Any worker who develops Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other repetitive stress injuries as a result of performing the requirements of their job, are legally entitled to receive the comprehensive medical and cash benefits provided by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.
However, due to many "forces," Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers are being prevented from exercising their legal right to receive Workers' Compensation benefits and as a result, are enduring devastating physical and financial hardships. These forces include:
- Because the early symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs at night, many sufferers are not aware that their condition is related to their employment.
- Employers and their Workers' Compensation insurance companies have no legal obligation to inform Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers of their right to receive Workers' Compensation benefits. They can and frequently do make knowingly false statements to the workers regarding their rights and benefits without incurring monetary sanction.
- Workers' Compensation insurance adjustors take advantage of the fact that the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claimant has little or no practical experience with the Workers' Compensation system.
- Adjustors know that upon denial of their claim, most Carpal Tunnel Syndrome victims will simply "walk-away" thinking there is no way they can fight the insurance company.
- Every Workers' Compensation insurance company has on staff or employs numerous experienced Workers' Compensation attorneys whose sole responsibility is to protect the financial interests of the insurance company.
