Workers’ Comp for Carpal Tunnel When Working From Home

 Posted on July 26, 2024 in Workplace Injuries

Not so long ago, it was safe to assume that you could find a typical full-time employee in her office from Monday to Friday. You could expect to sit in your designated workspace for about 40 hours per week. While some more flexible companies have offered hybrid and remote arrangements for years, the COVID-19 global pandemic drastically changed how employers and employees think about work. Nowadays, it is almost surprising when someone needs to go into their office every day that they work.

Office workers are generally eligible for workers’ compensation for injuries and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). What happens when you develop a condition like that while working from home? If you have a hybrid or fully remote job and were injured at home while working, speak with a seasoned Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation lawyer who can explain your options.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Remote Work

CTS is a condition that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the arm, hand, and wrist due to pressure on the median nerve. It is linked to repetitive motions such as typing, clicking a mouse, or other tasks that require fine motor skills, all of which are common aspects of computer-based work.

In 2024, it is common for people in many industries to spend all or some of their time "on the clock" at home instead of in an office. Some people have a comfortable setup in a home office with an ergonomic chair and a large computer screen atop a proper work desk. For many people, however, working from home offers a combination of advantages - particularly convenience - and disadvantages - namely, lacking adequate equipment for a full work day. If the repetitive motions common in office work are made while using furniture and equipment that were never meant to be used for a full-time job, the risk of CTS can be serious.

Eligibility for Workers' Comp

Workers' compensation laws generally cover injuries or illnesses that happen while someone is doing their job. People who work from home all or part of the time need to prove that their condition arose directly from job-related tasks performed at home. Some considerations that can support your claims include:

• Work tasks: Document the specific tasks you were doing that contributed to the development of CTS. Provide details about repetitive motions you have to make during your remote work hours, including typing and clicking a mouse.
• Medical documentation: Get a medical diagnosis from a doctor clearly stating that you have developed CTS. It is best if the medical report includes insight into how your work activities relate to the condition.
• Notification: Inform your employer of your symptoms or the diagnosis as soon as possible so you can begin the workers’ comp claim process promptly.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Santa Clara County, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

As the work landscape continues to shift, workers' comp laws are adapting to accommodate new challenges that hybrid employees face. If you were injured while working from home, contact a Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation attorney with experience navigating this developing legal issue. Cramer + Martinez understands that you deserve the same benefits and compensation regardless of where you are when you do your job. Call us at 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation.