A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common condition affecting workers across all industries in the UK. If your RSI developed due to a negligent…
Make a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of the work you do, you could be entitled to claim compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can significantly impact your work and personal life. If you developed CTS because of your employer’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a carpal tunnel syndrome claim for compensation.
Your employer has a legal obligation to ensure that your working environment is safe and that you are able to complete your job without unnecessary risk.
If your employer breaches their duty of care to you and you are diagnosed with a condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, you are likely entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and related financial losses.
To find out whether you have a valid claim against your employer, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back for a free case assessment with a friendly legal adviser.
Key points about carpal tunnel syndrome claims
- Am I eligible to make a claim?
You may be eligible if your CTS symptoms were caused or made worse by repetitive tasks at work. - Is my employer at fault?
Employers have a duty of care to minimise repetitive strain risks through ergonomic tools, training, and job rotation where needed. - How long do I have?
You generally have 3 years from when you were diagnosed or became aware that your job may be to blame. - How much could I get?
The amount you can claim will depend on how your symptoms affect your ability to work, as well as your pain, suffering and any lost income. - Can I claim on a no win, no fee basis?
Yes, your solicitor will act on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s no cost to you unless your claim succeeds.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Table of Contents
What is a carpal tunnel syndrome claim?
A carpal tunnel syndrome claim is a type of personal injury claim made by an employee who has developed CTS as a result of work-related activities. The most common causes include repetitive movements, poor ergonomics and prolonged use of vibrating tools.
If your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, proper equipment, or sufficient breaks, and this negligence led to your CTS, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:
- The pain and suffering caused by the condition.
- Loss of earnings due to time off work.
- Future financial losses if your ability to work is affected.
- Medical expenses related to treatment.
The following guide provides information on carpal tunnel syndrome, the likely causes and how you might be able to make a claim for the compensation that you are legally entitled to.
Can I make a claim against my employer for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, you are eligible to make a carpal tunnel syndrome compensation claim against your employer if your condition is due to their negligence. To make a successful claim, your solicitor must prove the following:
- Your employer owed you a legal duty to keep you safe from the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- They failed to protect your health and safety, breaching their duties toward you.
- You were diagnosed with CTS as a result of their negligence.
- You are within the legal time limit to start a claim (generally 3 years after diagnosis).
You will need evidence to prove each aspect of your claim, which your personal injury solicitor will help you gather.
Does my employer have a duty of care to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
Your employer has a legal duty of care to you to minimise risk and provide adequate safety measures to prevent work-related illnesses or injuries, including CTS. This duty is set out by various legislation, including:
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – applies to all workplaces.
- The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 – specific guidelines for office workers.
- The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 – for workplaces that involve manual handling tasks.
Under these laws, an employer’s duties to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace include:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify hazards that may lead to CTS.
- Provide ergonomic equipment and promote regular breaks.
- Provide training on proper manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
- Eliminate or minimise hazards that may contribute to the development of CTS.
- Offer adequate training and instructions regarding the use of equipment, including computers.
- Maintain a comfortable temperature, as colder environments increase carpal tunnel risk.
- Promote regular and sufficient breaks.
- Supply all necessary equipment to carry out your job safely and without risks to your health.
If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms due to a breach of these duties, you could claim compensation from your employer.
Is there a time limit to make a carpal tunnel syndrome claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have a time limit of three years to begin a claim against somebody whose negligence has caused you to suffer an injury.
With claims for carpal tunnel syndrome and similar repetitive strain injuries, the three years usually begin from when the condition is diagnosed and linked to the workplace. That is because CTS develops over time and cannot usually be linked to a single event.
You must start your claim within this time limit, as failing to do so can render your case time-barred. This will prevent you from claiming compensation regardless of the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life.
How do I make a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
We completely understand that embarking on a workplace injury claim against your employer can be daunting. For this reason, your solicitor will work hard to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. The steps include:
- Step 1: A free case assessment to discuss your injury, so your solicitors can evaluate the likely success of your CTS claim. At this stage, you can ask any questions to better understand how the claims process works.
- Step 2: Choose a lawyer to represent you, investigate your case and help you gather supporting evidence.
- Step 3: Calculate how much compensation you deserve and send a letter of claim to the defendant.
- Step 4: If your employer accepts liability for your carpal tunnel injury, you will negotiate a compensation payment. Once a suitable settlement is reached, the case will be completed, and you will receive your compensation payment.
- Step 5: If liability is denied or you cannot reach an agreement on the amount of damages to be paid, the case may need to be decided in court. In reality, the vast majority of personal injury cases of this type (over 97%) are settled without involving the courts.
What evidence will I need to make a carpal tunnel compensation claim?
To be able to claim compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll need evidence linking your condition to your work. This could include:
- Work documentation. Documents related to risk assessments, training and your job duties.
- Medical records. Tests or examinations that confirm carpal tunnel syndrome and the results of any treatment or therapy you received.
- Specialist reports. A testimony from a medical expert to support the relationship between your work activities and the development of your condition.
- Witness statements. Statement from co-workers, friends, or family members who can support your claim that your work activities caused your carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Your testimony. Your notes detailing when the symptoms started, their nature and the effect they had on your life.
- Financial documents. Records of any time off from work, any reduction in income, and other related financial expenses, such as receipts and bank statements.
Gathering this evidence is essential to strengthen your carpal tunnel injury claim. Your lawyer will ensure you have all the necessary documents to maximise your compensation.
How much compensation can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The amount of compensation you deserve for your work-related carpal tunnel syndrome will be determined based on the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your life.
The compensation amount is calculated on a case-by-case basis and covers two types of damages:
General damages are awarded for the injury itself and its intangible effects on your life, such as:
- Physical pain, distress and suffering.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Loss of mobility and physical impairment.
- Inability to pursue a hobby or carry out daily tasks.
- Mental and emotional distress.
Special damages compensate for any financial expenses and future losses, such as:
- Private medical treatments and prescriptions.
- Loss of earnings and future earning capacity.
- Cost of rehabilitation or therapy.
- Cost of hiring household help or assistance with daily tasks.
- Travel expenses for medical appointments.
According to the latest Judicial College Guidelines, you could receive the following:
| Carpal Tunnel Severity | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Mild CTS with complete recovery within several months | £2,690 to £4,310 |
| More severe CTS, where recovery takes up to 3 years | £10,550 to £13,120 |
| Continuing but fluctuating symptoms | £18,180 to £19,940 |
| Severe, ongoing symptoms causing disability | £26,740 to £28,220 |
Can I make a carpal tunnel claim with a no win no fee solicitor?
Yes. If you have a valid carpal tunnel claim, your lawyer will offer to work for you on a no win no fee basis. Also called a conditional fee agreement, the no win no fee service means that if you lose your claim, you won’t pay your solicitors a penny.
When you make a no win no fee carpal tunnel syndrome claim with the help of an expert solicitor, you will have nothing to pay at the outset. You will also have the guarantee and peace of mind that there will be no hidden or unexpected costs along the way.
Your lawyer only receives a success fee if you win the claim. This fee is capped at 25% of your compensation payment and agreed upon from the beginning.
Could I lose my job if I make a carpal tunnel claim against my employer?
No, you cannot be legally dismissed for making a legitimate claim for a carpal tunnel injury. Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe from harm and accidents at work, and they are liable for compensation if they breach this duty.
Employment law protects you from unfair treatment by your employer. If they retaliate as a result of your claim, you could make a further claim for unfair or constructive dismissal at an employment tribunal.
Carpal tunnel syndrome FAQs
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating condition that affects the hands, wrists, and fingers, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. It falls within the group of conditions known as type 1 repetitive strain injury.
CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, often due to repetitive hand movements or prolonged strain. Typing, assembly work, or using vibrating tools can increase the risk.
The condition is more common in women and may develop during pregnancy due to joint strain and fluid retention. Age can also increase the likelihood of CTS, as the carpal tunnel becomes less flexible.
If your workplace caused or worsened your CTS, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injury.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and restrict your ability to carry out your normal daily activities. This can significantly impact earning potential and emotional stability. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Numbness in the hands, thumbs, or fingers.
- Pins and needles or tingling sensations.
- Burning or shooting pain in the wrist and hand.
- Weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
- Pain or discomfort that may worsen at night.
If left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent and irreversible nerve damage and constant symptoms that will severely impact your quality of life and ability to work.
CTS is often caused by repetitive hand movements over long periods. Certain jobs carry a higher risk, including:
- Typists and office workers.
- Assembly line workers.
- Packers and warehouse staff.
- Drivers.
- Painters and manual labourers.
- Musicians and writers.
This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage anyone who is suffering from CTS to contact a solicitor to discuss the cause of your condition, the severity of your symptoms and your eligibility to make a claim for compensation.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common problems affecting the hand, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness and general weakness. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and can be nonsurgical or surgical.
Nonsurgical treatment
In the early stages, there are some things you could do to make the problem go away, such as:
- Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
- Adjust the height of your chair and desk.
- Reposition your keyboard and mouse.
- Change the position of your hand and wrist during activities.
- Avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
- Apply cold packs to reduce swelling.
- Wrist splints to hold your wrist still at night.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment may be necessary if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with nonsurgical methods. The procedure involves cutting the ligament at the base of the palm to enlarge the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve and surrounding tendons.
There are two different surgical techniques:
- Endoscopic Surgery – your surgeon will make one or two small incisions in the hand or wrist and use a tiny camera-equipped endoscope to view inside the carpal tunnel and cut the ligament.
- Open Surgery – your surgeon will make an incision in the palm over the carpal tunnel and cut the ligament to free the nerve.
Ready to start your carpal tunnel injury claim?
If you developed CTS due to another party’s negligence, you might be entitled to make a carpal tunnel claim. If your case is successful, you could receive compensation for your pain, suffering, and the cost of any treatments you received.
To discuss your case and compensation prospects with an experienced solicitor, call 0800 470 0474 or use the contact form below to arrange your free case assessment. This can be done over the phone and won’t take any more than 15 minutes in most cases.
If your solicitor can help and you would like to proceed, they will be happy to act on a no win no fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, no hidden charges, and if they don’t win, you won’t pay a penny.
