CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN THE WORKPLACE: HOW EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS CAN HELP YOU
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition that leads to paralysis and burning, weakness, numbness and loss of function in the wrists. It can also create symptoms in the fingers, hands, and forearms. Many office workers develop carpal tunnel from working at a keyboard in a stressful position, without taking proper rest breaks for their hands and arms. Those who have been diagnosed with CTS and continue to work in an office may find their mobility and productivity lessened.
CTS is a medical disability that is protected under Federal and State laws. If you develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while at your current position, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation. If you have had CTS for a while, and you are having difficulty with obtaining reasonable accommodations for your CTS on the job, an employment lawyer may be able to assist you in getting reasonable accommodations, or suing for violation of employment laws.
You should first try to obtain reasonable accommodations from your employer. Reasonable accommodations for CTS include (but are not limited to):
- Periodic rest breaks away from the computer to do physical exercises or rest from typing
- Missing work for physical therapy or other doctors breaks
- Changing the position of your keyboard or buying a lower keyboard rest that is more ergonomically and assists your wrists better
- Using speakerphone rather than a regular handset for long telephone calls.
If you have tried to negotiate reasonable accommodations with your employer and they refuse, or if you have developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while on the job, call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and how one of our experienced employment lawyers may be able to help you.
