How do I File for Workman's Comp for Treatment of Carpal Tunnel while Working?
Workers' compensation law--also sometimes referred to as "workman's comp" or "worker's comp"--varies from state to state, but in all cases is based on the idea that an injured worker is entitled to money and medical benefits in the event of a work-related injury. An injured worker may make a claim for workers' compensation benefits while she continues to work. Benefits may be awarded for any time lost from work due to the injury; for medical care, treatment and prescriptions; and for any permanent impairment arising from the work injury.
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Instructions
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Speak with your employer or supervisor and let her know that you believe you have suffered a work-related carpal tunnel injury. Your employer is then obligated to fill in and file a first report of injury with your state's department of labor or a similar authority. If your employer is uncooperative, keep your cool and remain polite but firm in your request for this report to be filed.
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Ensure that your medical records support your claim that the carpal tunnel injury is related to work. Establish a regular relationship with a primary care doctor for your carpal tunnel, and attend all scheduled appointments. Follow all directions your doctor gives you regarding self-care, physical therapy and other treatments.
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Continue to work your regular job if your doctor believes you are medically fit to do so. Depending on the severity of your injury, a doctor may place you on work restrictions which specify which parts of your job you are able or unable to perform. For example, with a carpal tunnel injury, a doctor may give you work restrictions stating you may not lift anything weighing over 5 pounds. In this case, your employer must honor your work restrictions. If such work is available, the employer must provide light-duty work that is within your restrictions.
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Attend one or more permanency ratings with an approved physician once you have reached a medical end result. This is the point in your medical recovery at which your injury has healed as much as it is ever likely to. The insurance carrier for your employer's workers' compensation policy may send you to a physician of their choice for a permanency rating; you also have the right for a second opinion with a doctor of your choice. Money benefits for permanent impairment relating to the injury will be based on the opinions of these doctors.
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References
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