may undergo surgery to alleviate the pressure on their nerve. During recovery, they may be concerned about their loss of work wages. These wages may be recovered according to the IWCA. When continued disability remains, workers may be entitled to payments based on a percentage of their working wage.
Temporary total disability benefits may be appropriate for a worker that is unable to return to their occupation full time. Some employees can return to work comprehensively, but cannot fully perform their previous tasks. Temporary partial disability benefits cover the gap between the worker’s earnings before their injury and payment they receive for work performed in their more restricted manner.
When the effects of the syndrome are more permanent, a worker may receive partial or total permanent disability benefits. This may be the case if the syndrome leads to wasting of the muscle. A medical professional must confirm that the worker has reached maximum medical improvement, and at that point, the benefits would begin.
Speak to a Dedicated Lawyer in Wheaton or Schaumburg
Workers suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome are entitled to pursue benefits and compensation under Illinois law. By retaining an experienced attorney, employees work with an advocate to help with the workers’ compensation claims process. At Therman Law Offices, our Wheaton and Schaumburg lawyers represent people throughout Cook County, including the areas of Glendale Heights, Addison, Lombard, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace, West Chicago, Westmont, Lemont, Clarendon Hills, Lisle, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove and Darien. Call our office at 773-545-8849 or contact us online to set up an appointment.

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