Sacramento Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyer

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also referred to as median nerve compression, is characterized as pain, tingling, and numbness in the forearm and hand. This medical condition occurs when there is squeezing or compression of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel, the passageway from the hand to the wrist. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), about 3-6 percent of adults in the general population are affected by this condition. In most median nerve compression cases, the condition may worsen with time. Without medical treatment, permanent muscle and nerve damage may occur, leading to the dysfunction of the hand. This may include weakness and numbness in the fingers. For the prevention of permanent damage, some patients may require surgical management for the removal of the pressure on the median nerve.

An accident resulting in an acute injury may lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have been diagnosed with median nerve compression after a crash, contact our personal injury lawyers in California and receive free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, our lawyers have decades of experience handling accident cases like yours and are well-versed in California personal injury law. We have seen every type of case imaginable, so you can rest assured knowing yours will be in good hands when you turn to us for legal representation. Remember that any first settlement offer from the insurance company for a carpal tunnel syndrome case will be far less than what you deserve for such a debilitating condition that may develop after a crash. That is why it is essential to have legal counsel looking out for you and your best interests every step of the way. Our skilled accident attorneys will handle communications and negotiations with difficult insurers to obtain a settlement that meets your needs. When all attempts at a reasonable settlement agreement have been exhausted, we will be fully prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit. Learn more about how we can help by discussing your case in detail in a free consultation today.

A wide array of factors may come into play when it comes to median nerve compression cases. Studies have suggested that the geriatric population and women are more likely to develop this condition. The other risk factors may include:

• Health Conditions: Some of the health conditions that are related to median nerve compression may include an imbalance of the thyroid gland, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
• Heredity: One of the most crucial factors that must be considered for this condition is heredity. Most cases have been found to occur from differences in the anatomic structure that surrounds the median nerve and ultimately affect the area surrounding it.
• Position of the Wrist and Hand: Activities that require extreme extension or flexion of the wrist or hand for extended periods of time may lead to an increase in pressure on the median nerve.
• Pregnancy: Swelling may occur from changes in the hormones during pregnancy. The swelling may cause pressure on the median nerve.

The most common symptoms of CTS may include:

• Changes in sleeping patterns from numbness or pain at night
• Difficulty performing tasks that require minimal motions like the buttoning of a shirt
• Dropping objects because of a loss of proprioception, numbness, or weakness
• Numbness or pain in one hand or both
• Sensations described as needles and pins in the fingers
• Weakness when grabbing objects with one hand or both

Since the signs and symptoms of median nerve compression may be comparable to others, it is essential to see a physician immediately for a diagnosis.

A physician will evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. The doctor may recommend that the nerves undergo electrodiagnostic tests as they are the best way to diagnose this condition. These work by stimulating the nerves and muscles in the hand to determine their functionality. Diagnostic imaging may also be ordered to provide images of the affected area, such as MRI scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds. From there, the physician will determine a treatment plan based on the patient’s age, medical history, overall health, the severity of the condition, tolerance to procedures or medications, and the patient’s preference for care.

When there is an early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, non-surgical management may be helpful in the improvement of the condition. This may include a splint that holds the affected wrist in place to relieve symptoms of numbness and tingling that may occur at night to help the patient sleep better. While the splint is generally worn at night, it may also be used during the day for the prevention of daytime symptoms. A physician may also recommend pain management options such as corticosteroids. These are injected into the carpal tunnel for pain relief to help decrease swelling and inflammation, both of which may be beneficial for pressure relief on the median nerve.

If the patient does not respond to non-surgical methods, surgical intervention may be necessary. The goal of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve by creating more space. This is accomplished through the cutting of the transverse carpal tunnel ligament. Surgical management may include two different techniques: open surgery and endoscopic surgery. It is essential to discuss the benefits and risks associated with each technique with a surgeon before the procedure. Some of the risks may include damage to the blood vessels or nerves, formation of scarring, wound infections, and incomplete ligament release.

When median nerve compression develops from an acute injury sustained in a crash, the injured party may seek financial compensation for their losses in the form of a personal injury claim. Such cases are generally brought against the negligent party and their insurance company. These claims are intended to seek reimbursement of past and future costs of medical treatment, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. 

Given the potential need for surgery from a debilitating condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, an injured person may need to turn to their uninsured and underinsured motorist protection for coverage if the other side has insufficient or no liability insurance. Our law firm recommends carrying at least $100,000 in UM and UIM coverage to protect yourself in the event of a collision resulting in serious injuries.

When an individual has suffered traumatic injuries in a crash, the burden of proof is on them to establish that the other side’s negligent actions were the result of the incident resulting in trauma. The burden of proof in an injury case would be clear and compelling evidence demonstrating that the other party more likely than not caused the collision and resulting injuries. Some of the evidence that may be utilized in an accident case for median nerve compression may include but is not limited to:

• Medical Records: The most crucial evidence to have in a personal injury case for an accident is medical records. With the use of past and current medical records, it can be established that the symptoms of the condition did not appear until after the accident. This would be useful in proving that the condition occurred because of the incident and not from repetitive stress.
• Accident Scene: Photos of a motor vehicle collision scene may help paint a picture of how the incident occurred. This should include pictures of the property damage to the cars involved, street signage, and physical injuries, if there are any. Since stories can change over time, try to take videos and photographs of the crash site, if possible.
• Traffic Incident Reports: Having a police report in hand is essential when bringing a bodily injury claim with the insurance company. A traffic incident report will include information relevant to the accident, including contact information, driver’s license numbers, and statements from involved parties. It will also have proof of insurance, statements from any eyewitnesses to the crash, details of the collision scene, and the investigator’s opinion on what caused the incident.
• Expert Witness Testimony: It is not uncommon for the insurance company representing the other side or even your own to dispute injuries and may claim that they are unrelated to the incident in question. That is why it is often necessary for an experienced carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer and their team of experts to conduct an independent investigation of the crash to determine how the injury occurred. This may include an accident reconstruction expert to establish the sequence of events leading up to the traumatic event and resulting injuries. A physician and other medical professionals that are well-versed in the treatment of median nerve compression may provide testimony on how the condition resulted from the collision and was not a pre-existing condition.

As with any personal injury case for an accident, challenges may arise throughout the legal process. The difficulties will not be as daunting when working with an experienced median nerve compression attorney. That is because you can depend on your lawyer to work with expert witnesses to prove that the condition developed because of the crash. Your attorney will also be your voice in insurance negotiations or in the courtroom. You can depend on your injury lawyer to recover the compensation you need to put the traumatic event behind you.

The statute of limitations is a restriction on the amount of time a claimant has to file a lawsuit in civil court. The California Civil Code of Procedure Section 335.1 states that there is a two-year statute of limitations that applies to personal injury lawsuits. This means that a lawsuit must be filed in civil court no later than two years from the accident date. Remember that there are also different deadlines that apply to cases involving government entities. Therefore, it is essential to work with an experienced accident attorney to ensure that your bodily injury claim is filed within the applicable time limits. For information on how to select a top lawyer in your area to handle your carpal tunnel syndrome case, watch this video.

When concerned over the costs of retaining legal counsel for a median nerve compression case, there is good news for you. Most personal injury lawyers handle cases under a contingent fee arrangement meaning that there are no upfront fees due for legal representation. Attorney’s fees and costs will only be due at the successful resolution of the case. What is great about contingent fee agreements is that it can be of immense help to those who may be stressed about whether they can afford the services of a skilled carpal tunnel syndrome attorney. At our personal injury law firm, we handle cases on a contingency basis, so you do not have to worry about costs of legal representation when you entrust us to handle your case.

If you sustained injuries in a crash in California that led to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys at AutoAccident.com today. Our legal team understands how debilitating a condition such as median nerve compression can be and how it may impact you for the remainder of your life. That is why we are here to help you seek maximum compensation.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 8.1.22]

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