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Compensation Claims for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition which is caused by compression of the ‘median nerve’ which controls feeling and movement in the hand. The nerve runs through a passage on the palm side of your wrist called the ‘carpal tunnel’ – hence the name of the condition. CTS can be caused by other medical conditions such as pregnancy, but it usually happens because of repetitive movements of your hands or wrists, such as:

  • Repeated pressure on the base of the palm, over the carpal tunnel
  • Use of vibrating tools
  • Repeatedly bending the wrist
  • Frequently lifting or moving heavy objects

The symptoms can be very painful and uncomfortable, and typically include tingling, numbness and weakness in your hands and fingers. It can even stop you from being able to move your hand properly, or to use it fully – meaning you’re not able to go to work or take part in sports and hobbies.

CTS can also affect normal everyday activities such as writing, driving and holding a phone. And, on top of everything else, it’s not uncommon for carpal tunnel syndrome to flare up in the night, which can affect your sleep. In many cases, surgery is the only cure.

CTS is common, but that doesn’t make it any easier to cope with. If your condition was caused by an employer’s negligence, then an experienced solicitor may be able to help you get the money and support you need.

Carpal tunnel syndrome at work

Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome is all too common – in fact, it’s now legally recognised as an ‘industrial disease’. Many people don’t realise it at the time, but your employer has a legal responsibility to take reasonable measures to keep you safe from carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as similar conditions like repetitive strain injury. For example, your employer has a responsibility to:

  • Make sure you’ve been properly trained to use any equipment
  • Give you the safety equipment you need. For example, if you work in an office, they should make sure the desk you work at has a fully adjustable seat and suitable keyboard
  • Allow you to take breaks while at work, and between shifts
  • Make sure the temperature is reasonably warm

If you’re suffering from CTS and think your working environment might be to blame, then a solicitor may be able to help you make a claim against your employer.You can contact a legally trained advisor for free on 0800 234 6438.

How much could you claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The amount of compensation you’ll receive for your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claim will depend on various factors. For example, your solicitor will look at the cause and extent of your condition, the impact it’s had on your life, and any further treatment you need.

Your prognosis will also be an important factor because a medical expert may take the view you could have this condition for life without proper treatment – for example surgery, which could completely sure the CTS in some cases.

Your solicitor will work hard to secure you the full amount you’re owed for your condition so that you’re not left out of pocket. You can also claim compensation for your financial losses such as loss of earnings and medical expenses, for example the cost of surgery if that becomes necessary.

Because compensation amounts can vary depending on your particular circumstances, it’s not possible to say exactly how much you could receive before starting your claim – but you can use our compensation calculator to get a guideline figure.

Legislation to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Although carpal tunnel syndrome is common, that doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable. In many cases, accidents and conditions caused in the workplace can be prevented by following the legislation put in place to keep you safe at work:

Making a carpal tunnel syndrome claim

Starting a compensation claim can seem like a big decision – but the money you receive can really help you get the treatment and support you need, as well as covering the costs of your condition, such as lost wages due to time off work. It’s important to get in touch with a solicitor as soon as you can if you think your employer (or anyone else) should be held responsible for your condition.

The first step is to find out whether you can make a claim by speaking to a legally trained advisor for free on 0800 234 6438. They’ll ask some questions about your carpal tunnel syndrome, so they can get a better idea of how it was caused and the affect it has had on your life.

Will I need to gather any evidence for my claim?

You’ll need to give your solicitor any information and evidence you have which could help with your compensation claim. This could be descriptions of your workstation or the equipment you were using, what your job involved, details of how long you were employed in that role and whether your employer made any adjustments because of the risk of injury.

If you started with symptoms of CTS early on, it can be helpful to tell your solicitor whether you informed your employer of the problems you were experiencing. If you can, you should also:

  • write down details of when the symptoms started
  • the nature of the symptoms
  • the effect the CTS has had on your life
  • keep records of any medical assessments and treatment you’ve received

Your solicitor will need to arrange for an assessment with a medical expert to get an official medical report on your condition. This will be needed to support your claim, but the cost of it will be covered by your no win no fee agreement.

Proving employer negligence

Given that most carpel tunnel syndrome cases happen in the workplace, your compensation claim will most likely be made against your employer. To make a successful claim, your solicitor will need to prove on balance that your employer breached their duty of care towards you and should therefore compensate you for your condition.

Your employer should have taken reasonable steps to protect you from injury in the workplace. To win your case, your solicitor will have to show that your employer failed to comply with its health and safety obligations and your condition is the direct result of those failures.

When should I make a claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

You have three years to start legal proceedings for your injury claim. After the three-year period has passed, you could be ‘time-barred’ and might not be able to make a claim, so you need to take specialist legal advice as soon as possible if you think you have a claim.

However, the law does allow for the fact that the symptoms of CTS can take some time to show. This means the three-year period actually starts to run from the date of the injury or from the date of ‘knowledge’ – ie. the date on which you first discovered what caused the carpal tunnel syndrome. Don’t worry if the relevant ‘date of knowledge’ is not clear-cut in your case, because your solicitor will be able to advise you.

To find out whether you could make a claim, you can speak to a solicitor on 0800 234 6438, or arrange a call back using the claim form on this page.

When you submit your details, you'll be in safe hands. Our partners are National Accident Helpline (a brand of National Accident Law, a firm of personal injury solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority). They are the UK's leading personal injury service. Their friendly legal services advisers will call you to talk about your claim and give you free, no-obligation advice. National Accident Law may pay us a marketing fee for our services.

By submitting your personal data, you agree for your details to be sent to National Accident Law so they can contact you to discuss your claim.

If you win your case, your solicitor's success fee will be taken from the compensation you are awarded - up to a maximum of 25%. Your solicitor will discuss any fees before starting your case.