Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois
Can I be compensated for Carpo Tunnel?
Recently, I had carpo tunnel (wrist) and cubicular tunnel(9'' scar opposite side of my elbow)from continuous keypunching over the years. The Company I work for recognized the injury was due to years of repetitive keying, so they have given me weekly workman's compensation benefits. Now the other wrist and elbow has to be done in another month. After that surgery is over and I am back to work, eventually will I be compensated for the injuries in a lump sum or is the weekly checks my compensation? I filled out an injury paper through my company before my absence. Do they notify me to settle or do I go back to the company medical or an outside agency and how long should I wait? Is there a standard amount for this type of injury? If so, could you tell me so I will have a ballpark figure when I get to that point. I work for a Fortune 500 Company, and in my particular department we have 5 ladies. Of the 5 of us, 3 has had this. I was the only one that was recognized as work related-the other 2 were denied workman's comp, so I feel rather fortunate to receive the workmans comp checks weekly. I wouldn't have been able to afford being off of work if I didn't receive workman comp checks. Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Can I be compensated for Carpo Tunnel?
There is no standard amount and you should have an attorney review your medical records before making a decision. You also have a much better chance of getting a higher settlement by hiring an attorney. Please feel free to call me at (312) 346-5578 with any questions.
Re: Can I be compensated for Carpo Tunnel?
I'm sorry but your question asks for a complete course in the Work Comp system in Illinois and this simply cannot be done in an email. The short answer to your question is "Yes" you are entitled to be compensated for the permanent injury that remains for both carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cubital tunnel syndrome. Just how you identify the permanent injury, and how you evalutate it, is something that a lawyer does who handles your case and is based on his experience. I doubt that any lawyer would attempt to do all this for you without being hired and doing all the necessary work to evaluate your injury. This is what you pay a lawyer to do for you.
You certainly are lucky to be receiving WC benefits at this time. But don't get lulled into a false sense of security as the WC insurance company can pull the rug out from under you at any time. They know how to "play the game" and you do not. That, again, is where it is most important that you are always better off being represented by an attorney.
I can help you with your claim and would be happy to talk with you regarding any reluctance you may have about hiring an attorney. It may well be that those co-workers of yours are also entitled to WC benefits but just don't know how to go about getting benefits started. If you are in the Chicagoland area, please feel free to call me at my toll free number 1-877-CompJoe (266-7563) or visit my web site at www.CompJoe.com.
Good Luck .................. Joe Spingola
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