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A car accident can cause carpal tunnel syndrome if the impact injures the wrist or puts pressure on the median nerve. Some people notice symptoms right away, while others develop pain or tingling days or weeks later. If you’re dealing with wrist or hand symptoms after a crash, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can explain your legal options and help you move forward.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens when you experience swelling and inflammation of the median nerve, located inside your wrist. Typically, it results from long-term repetitive motions or repetitive stress, but it can happen if you suffer injury to your wrist and hand in a car accident. It can affect your daily activities, including fine-motor skills such as writing, drawing, and typing.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb or fingers
- Weakness in the hands when performing tasks
- Cramping in the hands during the night
- Decreased sensation in the middle finger and thumb
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild requires minimal care, but the treatment plan for moderate to severe cases can include surgical intervention. Make sure you prioritize seeking medical attention after a car accident to diagnose all your injuries. Without treatment, carpal tunnel may lead to muscle and nerve atrophy.
Are there cases of carpal tunnel syndrome happening after car accidents?
Yes, carpal tunnel can happen during a car crash if you suffer injury to your wrists. If you are gripping the steering wheel tightly during the accident, the sudden deceleration or shearing forces could severely damage the nerves in your wrist and arms. Although how you develop carpal tunnel doesn’t affect your treatment, you may have a different experience from someone whose carpal tunnel resulted from repetitive stress.
According to a study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, patients whose carpal tunnel syndrome resulted from trauma, such as a car accident, experienced higher pain before surgery. They also had greater pain even after treatment.
Am I entitled to compensation if I develop carpal tunnel from a car accident?
If your medical records and other evidence indicate you did not have carpal tunnel until your crash, you are likely eligible to file a claim for compensation against your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. All Florida drivers must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage, but if your medical bills exceed this amount, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver with the help of a personal injury attorney. They can handle your claim and negotiate a fair settlement from the other side.
You should expect the insurance adjusters to question whether your carpal tunnel was a pre-existing condition, in an attempt to avoid paying your claim. Fortunately, the legal doctrine known as “eggshell skull” (or eggshell plaintiff) requires defendants, including insurance companies, to pay for any costs when an accident makes your existing condition worse. If you had mild carpal tunnel before the crash, and you need surgery after, those expenses qualify for coverage.
Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for more information
If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms after a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the situation alone. Our team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps. Call (561) 655-1990 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer.