Lawsuits - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

simmer99 · 05-26-2003, 08:45 AM

Does anyone have any experience with lawsuits concerning work related carpal tunnel or similar injuries? I saw a lawyer last week after my 1st CT release (I still have 2 or 3 to go). We decided to put the matter on hold until my other surgeries (if I decide to have them done), and I will keep limping along at work as long as possible. The problem now is that I can barely do my job after the 1st CTR, and I don't know how long I can handle it. In reality I know I won't be able to do my job much longer, and if I file a lawsuit, I'll be dismissed anyway.
From researching these kind of lawsuits, I find that the monetary settelments amount to squat. I'm not sure I want to have the other surgeries done just to get a few more $$, because the pain and difficulty using my hand is worse now than before the 1st surgery. I'm not sure it's worth suing over.

SissyK · 05-26-2003, 07:35 PM

I had work related CT and 3 surgeries later Im worse off now that in the beginning. And honestly if I knew then what I know now, NO WAY would I have had any more surgeries after the first one.
Im now left with Nerve Damage, Strength & ROM Deficit, Myofascial Chronic Pain, Nerve Damage.
And no the pay off isnt worth it.
Please if you have any doubts at all about the other surgeries, do not have them.
And as far as the Lawsuit, You deserve anything at all you get, YOU are the one who is suffering and deserves anything at all that you can get, why not take what you DESERVE, after all you gave the company you work for your all, its not like youre asking for a handout you earned what is rightly yours!
I do wish you all the best, and please think it over before jumping into the other surgeries.

NancyH · 05-29-2003, 09:58 PM

Go for it!! If I knew then what I know now I would never have had this cts and ulnar nerve surgery. Still can only typ ewith my one hand, fingers so sensitive to any touch on the bad hand and it wasn't that way before the surgery May 5th. I wouldn't do it again that is for sure.

06-12-2003, 03:28 AM

I had my R wrist done in May 2001(Work related)I then fell at work on both hands Jan 2002. They were nice enough to fire me in Mar 2002(after almost 9 years). I wish like he** the surgery had worked. I would much rather have my hands back then the settlement money. But after dealing with them (the insurance company lawyers) I want as far away from them as I can get.

Have your lawyer look into Vocational Rehab. I maybe since you got hurt at work the insurance company has to pay to retrain you in a job that will be easier for you.

domks · 06-16-2003, 03:27 PM

I have bilateral CTS diagnosed by EMG and my employer's WC carrier has denied the claim, saying it didn't occur while they were the carrier. I work on the computer 40 hours a week for the last 5 years in my current job. My employer then submitted a claim to the previous carrier who said the same thing. I tried to get a lawyer. None would take the case because they don't get enough money out of CTS cases. Six weeks ago my employer sent it to the first carrier again, and assured me they would review it and I'd hear from the carrier soon. Guess what? Not a word! My employer is also my physician. They sent all the bills through my health insurance because the carrier denied the claim! I have to pay 30% coinsurance, so I guess my employer will send me to collections next! I am to have bilateral CTS release in one month. I guess I will have to file a petition with the court to get the carrier or my employer to cover this. I don't feel the employer is trying hard enough to get the carrier to pay. I suppose they will find some reason to fire me as soon as I file with the courts. I live in Nebraska, so I don't believe that there is any remedy for retaliation on the part of my employer. I am not looking to get any money out of this, I just want my medical bills paid,to be paid while off work after surgery, and for future bills to be paid. I know it is the in the best interest of the insurance carrier to deny all claims if possible. But I think they should have to at least respond. I also think Nebraska should have a law that protects the employee in cases like this. I feel I have no rights or recourse.