Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Carpal Tunnel in Illinois?

 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on the job, you should be able to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Illinois law recognizes carpal tunnel as an occupational injury if it is caused or aggravated by work activities. However, proving that your injury is directly related to work can be challenging, and insurance companies are known to exploit opportunities to deny claims. An experienced Aurora, IL workers’ compensation lawyer can help you build your claim to ensure you are eligible for the benefits you need.

How Do You Prove That Carpal Tunnel Is Work-Related?

According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act under 820 ILCS 305/1, you must show that your condition arose out of and in the course of your employment. Medical evidence is essential to your claim. You need proof of a formal diagnosis from a doctor, preferably a specialist like an orthopedist. Medical documentation can include a physical exam, diagnostic tests, and medical history. Because CTS develops over time, having a doctor address your medical history is important.

Proving that CTS is work-related requires careful analysis and documentation. Your attorney might highlight elements of your job that require repetitive motions or awkward hand positions. You may identify specific risk factors in your job that are associated with CTS, like typing or assembly line work. Establishing a timeline when you started experiencing symptoms and correlating those symptoms with your job is critical. Sometimes, expert testimony is necessary. 

What Benefits Can You Get for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Section 8 of the Workers’ Compensation Act addresses the types of benefits available for an approved workers’ compensation claim. For CTS, you may be awarded compensation for:

• Medical costs: Payment for necessary treatment tied to CTS, including doctor appointments, therapy sessions, surgeries, medical equipment, and prescribed medications.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD is financial support if you are temporarily unable to work due to CTS. This is typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage. 

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): PPD provides compensation if CTS causes lasting impairment that affects your ability to perform certain tasks.

• Vocational rehabilitation: You may be able to get the costs covered of retraining for a new job if your condition prevents you from returning to your prior work.

CTS can severely impact your daily life and job performance. Seeking medical care and legal representation immediately will be vital for your claim.

Challenges Associated With Carpal Tunnel Claims for Workers’ Compensation

Workers pursuing carpal tunnel claims often face disputes over causation. Employers and insurers sometimes argue that CTS stems from non-work factors like hobbies, age, or pre-existing conditions. This can complicate the link to employment. Under 820 ILCS 305/1(d), you must prove that work was a significant contributing cause, but not necessarily the only cause. 

Additionally, the gradual onset of symptoms can make it hard to pinpoint when the injury happened and whether it was work-related. This is why having an experienced attorney is invaluable. Your lawyer will help you build your claim based on their knowledge of workers’ compensation law. 

Contact an Aurora, IL Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you are dealing with a work-related carpal tunnel injury or any workplace accident, the Kane County, IL workers’ compensation lawyers at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help. Many of our attorneys have earned recognition among the top five percent of lawyers in Illinois. Call 630-907-0909 today to schedule a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.