If you have numbness and tingling in one or both of your hands or wrists, you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. This medical condition can also cause pain and weakness. In severe cases, it can be difficult to work because of the impairment of the hands and wrists.
You can develop carpal tunnel syndrome because of heredity or one of several medical conditions; however, sometimes people get carpal tunnel syndrome because of the negligence of others. If this is your situation, a Miami carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer can help you go after the responsible party for compensation.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to pay upfront legal fees to us if we take your personal injury case. We get paid at the end, out of the settlement proceeds or the award. You can call us today at (305) 944-2035 to get started. The initial consultation is at no charge to you. There is no obligation.
An Overview of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Cleveland Clinic says that carpal tunnel syndrome may result when the median nerve in the hand gets compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. Think of the carpal tunnel as a hard, protective sleeve, like a cable guard, for the median nerve and tendons as they pass through your wrist.
Because the wrist is so flexible and almost constantly in motion, the median nerve and tendons would sustain frequent damage if they did not have the carpal tunnel to protect them. The problem arises when the space inside the opening of the carpal tunnel is too small or tight for the nerves and tendons to pass through comfortably.
The median nerve makes it possible for you to have sensation in your index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and thumb. A different nerve innervates the little finger. The median nerve is also a motor nerve that innervates the base of the thumb, giving you the ability to grasp or pinch things with your thumb. When the median nerve gets compressed, however, it cannot perform its sensory or motor functions correctly.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many people think of carpal tunnel syndrome as a repetitive stress injury for workers who performed the same physical motions all day long on the job, like office or factory workers. While those occupations can lead to this condition, many other factors can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Anything that causes swelling in the carpal tunnel area could lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, if you fracture your wrist in a slip and fall accident, you might develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
A Miami carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer could help you evaluate whether someone else might be responsible for your carpal tunnel syndrome. You can call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (305) 944-2035 for a free consultation.
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Depending on the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor might suggest nonsurgical or surgical therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. You might get a splint to wear at night time. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications might temporarily reduce your pain, but they do not cure carpal tunnel syndrome. Corticosteroids injected into the carpal tunnel can decrease swelling and inflammation in the area and relieve discomfort.
Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves cutting the ligament responsible for putting pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. It can take several months for the internal tissue to heal. If the surgery goes well, eventually the ligament tissues grow back together while still leaving extra room for the median nerve to pass through the carpal tunnel.
Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some unwanted consequences of carpal tunnel syndrome come from the surgery used to treat the condition. Since the surgeon has to cut a ligament to make room for the median nerve, the ligament can get damaged. Blood vessels and nerves in the wrist can get harmed from the operation. People who have extensive scar tissue might have more inflammation and compression in the carpal tunnel after the surgery than before.
Because they fear having a ligament to their hand cut during surgical treatment, many people try to go as long as possible before they have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Mayo Clinic says that carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Over time, a person could have weakness in the hand and have trouble coordinating movements that involve the fingers or thumb. That outcome can affect a person’s ability to work and perform daily tasks without assistance.
Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If someone else’s carelessness caused your carpal tunnel syndrome, you could be eligible for money damages. The amount of compensation you can get will depend on the facts of your claim. Every case is different.
You might be able to go after damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Future medical bills
- Long-term or permanent impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Other intangibles, like disfigurement, depression, and loss of the enjoyment of life
You might have other losses as well that could be compensable.
Getting Legal Help with Your Miami Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claim
A Miami carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers could help you hold the negligent party responsible for the harm you suffered. We take pride in delivering personal service to our clients. You will feel like family, not like a number.
We can evaluate your situation to see if you might have a claim for compensation for your injury. If we take your case, we will investigate your claim and work directly with the liability insurer on your behalf. When you have a lawyer, the claims adjuster is not allowed to bother you. You can tell the insurance company to talk to your lawyer.
Please do not wait too long to get started on your case. There is a time limit on these claims. If you miss the deadline, you can lose the right to seek damages for your losses.
You can call (305) 944-2035 today for a free consultation.