Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may impair your ability to lift, carry, and grip objects. If Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is keeping you from work, you may qualify to obtain long-term disability insurance benefits, but you may need help from a California disability insurance attorney.

Applying for disability insurance benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often a challenge because insurance companies often deny Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claims, but a California disability insurance lawyer will fight for your right to your disability insurance benefits.

You need to know what steps to take if you dispute a decision made by your disability insurance company. If you keep reading, you will learn what steps to take, and you will also learn more about your rights as a disability insurance policyholder who is disabled from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What is the Definition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a physical condition that causes weakness, tingling, and numbness in the arm and in the hand. The cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pressure on the median nerve, the nerve running through the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the wrist.

Pressure on the median nerve may be caused by repetitive hand or thumb motions, an injury to the hand, or a number of different illnesses. The median nerve sends signals to the muscles at the bottom of your thumb.

If the median nerve is irritated or compressed, you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms begin gradually, with a slight numbness and tingling in the hands or fingers. That numbness and tingling slowly increases and may move through your arm.

Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores hand and wrist functions. Without treatment, permanent muscle and nerve damage may occur.

Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Strike Particular Groups?

A variety of factors make some people more likely than others to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Conditions like arthritis and diabetes may have an effect on the median nerve.
• A wrist fracture or dislocation can place pressure on the median nerve.
• Fluid retention and obesity may also increase carpal tunnel pressure.
• Kidney failure and thyroid disorders increase the chances of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Prolonged, repetitive wrist flexing or twisting may create median nerve pressure.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common in women than men.

In many cases, there is no single cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A combination of risk factors may contribute to the development of the condition.

Are Computers at Fault for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you routinely use a keyboard, a mouse, or a vibrating tool, it can exacerbate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and make it difficult to ease the inflammation of the median nerve. Pain and the inability to use your arm or hand fully can make it hard or even impossible to perform your job.

Researchers have looked for a link between computers and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Several studies suggest that using a mouse or excessive typing may trigger Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in some patients.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires a physical exam and an electromyography test or a nerve conduction study. Several Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatments are available including corticosteroid injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a condition like arthritis, treating the arthritis may also help you reduce your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. If those symptoms do not respond to any treatments, a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferer may have to undergo surgery.

Are You Eligible for Disability Insurance Benefits?

If you are partially or totally disabled by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and if you apply for long-term disability insurance benefits, an insurance company typically will look for evidence suggesting that you are not disabled and will deny your claim for disability insurance benefits.

The insurance company may also conduct interviews with your doctor and your employer to evaluate the validity of your disability claim.

If you have applied for long-term disability insurance benefits and have not heard back from your insurance company for six or eight weeks, you may need to contact the company for a decision. Under ERISA and most state laws, there are strict time limits for making decisions on disability insurance benefit claims.

Intentionally delaying a claim decision is one way that some insurers operate in bad faith. In most situations, until you receive a denial letter, you cannot take any action or file an appeal.

When Should You Contact a Disability Insurance Attorney?

If your insurance company denies your long-term disability insurance claim, your next best move is to contact the best and most experienced California disability insurance attorney who can help you appeal that denial or file a lawsuit. If there has been a substantial delay in deciding your disability insurance claim, you should not wait until your claim is denied in order to seek the advice of a California disability insurance lawyer.

If you have not yet filed a claim for long-term disability insurance benefits, a disability insurance lawyer can help you with the paperwork to ensure that it is complete, accurate, on time, and that there are no misunderstandings or mistakes on your part that could trigger a delay or denial of your benefits. Most disability insurance lawyers do not handle claims prior to an insurer’s denial of a claim so make sure you do your research to find qualified disability insurance attorneys who handle disability insurance claims from their inception.

If Your Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits is Denied, Take These Steps

To dispute a denial of your disability insurance benefits, your first and best move is to contact a disability insurance claims attorney who can assist you with your next move. An experienced disability insurance claims attorney can give you advice regarding whether your claims was improperly denied, whether you should file an appeal or file a lawsuit against your disability insurance attorney.

There are many important decisions that you must make and a California claims insurance attorney can give you the advice you need to take the next steps to protect yourself and your family.

Your Lawyer Can Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you need to appeal the denial of a disability insurance claim, an appeal begins by reaching out to a disability insurance attorney. Depending on whether ERISA applies to your denied disability claim, you may have only a brief amount of time to appeal a denial of long-term disability insurance benefits, so the sooner you contact a disability insurance lawyer, the better.

It is important to prepare a strong appeal that can withstand the scrutiny of your insurance company. You can file an appeal without a lawyer’s help, but if you make mistakes and your appeal is denied, your remaining options may be significantly limited.

Instead, work with a lawyer who will fight aggressively and effectively on your behalf. If your appeal fails, your lawyer can then file a lawsuit against your insurance company to maximize your chances of receiving your disability insurance benefits.

McKennon Law Group PC has extensive experience handling all types of disability insurance claims, including claims based on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.