By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated 16th November 2022. Welcome to our guide on carpal tunnel syndrome claims for UK claimants. In it, we discuss whether you can get carpal tunnel from a fall, and what the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are. We also discuss who could claim for carpal tunnel syndrome, what damages make up a carpal tunnel payout, and what the average payout for carpal tunnel could be. We also show you how we could help you make carpal tunnel syndrome claims, if you are eligible.
Carpal tunnel claims in the UK could be made against an employer if you can prove they are work-related and your employer didn’t take steps to prevent such a workplace injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is commonly abbreviated to CTS, occurs due to pressure on one of your wrist’s nerves. There are several different ways you can get carpal tunnel syndrome. People at risk include those who are pregnant and overweight.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome from work?
However, you can also get carpal tunnel syndrome if you work in an environment that means you grip hard or repeatedly bend your wrist, for example, if you need to use vibrating tools daily. If this applies to you, and you believe your employer is to blame for the carpal tunnel syndrome you’ve been diagnosed with, you can claim carpal tunnel compensation. Your employer could be to blame for not giving you the correct training, for example.
How this carpal tunnel claims UK guide could help
Here at Accident Claims UK, we have handled many workplace accident claims including carpal tunnel claims in the UK. And our personal injury solicitors have helped thousands of people to get the compensation they deserve. We have a free legal helpline, which is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. You can reach us on 0800 073 8801. But before you give us a call, read further down the page to find everything you need to know regarding making a compensation case for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Choose A Section
- A Guide To CTS Compensation Claims
- What Is This Condition?
- The Signs Of CTS
- The Effects Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options
- How Common Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In The Workplace?
- Workplace Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims
- What Can My Employer Do To Reduce The Risks Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Can I Sue For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- What Can My Settlement For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Include?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Disability Benefits In The UK
- How Much Can I Receive For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Claim For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- No Win No Fee Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims Explained
- Why Make Your Personal Injury Claim With Us
- Start Your Claim Today
- Useful Links
A Guide To CTS Compensation Claims
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can occur if you have to use vibrating tools in the workplace on a daily basis. It can occur due to a prior wrist injury or if you work in any environment that requires you to bend your wrist regularly.
If you believe you have sustained a carpal tunnel injury because of unsafe work practices, you may be able to make carpal tunnel syndrome claims. Carpel tunnel claims in the UK could bring you compensation for suffering pain and associated costs.
There are many varied ways that your employer may be at fault for what has occurred to you. This includes not letting you go to take breaks when you asked for them, letting you use machinery that was broken, not conducting risk assessments, and failing to provide you with the correct level of training or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
In this guide, we help you determine whether you have a case for carpal tunnel syndrome compensation. You will also find plenty of other important pieces of information. This includes details regarding the average carpal tunnel settlements from 2015 onwards, whether you can claim carpal tunnel syndrome disability benefits UK, how to launch a compensation claim for a carpal tunnel syndrome injury, and a lot more besides.
What Is This Condition?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury that impacts the wrist due to pressure being applied to a nerve. It causes pain, numbness and tingling in your hand. You might also feel these effects in your fingers. Sometimes a carpal tunnel syndrome injury will heal itself, but it can take several months and sometimes years to get better. However, if you intend to claim compensation, seeing a doctor is vital so that there is a medical record of your carpal tunnel syndrome injury.
The Signs Of CTS
There are several different signs typically linked with CTS. This includes the following:
- Difficulty gripping
- A weak thumb
- Pins and needles
- Tingling
- Numb hands
- Pain or an ache in your arm, hand or fingers
For most people, these symptoms show themselves slowly, and the symptoms are not constant. However, they often get worse in the evening. Hence why sufferers may look to file carpal tunnel syndrome claims.
The Effects Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In regards to the impact of carpal tunnel syndrome, it can affect people in different ways. Some individuals with the condition experience symptoms for a matter of weeks, and then they make a full recovery. For others, it can take several years, and some are left with permanent symptoms.
No matter what applies, all types of carpal tunnel syndrome tend to result in time off work. After all, if you use handled vibrating tools or any other type of machinery that requires wrist movement, you won’t be in a position to continue with this while suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. As such, when you make your accident at work claim, loss of income is something you may be able to seek damages for.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options
There are several different treatment options, including treatment you can carry out yourself. Either way, make sure you do see a doctor so that there is an official record of your injuries, as this will help you with regards to making a compensation claim. The treatment options for CTS include the following:
- Try alternative treatments like acupuncture and hand exercises; Yoga is also said to help with the pain.
- Take painkillers like ibuprofen or Paracetamol if you are looking for short-term relief. However, this will only mask the pain. They do not treat the condition, so don’t rely on them.
- Cut down or stop on things that may be causing carpal tunnel syndrome. This highlights why you cannot work until the condition has gone away.
- Wear a wrist splint. This will help to relieve pressure on the nerve. You should wear it while you sleep at night. You will need to wear this for a minimum of one month before starting to experience the benefits.
If none of the above has worked, your GP will probably recommend that you have an injection into your wrist. This is designed to ease the pain and reduce the swelling around the nerve. However, this type of injection is not necessarily a cure, so you might need to have them every few months. Again, this is the type of thing your doctor will advise on ahead of your carpal tunnel syndrome claims. At that stage, the law firm that we work with can manage your case.
How Common Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In The Workplace?
You might be wondering whether or not this is a common condition in the UK. The most recent statistics provided by the UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive are for 2019. They show that there were 135 new cases of carpal tunnel syndrome during this period. In the table below, you can see the new claims that have been made for both carpal tunnel syndrome and vibration white finger from 2010 until 2019.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome statistics graph
You can also use the chart below to see how many of these carpal tunnel disability claims were made by women and how many were made by men.
Men/women split in carpal tunnel syndrome statistics graph
Workplace Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims
Is carpal tunnel a workman’s comp injury? In short, yes. In the UK, all employers have a legal responsibility to ensure they provide a safe and healthy working environment for all of their employees. There are some different pieces of legislation in place for this. If your employer has failed in their legal duty, and you have suffered carpal tunnel syndrome as a consequence, you may be entitled to workplace or government compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some examples of how your employer may be the person to blame for you being diagnosed with CTS:
- He or she did not provide you with sufficient training for the tools you were using.
- He or she allowed you to use handheld tools when they knew they were faulty.
- He or she failed to do the necessary risk assessments.
- He or she failed to act upon the findings in the risk assessments.
- He or she did not provide you with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- He or she did not warn you about any potential risks.
- He or she did not allow you to take regular breaks.
These are just some examples regarding the different ways your employer could be at fault. If you are unsure whether your employer was to blame, you can call us for further clarification. If you believe that your employer was to blame but that you also have a role to play and are, therefore, partly to blame, it is still worth giving us a call because you are likely to be entitled to compensation, albeit a smaller amount to reflect your involvement.
What Can My Employer Do To Reduce The Risks Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Employers need to make certain they carry out sufficient risk assessments to identify the specific tasks that could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or could cause existing CTS to get worse. Industries whereby carpal tunnel syndrome may be a risk, include assembly line work, as well as jobs involving food processing, cleaning and sewing. Employers must also ensure that the necessary steps are taken to lower carpal tunnel syndrome developing. This includes allowing regular breaks and giving training on using machinery.
Can I Sue For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
To make a case for carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to prove that your employer was to blame for the accident. Not only this but to file carpal tunnel syndrome claims, the problem must have happened developed the past three years. If you do not know when the carpal tunnel syndrome occurred because your symptoms did not manifest for quite some time, you will have three years from your diagnosis instead.
For more information on whether you have enough time to file a carpal tunnel syndrome claim, please get in touch with one of our team of advisers today.
What Can My Settlement For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Include?
When you claim compensation, your payout is going to be split into two parts. The first part is general damages. This is the money that you will receive to compensate you for the pain and suffering you have encountered because of CTS. This will be calculated by taking into account your medical report that was put together by your doctor. If you have sustained any psychological injuries, these will also be covered.
Carpal tunnel claims UK special damages
The second part of the payout is what is known as special damages. This is the compensation you will get for any losses you have had to contend with because of your injury. This does include not only loss of income but also the likes of travel expenses and medical bills.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Disability Benefits In The UK
We often get asked questions like: Can I claim PIP for carpal tunnel syndrome? How much VA compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome? Can you get disability for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council have stated that carpal tunnel syndrome is not eligible for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) because they deem it too difficult to link this directly to professional undertaking. You can find the report here. However, if the condition is so severe you are left unable to work, you may be eligible for some form of benefit.
How Much Can I Receive For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
How much can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome is something you are probably wondering if you decide to make a claim. We need to stress at this point that every case is handled on an individual basis. This is so that a fair amount of compensation is awarded. After all, carpal tunnel syndrome can impact people in different ways. Nevertheless, in the table below, you can understand the average payout amounts for different types of injury and the severity of this condition.
| Injury | Notes | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | This is for cases whereby the claimant reaches a full recovery within a matter of a few weeks or a couple of months. | £2,200 to £3,530 |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | The person will experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for up to three years. | £8,640 to £10,750 |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | This relates to cases whereby there are fluctuating yet continual symptoms. | £14,900 to £16,340 |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | This is the most severe type of injury whereby the person has continuing bilateral disability and can no longer work in most cases. | £21,910 to £23,130 |
| Loss of earnings | Depends on the actual loss of earnings you’ve suffered. | Please call for further information |
| Future loss of earnings | If you’re not able to return to work because of your injury, or you will require further time off | Please call for further information |
| Medical expenses | If you have to pay out of pocket for medical costs | Please call for further information |
| Travel expenses | If you have to pay out of pocket for transport to see your lawyer or attend medical appointments | Please call for further information |
| Other special damages | If you have to pay out of pocket for costs relating to your condition | Please call for further information |
If you have suffered an injury that is not listed in the table above, you will still be able to make a claim. All you need to do is give us a call, and we will explain the average settlements for carpal tunnel syndrome for the sorts of injuries you have sustained. You can find our contact information to enquire about carpal tunnel syndrome claims at the end of the guide.
Claim For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you think you could have a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome, you might wish to check your eligibility first. The symptoms of carpal tunnel may not relate to someone else’s negligence. Therefore, you might want to get legal advice to ensure your claim has a favourable chance of bringing you compensation. This is something we could help you with.
Our advisors could take some details about your case. Once we have the details we need, we will perform a free eligibility check on your case. Upon completion of this check, we could advise you on whether one of our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you claim for carpal tunnel syndrome.
At this point, you are free to ask us any questions. We don’t charge for legal advice given by our advisors over the phone. Our advisors could talk you through the process of claiming and explain everything you might wish to know.
Get in touch on the number above for more information.
No Win No Fee Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims Explained
One of the key features of our service is our No Win No Fee approach. Many companies claim to be No Win No Fee, but when it comes to it, they implement hidden fees. This is not the case when you claim with Accident Claims UK. When we say No Win, No Fee, we mean it.
For those of you who have never had to pay for such legal services before, you may be wondering what No Win, No Fee carpal tunnel syndrome claims are. This is essentially a payment structure that the solicitor works under. It means that if there is no compensation awarded to you, you do not need to pay legal fees.
When do I pay for carpal tunnel claims in the UK
You will only pay for a successful service. This gives you peace of mind, both in terms of your finances and having the reassurance that your solicitor is going to be working hard for you. Not only this, but it ensures that anyone can make a claim, as no upfront payments are needed. No Win, No Fee carpal tunnel syndrome claims offers you the chance to get the payout you deserve.
How much will you pay if the claim is successful? This will be a percentage of your payout, which you will agree on with your solicitor beforehand. This will be drafted up in a contract for both of you to sign a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Why Make Your Personal Injury Claim With Us
You may be wondering why you should choose our legal service over the other options that are available to you. Here are several reasons why we believe that we are the best:
- We have many years of experience in the industry.
- We will provide you with a specialist carpal tunnel syndrome solicitor with up to 30 years of experience.
- We have helped thousands of people to get the compensation they deserve, including those who have suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome.
- We have an excellent track record for securing the maximum payout amounts.
- We have received great feedback from our clients.
- Our service is based on a No Win No Fee – there are no hidden fees.
- Most importantly, we put our customers first all of the time.
Start Your Claim Today
If you now feel that you have all of the information you need to get started, you can make a carpal tunnel syndrome personal injury claim by calling us on 0800 073 8801. If you still have some questions that need answering, please do not hesitate to dial the same number, and we will happily assist.
All of the legal advice we provide is given at no charge to you, and there is no obligation to continue with our service either. You can also call at any time that is convenient for you, as our legal helpline never closes.
Other contact options include filling in the callback form on our website, and we will get back to you, as well as using the live chat pop-up box on our website or sending an email to office@accidentclaims.co.uk.
Please know that our emails are not monitored 24/7 like our helpline. We monitor emails from Monday to Friday.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims And Carpal Tunnel Claims UK FAQs
Can I work with carpal tunnel syndrome?
If you have sustained carpal tunnel syndrome at work, then it’s likely that you work with your hands to some degree. This is because it is often caused by the vibration of power tools or repetitive movement in the hands or wrist. As a result, you may find that you need to take time off work for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Any loss of earnings for the time you’ve been signed off work with carpal tunnel can be included in your claim under special damages. As well as a loss of earnings, special damages can also include travel expenses, medications and treatments you’ve paid for.
How do I prove carpal tunnel is work-related?
To make a successful claim for employer negligence regarding your carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to be able to prove that your CTS was a result of your work and not any other external factors.
Now, to prove your carpal tunnel claims UK, you should show that your work put you at an increased risk of CTS. You should also prove that your employer was negligent and didn’t take the necessary steps to ensure your safety at work. This could include things like a lack of training, infrequent or non-existent risk assessments and lack of or improper PPE.
How long does a carpal tunnel claim take?
Carpal tunnel claims in the UK often take between 4-9 months before a settlement is agreed upon.
Is carpal tunnel a permanent disability?
The symptoms can reduce insignificance after surgery or treatment, but these symptoms could still become permanent in serious situations.
How do you prove carpal tunnel?
If you’re wondering how to prove carpal tunnel claims in the UK, this comes from undergoing a nerve condition, where a medical professional can see if the carpal tunnel slows down any electrical impulses.
How long should I wear carpal tunnel brace?
It’s advisable to wear the splint for several weeks, especially at night when trying to sleep.
How bad can carpal tunnel hurt?
Over time, as the symptoms of carpal tunnel become more frequent, the pain can become significant and cause muscles within the hand to atrophy.
What exercises can I do for carpal tunnel?
One option is a wrist flexor stretch. So, this involves extending the arm with the palm up and bending the wrist. Then, use the other hand to bend the wrist even more to experience a stretch.
If I make carpal tunnel claims in the UK could I get fired?
This is a question that many people ask. If you’re considering making a claim but are worried about whether your employer has the right to fire you for making a claim, you might be pleased to know you would be protected. There is legislation to protect those who expose workplace wrongdoing, and your employer should not treat you any differently because of your carpal tunnel claims in the UK. What you might want to keep in mind also is that they would usually have insurance that would pay for your claim.
Can I make carpal tunnel claims in the UK if I’ve left my job?
If you are within the time limit to make your claim you could still make carpal tunnel claims in the UK against a previous employer. You would still have to prove that your injury was work-related and related to the job you were doing for that employer at the time. If you have any worries about doing so, please don’t hesitate to call our team. We would be very happy to talk you through this.
Can I make carpal tunnel claims in the UK if I work part-time?
As long as you could prove that your injuries were work-related you could make a claim as a part-time worker.
Can I make carpal tunnel claims in the UK if I’m self-employed?
This is a slightly more complex issue. If you are self-employed and develop carpal tunnel syndrome, this could depend on your specific situation. If you’re unsure as to whether you could claim compensation, please call our friendly, knowledgeable team and we would be happy to help ascertain whether you could have a valid claim for compensation.
Could you get carpal tunnel from a fall?
If you’re wondering whether you could get carpal tunnel from a fall it may be that you’ve been injured at work or in a public place. If you have, and have irritated the median nerve in your carpal tunnel space, you could well suffer carpal tunnel from a fall.
Making a claim for carpal tunnel from a fall would involve proving an accident was not your fault, someone had a duty of care towards you, and they breached it, leading to your injury. You could claim against an employer if they failed to provide a safe working space, leading to a fall injury. You could also make claims against those in charge of public places who have occupiers’ liability if they breached their duty of care towards you. This could be the council for public buildings, or businesses such as restaurants, hotels and shops, for example.
How common is carpal tunnel from a fall at work?
According to the latest HSE statistics for 2020-21, the top cause of accidents and injuries in the workplace was a slip, trip or fall on the same level. While we don’t have statistics relating to how manty of these led to carpal tunnel injuries, we can show you how they compare to other types of workplace accidents below.
If you’re seeking a carpal tunnel payout from your employer, we could help. Please call us today to discuss your case and for free legal advice.
Useful Links
We hope that you have found this guide useful in your quest to find further information regarding claims for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, we know that you may require further details regarding the condition itself, as well as workplace injury claims in general. You can find further details by using the links below.
Vibration white finger is a condition that is closely related to carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as to the operation of vibrating equipment. Find out more about this condition and how to make a claim for vibration white finger in this guide.
This link takes you to the NHS page on carpal tunnel syndrome. You will find details regarding the symptoms, the different things you can try, the causes of it, when to get medical assistance, and the treatment you can receive.
This link takes you to our guide on the legal rights of employees once they have experienced an accident in the workplace. You will find plenty of information regarding the rights you are entitled to and the type of compensation you can claim.
Through this link, you’ll be able to read our guide on making a personal injury claim when you suffer from a pre-existing condition that was exacerbated by third party negligence.
This HSE guide will give you information on upper limb disorders caused by work, including what employers are expected to do to minimise the risk.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
This link will take you to the legislation.gov page for the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, which offers guidance on dealing with risks related to manual handling.
Final Words On Carpal Tunnel Claims For UK Claimants
Thank you for reading our guide on carpal tunnel syndrome claims. Hopefully you now know if you can make carpal tunnel claims in the UK.