Can Car Accidents Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that often occurs with repetitive stress or repetitive motion of the hand and wrist area. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by trauma to the wrist and hand area, such as when a driver’s hands grip a steering wheel during a car accident. As a result, there is definitely a physical connection between carpal tunnel and car accidents. The issue arises when you have to convince the insurance adjuster that your carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis is related to your car accident.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome CTS Symptoms
When someone develops carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve that runs from the hand to an area called the carpal tunnel of the wrist becomes compressed or impinged. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome developed as a result of a car accident, the carpal tunnel becomes smaller as the area swells. As mentioned above, this trauma can occur during a collision when the driver is gripping the steering wheel or when the hands strike another part of the vehicle.
Depending on the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome, a person may have one or all of the following symptoms:
- Numbness in the hand and when flexing the wrist
- Aching pain in the wrist, hand, or forearm
- Tingling or pins and needles feeling in the wrist
- Stiffness in the fingers
- weakness in the hands with frequent dropping or inability to grasp
Are There Long-Term Effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually doesn’t go away on its own. In fact, it often gets worse if it isn’t treated. Many times, the carpal tunnel syndrome becomes so severe that daily life is affected because of reduced grip strength and other limitations.
Proving Carpal Tunnel Occurred From a Car Accident
Many insurance adjusters believe that carpal tunnel is only caused by repetitive stress. So, if your car accident caused carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have an uphill battle getting compensation for your injury. An insurance adjuster is going to want medical evidence proving that your carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by a car accident. Many times, insurance adjusters will want medical evidence from your doctor with records showing the results of diagnostic tests such as EMG testing, CT or MRI results, thumb weakness tests, and pressure tests. Tests showing problems with the median nerve or other nerve injuries are very helpful.
If the insurance adjuster denies that the carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by the car accident or claims you are exaggerating your symptoms, it may be necessary to take your car accident claim to court. If your claim goes to trial, you will need a car accident lawyer to present expert testimony from your doctor to show a relationship between the carpal tunnel syndrome and the trauma you experienced in the car accident.
Whether you are represented by car accident attorney or not, it may also be helpful to keep a pain and injury diary to document the area and severity of your pain, difficulties performing certain activities, and other effects the pain has on you.
Can I Recover Money for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from a Car Accident?
Yes! You absolutely can recover money damages if you develop carpal tunnel due to a car accident. However, it’s important to be aware that like any other soft tissue injury, carpal tunnel will not show up like a broken bone on an x-ray or other diagnostic tests. So, you’ll need to prove your diagnosis with the medical evidence discussed above.
As far as how much you can receive from the insurance company, your car accident attorney will consider things such as how long you suffered with the pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, how much you incurred in medical expenses, and how much time you missed from work because of your condition.
Carpal Tunnel Lawyer: How Is the Ritchie Law Firm Different?
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we believe those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. But, holding all of the negligent parties liable and negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult and frustrating. A lack of experience in determining the value of an injury victims case can result in a lower settlement than your accident and injuries warrant. Having an experienced car accident lawyer with experience in carpal tunnel syndrome claims on your side can help ensure that you are fairly compensated. We will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your car accident.
In our half-century of practice, the personal injury lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm have handled thousands of car accident cases on behalf of our clients. Such experience gives us an advantage in preparing car accidents cases, as nothing comes as a surprise to us and we are always thoroughly prepared for even the most challenging cases. We have a track record of success and a strength that is unmatched. An experienced attorney can mean the difference between winning and losing your case.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney: Carpal Tunnel Car Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in a car accident , you will need an experienced car accident attorney to make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. Statistically speaking, injury victims who hire an attorney recover more money from rear end collisions cases. This is because the other driver’s insurance company knows a skilled car accident attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial, and the insurance company will pay more rather than go to trial.
Talk with a Virginia and West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
When another driver is responsible for causing your car accident injuries, the Ritchie Law Firm is here to help. The experienced personal injury lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm help car accident victims get the recovery they deserve after your car accident. The best personal injury lawyers will have substantial recoveries for their clients. Check out Ritchie Law Firm’s settlements and recoveries.
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Ritchie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm devoted to helping individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Ritchie Law Firm serves all of Virginia, while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester also serves clients in West Virginia, including Martinsburg, WV.
