The short answer is yes. You can get carpal tunnel injury from direct trauma caused to the wrist or hand or a car accident. Sometimes, slip and fall cases may also lead to trauma-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, where an accident victim may try to use their hands to protect themselves. When the accident happens, nerves and ligaments may be injured. They will heal with time but may also develop scar tissue. Sometimes, the scar tissue may impact your nerves, resulting in symptoms of CTS.
Suppose you are struggling with CTS after a car crash. In that case, you may want to consult an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney who may help you pursue damages for any carpal tunnel injury or other injury you may have sustained as the result of a car accident. Sometimes, after a motor vehicle accident, you could sustain acute trauma, which may damage the tendons and tissues, thereby causing long-term inflammation.
According to the National Library of Medicine, after experiencing a rear-end motor vehicle accident, victims may be diagnosed with CTS if they have had a preexisting injury.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the wrist . The carpal tunnel marks one of the openings in your wrist, consisting of carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and transverse carpal ligament on the top.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The occurrence and diagnosis of CTS have increased significantly. Workers required to use repetitive hand or wrist string actions are at an increased risk of developing this syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also prevalent among workers who engage in physical labor as part of their occupation such as factory workers, construction workers, assembly line employees, cashiers, etc.. Some medical conditions that can increase the risk of CTS are diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, age, pregnancy, menopause, and people who have a history of smoking.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious medical condition that can result in permanent nerve damage. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CTS, you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
What Are The Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS is nerve damage caused within the carpal tunnel. More specifically, the injury is caused by irritation and compression of the nerve. Symptoms often include:
- Wrist pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness
- Pins and needles
- Other wrist/hand-related difficulties
- Swollen feeling in the fingers
Your medical conditions may worsen if proper treatment is not given.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed using various methods. A doctor typically reviews the patient’s medical history and performs a physical examination. He or she may also order tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography, to confirm the diagnosis.
These tests measure the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves to determine if there is any damage or compression. They are performed by medical professionals who are trained in their use.
How Do You Prove That Your CTS Resulted From a Car Accident?
An accident victim must have sufficient evidence to prove their CTS resulted from a car accident. Some ways you can achieve this may include the following:
- Document your injury: After suffering from the accident, the victim should keep a journal in which you can document the symptoms, pain, and medical treatment you endured after the collision. You can also document whether you are suffering from pain and whether your condition is worsening in severity.
- Medical Records: One of the fundamental proofs you have after an accident are medical records. These can be diagnostic scans such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays, which can determine the severity of your injury. Some medical observations may also prove useful, such as medical observation tourniquet tests, pressure tests, and thumb weakness tests, which can establish and confirm that you are struggling with CTS.
- Doctor’s Testimony: The documents may be crucial to establishing your CTS claim. Your doctor and other expert professionals may testify that your nerve injury is a result of an accident and is inconsistent with repetitive stress.
- Accident Reports: If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is critical that a police report is filed in order to document the accident and to preserve evidence. It is also important to collect vital information, if you are physically able to, such as photographs of the accident, the contact information of witnesses, and other relevant information.
Can I Recover Damages After Suffering From CTS?
You may be able to receive damages for carpal tunnel syndrome after a motor vehicle accident. Initially, it may seem that your CTS is not severe. However, with time, it may worsen, adding up the medical costs, time off work, and the overall impact on your potential to earn and live life as before the crash.
Therefore, hiring an attorney may help you determine the actual worth of your damages, such as medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other non-economic damages, such as diminished quality of life, mental anguish, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
After filing a claim with the insurance company or initiating a personal injury lawsuit, it may be challenging to navigate the legal system alone, owing to its complexity. In such a situations, your personal injury lawyer will be your biggest proponent as they will explore legal options to get you a fair carpal tunnel settlement.
Suffering From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Talk To An Attorney!
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced personal injury law firm such as The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman can make all the difference in your case. Our law firm has years of experience handling CTS cases. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve! Schedule a free consultation today with the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman!