What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The NHS website describes Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as a pressure on a nerve in your wrist. It causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers. The symptoms include:
- An ache or pain in your fingers, hand or arm
- Numb hands
- Tingling or pins and needles
- A weak thumb or difficulty gripping
The condition is known to cause pain and weakness, restricted dexterity and reduced grip strength. All of which which can lead to lost independence, difficulty working as normal and maintaining your day-to-day lifestyle. Claiming compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome can help ease some of the problems caused by the condition.
Is Your Job Causing CTS?
You’re most at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome if your job involves repeated pressure or bending of the wrist. Usually it is associated with office workers, typists and people who spend their working life sat at a computer keyboard. Whilst such activities can and do lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, many people who pursue such claims are from other workplaces. Construction workers using vibratory equipment, tools or machinery, for example, are at risk of CTS.
Some job roles are more likely to present a risk and the employer has extra responsibilities to reduce it. They should provide extra training, safe and regularly serviced equipment, the correct tools for the job and regular breaks from use of certain equipment.CTS is commonly linked to certain types of working activity, including:
- Repeated and regular use of vibratory equipment or tools
- Constant and repeated lifting of heavy items
- Heavy and repeated pressure over the carpal tunnel (at base of palm)
- Repeated use of and bending of the wrist
- Repeated forceful pinch grips
- Regular heavy lifting
Claiming Against Your Employer for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Anyone diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome caused by their working life is entitled to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Employers that fail to ensure proper training, guidance and risk assessments to avoid CTS may be liable should you suffer a carpal tunnel injury. You’re entitled to make an industrial injury claim as your employer has failed in their duty of care.
Are You Eligible to Claim?
Compensation will be awarded if it can be shown that the employer has been negligent and failed in their responsibilities. With carpal tunnel, negligence is commonly found in at least one of these areas:
- Bad working conditions.
- Lack of protective equipment.
- Insufficient breaks from vibrating tools
- Lack of training.
- Lack of, or inappropriate, risk assessments.
Understandably, it can be a sensitive issue but there are many good reasons to make a carpal tunnel claim:
- Claiming is one of your rights after an injury at work, and will fairly compensate you for a health condition that was not your fault.
- It can pay for private medical treatment and rehabilitation therapies to speed your recovery.
- You can reclaim lost income if you have been off work.
- You pay nothing if your claim fails because they are made on a No Win No Fee basis.
What Can You Claim For?
Compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome covers the injuries you have suffered and medical treatment required. Additionally, it may include any lost income and incurred costs, now and in the future.
The amount of compensation you can expect will depend on the severity and term of your injury, also your age and the treatment required to correct the condition. Some injuries are long-term and result in loss of employment, others are fairly mild and can be corrected relatively quickly. It’s impossible to know exactly how much you could receive but there are guidelines for solicitors to follow, and previously awarded amounts are also taken into consideration.
Compensation Amounts
One case made the headlines in 2015, where a council-employed gardener successfully claimed £15,000 compensation after sustaining CTS through the use of vibrating equipment. This would be in the upper scale of what amount to expect, with more minor and recoverable cases of CTS commonly awarded between £5,000 and £10,000.
The table below is a guide to compensation amounts for carpal tunnel based on its severity. These amounts are for the injury itself, but you can also claim for special damages, which can include your lost earnings, expenses and rehabilitation therapies, for example. Once your specialist solicitor has obtained your medical report they will be able to give you an idea of how much compensation to expect.
| Severity of injury | Compensation amount |
|---|---|
| Most serious – continuing bilateral disability with surgery and loss of employment | £21k – £23k |
| Continuing, but fluctuating and unilateral symptoms | £14k – £15k |
| Symptoms resolving within three years | £8k – £10k |
| Complete recovery within a few months | £2k – £3k |
A successful compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome requires comprehensive evidence demonstrating both your employer’s negligence and the impact of your condition. Our experienced solicitors will help you build a robust case file that includes your complete medical records, diagnosis reports, and occupational health assessments. Workplace documentation plays a crucial role, including accident reports and risk assessments that may show your employer’s failure to protect your health.
Your colleagues’ witness statements can provide valuable testimony about working conditions and practices, while employment records and job descriptions help establish the link between your duties and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Photographic evidence of workplace conditions and equipment maintenance records can further strengthen your case.
Expert Medical Support
Professional medical evidence is crucial to your claim’s success. We arrange specialist medical examinations to confirm your diagnosis and assess the extent of nerve damage. These experts will document the progression of your symptoms and establish clear workplace causation. Their reports will determine your long-term prognosis and recommend necessary treatments, providing key evidence for your compensation claim.
The Claims Process Explained
Our streamlined approach ensures your claim progresses efficiently while maximising your chances of success. The journey begins with a free consultation where we evaluate the merits of your claim. Following this, we arrange your medical examination and begin gathering the necessary evidence. We then notify your employer’s insurers and conduct a detailed assessment of your financial losses.
Claim Progression
Throughout your claim, we handle all communication with insurers, removing the stress from your shoulders. You’ll receive regular updates on your claim’s progress, and we’ll negotiate interim payments if needed to support you during the process. Our team provides comprehensive support with accessing medical treatment while expertly negotiating to secure your maximum settlement.
Timeline Expectations
Most carpal tunnel claims reach resolution within 6-12 months, though this can vary depending on several factors. The employer’s response to the claim, the complexity of medical evidence, and the need for additional medical reports can all influence the timeline. Insurance company cooperation plays a significant role, and in some cases, court proceedings may be necessary, though this is rare. Throughout the process, our No Win No Fee guarantee ensures you can pursue your claim with confidence, knowing there’s no financial risk if your case is unsuccessful.
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome effectively during your claim period is essential for your health and the strength of your case. Early intervention and proper workplace adjustments can significantly improve your condition and prevent permanent damage. Your employer should implement reasonable accommodations to help you continue working safely, such as ergonomic equipment modifications or altered work patterns. If these adjustments aren’t made, document this as it strengthens your compensation claim.
Managing Your Recovery
Proper medical care during your claim is crucial. Your doctor may recommend treatments ranging from wrist splints and physiotherapy to corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Keep detailed records of all treatments and their effects, as this information directly impacts your compensation amount. Many sufferers find significant relief through a combination of medical treatment and workplace modifications.
Understanding No Win No Fee Agreements
Making a carpal tunnel syndrome claim through our No Win No Fee arrangement eliminates financial barriers to accessing justice.
Understanding the Agreement
When you start your claim, we’ll provide a clear, straightforward agreement that outlines all terms and conditions. This agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), ensures you won’t face any upfront costs or hidden charges. You’ll only pay a pre-agreed success fee if your claim succeeds, which is capped at 25% of your compensation. This fee structure means we’re motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible for your case.
Financial Protection
The beauty of a no win no fee agreement lies in its risk-free nature. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay anything towards legal costs. This protection gives you complete peace of mind throughout the claims process, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. We may also arrange ATE insurance coverage to protect you against any potential costs from the opposing side.
Common Concerns About Carpal Tunnel Claims
Many workers hesitate to pursue compensation, fearing workplace repercussions or complex legal processes. Employment law protects you from any form of discrimination or dismissal for making a legitimate claim. Your employer’s insurance company, not your employer directly, handles and pays the compensation. This protection ensures you can focus on your recovery while seeking the compensation you deserve.
You can also make a claim in the knowledge that you are not jeopardising any colleagues’ employment. If you’re unable to do your usual job, your employer should do their best to get you back to work on lighter duties if possible. It’s up to you who you tell or don’t tell about your claim, or if you want to discuss the claim with your employer.
Workplace relationships often remain professional throughout the claims process. Most employers understand their legal obligations and cooperate fully with claims procedures. They may even implement better safety measures as a result, protecting other workers from developing similar conditions. The claims process typically proceeds smoothly, with most cases settling without court involvement through constructive negotiation.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Starting your carpal tunnel syndrome claim is straightforward. Contact our specialist team for a confidential discussion about your situation. We’ll assess your case’s merits and explain how we can help secure your compensation. The sooner you begin your claim, the stronger your case will be, as evidence remains fresh and accessible.
As with all injuries or health problems caused through work, it is important to make sure that your carpal tunnel syndrome has been recorded properly with your employer. It may be that details are recorded in an employer’s accident book, but more likely that your line manager and HR department should be made aware of the diagnosis you have received from your doctor. If this hasn’t been done, don’t worry, we can help you to do so.
Making Your Decision
Consider how carpal tunnel syndrome affects your daily life and future work prospects. Compensation can provide crucial financial support for medical treatments, workplace adaptations, and potential career changes. Our experienced solicitors will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand your options and potential outcomes.
Don’t let uncertainty about the claims process prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your carpal tunnel syndrome claim. Our dedicated team is ready to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
To find out if you can claim, call us on 01225 430285 or if you prefer, . In just a few minutes on the telephone with you, we’ll obtain the initial information needed for our solicitors to commence a claim.
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