Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois
How can I determine whether or not I qualify for workmen's compensation and what
I have been under treatment for some time now for
carpal tunnel and neck, shoulder pain; and headaches.
I have been on strong pain medication for pain. My
hands actually go numb whereby my fingers cling together and for several minutes I cannot straighten
them out. This happens whenever keep my hands/wrists
in the same position for any period of time. It now
even effects me when I am driving whereby I cannot grip stearing wheel. This happens in both hands and
I have been diagnosed as having severe carpal tunnel
in both hands.
What is my recourse. I am a contract employee - which
means that I work through an agency/contractor for
a corporation. I was laid off at the end of April.
My treatment for these problems started prior to
that. Can I still get compensation from my agency.
They do have insurance which I purchase through
them but when I was laid off I lost that insurance.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: How can I determine whether or not I qualify for workmen's compensation and
I'm not sure what you mean by a "contract employee" but if you are an employee and can prove that you use your hands in such a way that you may develop Carpal Tunnell Syndrome (CTS) you may be entitled to Work Comp benefits. First, you should ask your doctor's if they think your condition is from work activities. If they won't support your theory, then you may not have anything. But it they support you, then you should make a claim. If you want to discuss this further, I'm in the Chicago area and would be happy to go over your facts with you. Feel free to call me at my toll free number at 1-877-CompJoe (266-7563). ............. Joe Spingola