Carpal Tunnel and Repetitive Stress Injuries in New JerseyCarpal Tunnel and Repetitive Stress Injuries in New Jersey
While they may not involve the immediate trauma of a fall or a crash, repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can be just as debilitating for New Jersey workers. These conditions often develop silently over time, resulting from thousands of repetitive motions performed during the workday. At Matarazzo & Lubcher, our work injury attorneys believe that workers who suffer from “wear and tear” injuries deserve the same level of protection and compensation as those injured in sudden accidents.
Identifying Carpal Tunnel and RSIs
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. This is a common repetitive stress injury (RSI) for those in data entry, assembly line work, and even heavy manual labor, where vibrating tools are used frequently. If left untreated, nerve damage can become permanent, leading to significant loss of grip strength and fine motor skills and ending a worker’s career in many trades.
New Jersey Workers’ Comp for Repetitive Motion
New Jersey law recognizes that injuries caused by repetitive motion are compensable. You do not need to have a specific “accident” date to file a claim. Instead, the date of the injury is generally considered the day you first sought medical treatment or became aware that the condition was work-related. This coverage includes the costs of diagnostic testing (such as EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies), splints, physical therapy, and surgery, if necessary.
Our attorneys help clients document the repetitive nature of their job duties to build a strong case. We bridge the gap between your daily tasks, such as eight hours of typing or constant manual sorting, and your medical diagnosis. By establishing this clear link, we help ensure the insurance company fulfills its obligation to pay for your care and lost wages.
The Strategy for a Successful RSI Claim
Insurance companies frequently deny carpal tunnel claims by suggesting the condition was caused by off-duty activities, such as hobbies or underlying health issues like diabetes. To counter these claims, our firm works with medical professionals who can testify to the occupational stressors that contributed to your condition. We focus on the “material degree” of how your work environment caused or worsened the injury.
We also assist workers in navigating the “authorized provider” system. In New Jersey, the employer usually chooses the doctor. If that doctor is dismissive of your symptoms or refuses to recommend necessary surgery, our attorneys can advocate for a second opinion or petition the court to ensure you receive proper medical attention.
Contact Our Cherry Hill RSI Attorneys Today
If your hands or wrists are failing you because of the work you do every day, you have legal options. Matarazzo & Lubcher has the experience and resources to handle complex repetitive stress claims. Our workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of New Jersey’s hard-working professionals and ensuring the workers’ compensation system does not leave them behind. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable to seek help. Contact Matarazzo & Lubcher today at 856-460-5805 for a free consultation.