Can a Car Accident Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

When it comes to the aftermath of a car accident, many individuals may wonder about the potential for unexpected injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Florida personal injury attorneys, often get asked questions about this specific condition and its possible connection to auto accidents.

Understanding Traumatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. While repetitive motion and prolonged use are commonly cited as the main culprits, car accidents can also play a role in their development.

Can Carpal Tunnel Be Caused by a Car Accident?

Yes, car accidents can potentially cause carpal tunnel syndrome. If there’s a direct injury to the wrist—like in the case of a broken wrist from gripping the steering wheel during an impact—this may lead to the onset of carpal tunnel symptoms. Clients can develop carpal tunnel syndrome after being involved in various types of accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. In these situations, the force of the impact can cause the wrists to bend unnaturally, leading to potential injury.

Medical Evidence is Key

Building a case for carpal tunnel syndrome related to a car accident requires solid medical evidence. If you’ve suffered a wrist injury in a collision, it’s crucial to obtain documentation from healthcare professionals to link your condition to the accident. Additionally, it’s important that you do not have a prior history of wrist issues, as insurance companies will scrutinize this aspect closely.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often involves conservative measures such as wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections. However, in some cases, surgery may be required. The typical procedure, known as carpal tunnel release, has been effective for many of our clients.

Complications and Claims

If complications from an injury arise, they can still be included in your personal injury claim, provided they are directly related to the initial accident. For example, if you sustained a neck injury in a collision and later developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a complication, you can still seek damages for this additional injury, as long as your initial lawsuit was filed within the statute of limitations.

The Importance of Timely Filing

It’s essential to file your lawsuit within the designated statute of limitations to protect your right to seek compensation. If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop later on, as long as your initial claim was timely, you can still pursue damages related to those symptoms.

The Challenges with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often push back against claims for carpal tunnel syndrome, viewing it as a condition primarily caused by repetitive motion rather than trauma. They may also question other injuries, such as low back pain or traumatic brain injuries, especially if no visible signs are present on imaging studies. However, if you can demonstrate that your condition worsened as a result of the accident, you have a valid claim for compensation.

Contact Us for Assistance with Your Carpal Tunnel Car Accident Settlement

Car accidents can indeed lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly if there’s direct trauma to the wrist area. If you or someone you know has experienced this condition after an accident, it’s vital to seek medical documentation and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney near you. Understanding your rights and the nuances of these claims can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance navigating your case. Remember, you only get one chance to settle, so it’s crucial to process your claim correctly from the start.