What is RSD? Common Signs and Symptoms

There are many ways to become injured at work, and one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed illnesses is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). What is RSD? In short, it is a chronic neurological syndrome characterized by these symptoms: severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch.

This chronic pain syndrome characterized by severe and relentless pain that affects between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans and is defined by the following characteristics:

●        The syndrome is a malfunction of part of the nervous system. Nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. After a traumatic event, such as an accident or a medical procedure, RSD may develop as a response.

●        Even such minor injuries as sprains or a fall are frequent causes of RSD. A common identifying characteristic is that the pain is more severe than expected for the type of injury that occurred.

●        Many health care professionals and patients are unaware of RSD’s signs and symptoms, which is troubling, because early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to recovery. Typically, people report seeing an average of five physicians before being accurately diagnosed!

●        The mean age at diagnosis is 42 years. However, injuries among young girls are becoming a more common victim of the syndrome, and children as young as 3 years old can get RSD.

●        RSD is not a psychological syndrome, but people may develop psychological problems when physicians, family, friends, and co-workers do not believe they are in pain, and so do not respond appropriately to their continued complaints.

●        Common effective treatments include medication, physical therapy, psychological support, sympathetic nerve blocks, and/or spinal cord stimulation.

A number of precipitating factors have been associated with RSD including:

●        Trauma (often minor) ranks as the leading provocative event

●        Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction

●        Cervical spine or spinal cord disorders

●        Cerebral lesions

●        Infections

●        Surgery

●        Repetitive motion disorder or cumulative trauma, causing conditions such as carpal tunnel.

A workplace injury which has lead to RSD calls for experienced legal representation. Our staff of Workers' Injury attorneys have decades of experience in fighting for the maximum settlement amounts for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Carpal Tunnel Red Flags: Numbness in the Fingers, Numbness in the Arm

One of the most common forms of repetitive stress injury suffered in the workplace is Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is an injury which often stems from repetitive strain on a regular basis. After repetitive motion, the tissues surrounding a person's wrist tendons may become enlarged to the point that they can compress the median nerve, which runs through a passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. This compression can lead to the following symptoms:

●        Numbness in the fingers, numbness in the arm,

●        Tingling and pain in the hand, wrist and forearm

●        Impaired or lost nerve function

●        Reduced muscle control

●        A reduction of grip strength

Carpal tunnel syndrome was deemed the "chief occupational hazard of the '90's – disabling workers in epidemic proportions" according to the United States Department of Labor.

Fortunately, CTS is considered a work-related injury under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. The Illinois Supreme Court has found that although carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually and not as the result of a sudden mishap, employees may be compensated from the onset of CTS under the Act.

The following 10 points illustrate what you may expect to find covered under the Act:

1.      Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to receive 100% of all medical expenses which are reasonable and necessary to treat your condition. These include, but are not limited to, first aid, emergency room services, doctor’s visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, and prescriptions.

2.      Choosing a Physician: You may be able  to choose my own physician or hospital for treatment of my CTS, but certain restrictions are specified under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act.

3.      Financial Limitations on Treatment: As long as your medical treatments are reasonable and necessary to treat your CTS, you should not be asked to pay any deductions, and no dollar limitations should be placed on your treatment.

4.      Temporary Total Disability Compensation You are entitled to temporary total disability compensation (TTD) while you are off work and are under active medical treatment. TTD compensation is based on a percentage of average weekly wages, including overtime.

5.      Initial Payment: Under the provisions of the Act, your employer or their insurance company is legally required to begin payment of TTD within fourteen (14) days of the date you informed your employer that you developed CTS.

6.      Loss of Ability to Use Hands or Arms: You may be entitled to receive compensation for the partial permanent loss of use of your hands or arms as a result of contracting CTS while on the job.

7.      Permanent Partial Disability: 5 Factors: This assessment depends on a physician’s evaluation of the level of impairment, your age, your occupation, your future earning capacity, and any other evidence of disability corroborated by treatment records.

8.      Benefits due to Reduced Capabilities: If it is necessary for you to accept a lower-paying job because of your inability to perform the responsibilities of your usual and customary employment, you may be entitled to benefits equal to two-thirds (2/3) of the difference between the average gross weekly wage you were earning before you developed CTS and the wage you are able to earn after your return to work.

9.      Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are able to prove through medical evidence that you are unable to return to your former usual and customary occupation as a result of your CTS, your employer may be responsible to pay for the vocational rehabilitation necessary to return you to a position consistent with your physical imitations. You may also be entitled to receive maintenance payments in the form of TTD during your retraining period.

10.  Social Security Benefits: If a disability has prevented you from working for a period of five months, and it is anticipated by your physician that your disability will continue for a total of one year or longer, you may be eligible for social security benefits.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The Cons of Telecommuting

Over the past decade, more and more companies have tried out telecommuting strategies in different capacities with varying degrees of success. A new report finds that telecommuting may be on the decline in the 2010's.

CNN Money is reporting that "it's true that telework reduces pollution, improves productivity, and cuts real estate costs for employers while increasing retention and employee loyalty. But no matter how advanced the technology, something is lost when face-to-face contact disappears. Indeed, a new report found that the number of teleworkers declined in 2010 for the first time since data collection began nearly a decade ago. While there's no denying that telecommuting can provide tremendous benefits, organizations are finding that virtual collaboration has its limits."
 
It is possible for telecommuters to feel disconnected from coworkers, especially if they work quite a distance away from one another. Why? Because they likely have never met their team members face to face; email and webcam introductions work for some but they are not a substitute for a real introduction and handshake. For this reason, it may take longer to build a working relationship and rapport with coworkers via Skype and email. 
 
Additionally, part of the working relationship is built around non-working activities: coffee, lunch or after work drinks with coworkers. Socializing with coworkers creates friendships out of work mates, which can reinforce a positive working relationship.
 
Experts say that it is possible to counteract this isolation by showing your face around the office from time to time, especially when a new employee joins the team. That way you can have a face to face meeting and reconnect with old coworkers. The frequency and feasibility of "popping by the office" is obviously dependent on what the distance is and your company's travel policies.
 
Whether you are working from home or in an office setting, you need to practice good health and work safety to avoid work injuries. For office workers, repetitive motion trauma like carpal tunnel is a risk that may be overlooked when working from home. Why? Because employers are likely to do ergonomic assessments and post health and safety standards to avoid employee work injury. Not so at home. 
 
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Company Designs Office to Encourage Telecommuting

Headset manufacturer Plantronics believes that telecommuting is a great way to encourage flexibility and employee productivity. For this reason, their new office space is designed with the expectation that most employees, on most days, will be working from home. As a result, the office space does not actually have enough desks for each employee.

Fast Company reports,"Plantronics is hardly the first company to encourage its employees to telecommute, but it’s still rare to find an organization that’s so dedicated to the idea. It might be a little bit of an adjustment to people used to sitting at work all day every day, but the generation just coming out of school–the one that’s used to having instant access to people through cell phones, Skype, and email–expects nothing less. With gas prices steadily climbing, the prospect of working remotely three days a week seems especially attractive.

And Plantronics has no limits on how often employees work from home–it just asks that they make sure their home workplaces are ergonomically safe."

There is a growing trend toward telecommuting that is fueled by two major factors:

1. Commuting Costs: As gas and energy prices rise – and consumers become more aware of consuming energy as a result – physically commuting to work can become costly. So costly, in some situations, that employees consider taking jobs closer to home that pay less.

2. Employee Expectations: Younger generations are increasingly "plugged-in" and mobile. They know how to communicate from anywhere using multiple technological tools and programs – and they jump at the opportunity to do so.

Multiple studies show that in spite of concerns about employee productivity, workers feel empowered by the freedom to complete work tasks where and when they choose. By enabling them to work in a comfortable environment and time frame, employers are reaping the benefits of maximum productivity and at the same time eliminating costly overhead for maintaining physical office space for all employees.

One interesting topic of note about telecommuting that many employees overlook is the "ergonomically safe" piece. For this reason, workers who plan on working from home on a regular basis need to make sure they set up a home office or work space that accomplishes the following to guard against work injury:

- Chair that is adjustable to ensure that you are seated properly at the correct height and angle.
- Correct keyboard tools and placement to avoid possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Computer monitor screen positioned correctly at the proper height and distance to avoid eye strain.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
 

How to Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

"Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger)," defined by Web MD. This nerve compression is likely to cause:

 
• Tingling, numbness and pain in the hand, wrist and forearm
• Lost or impaired nerve function
• Reduced grip strength and / or muscle control
 
Clients often question whether carpal tunnel syndroms is considered a work-related injury by the Illinois Workers Compensation Act. It is; therefore, sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome are eligible to receive 100% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses. For example, ER services, doctors appointments, hospital care (both inpatient and outpatient), prescription drugs, first aid amd more are covered.
 
Although carpal tunnel is covered by workers compensation, it is preferable to avoid the painful carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms altogether. Here are four ways to avoid repetitive trauma work injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome:
 
1. Best Health Practices: There are certain lifestyle changes that doctors advise for many different medical conditions, and carpal tunnel syndrome is no exception. These include – but are not limited to – maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking. 
 
2. Be Aware: Look at your daily routine, paying special attention to your work space and the way you complete every day work tasks. This is particularly important in relation to anything that may be classified as "repetitive motion", making you more vulnerable for carpal tunnel syndrome.
 
3. Make Ergonomic Corrections: Using the above assessment, take steps to make your work area more ergonomically correct. This means using equipment and rearranging your space to prevent muscle strain and repetitive trauma where possible. Examples are pads for under your keyboard to elevate your wrists properly and making sure your chair and computer monitor are positioned correctly for your height.
 
4. Give Yourself a Break: This is perhaps the most important advice, and the easiest way to avoid repetitive trauma like carpal tunnel syndrome. Remind yourself to take breaks at set intervals – take a water break, use the restroom or just stand up at your desk and stretch your muscles. It may be just the break your body needs from repetitive motions.
 
If you keep these four tips in mind and integrate them into your workday, you may be able to avoid  the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome and the process of filing a workers compensation claim. If you are already suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of repetitive motion tasks performed at your job, you should speak with a qualified legal professional and see a qualified medical professional. A workers compensation attorney and your doctor can assist you with medical treatment and workers compensation benefits right away.
 
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

Information Regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Injuries And Claim Settlement

In Illinois, injuries related to workplace accidents are on the rise. One of the main reasons for this is people working with machines for long hours in workplaces without adequate safety precautions. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is one such work place related health hazard. Doctors are of the opinion that repetitive use of the hand as in computer usage or equipment operations is one of the significant causes of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

Under the Illinois Compensation law, victims of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome can be sufficiently compensated if diagnosed correctly and if the employer is found to be at fault. There are several situations which can cause CTS injuries, however lack of awareness of the symptoms can result in your claim being deferred by the employer. An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers will explain all legal implications of CTS and what type of compensation you may receive. Since CTS injury cases are not straightforward, the attorneys will liaise on your behalf with your employer or their insurer to ensure your claim is processed successfully.

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :

The symptoms of CTS typically consist of one or more of the following:

  • Vague aching of the wrist.
  • Ache may or may not extend unto your hand or forearms
  • Burning sensations in the thumb and fingers
  • Loss of grip

If you have these symptoms, you might consider appointing a Chicago worker’s compensation lawyer to get your rightful compensation.

Causes (Work related): OSHA (Occupations Safety and Health Administration) had conducted a research in the recent past; the result indicated that people who perform tasks that required highly repetitive manual acts or specific wrist movements are more prone to CTS. If you developed CTS due to your job, your employer may be liable for your injury and may be obligated to compensate you. Further, he may be liable to retain your employment throughout your recovery. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help initiate your claim.

Effects of Carpel Tunnel:

Carpel Tunnel can have devastating physical impact on an employee. For some workers the condition may worsen so much that they have to switch tasks or stop working altogether. Also, some insurance companies avoid their clients when it comes to settlements and try to manipulate the claim to suit their case. If you find yourself in such a situation it is always advisable to approach competent Illinois worker’s compensation lawyers. They are in a position to bail you out of the disaster as they are trained to deal with such situations and get the best compensations possible for their clients.

For example, an ophthalmologic surgeon was diagnosed with bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome following a traumatic accident. The surgeon carried on with her routine work in the hope of a fast recovery. While the pain stopped, the loss of sensation in her fingers remained. The surgeon was compelled to stop performing all eye surgeries, even though she continued to practice in a non-surgical way. When she submitted the insurance claim the company denied it .She then retained services of a worker compensation attorney who successfully managed to obtain the compensation she deserved.

In the USA, people loose on an average $30,000 on injuries caused due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The expenditure includes medical bills and lost time from work. In some cases, carpal tunnel release surgery is considered, which may not be always covered by health insurance plans. If you are worried about your finances and treatment expenses, meet up with an experienced Chicago worker compensation attorney to discuss your unique case. A skilled Illinois Workers' Compensation lawyer can appropriately estimate the loss and make sure you receive the proper benefits. By utilizing their expertise and knowledge in handling carpal tunnel syndrome cases you can increase the value of your carpal tunnel workmans compensation claim while they present the case in the most constructive way possible. Whether it’s a simple or the most complicated case, a highly skilled Chicago workers compensation lawyer can make sure that you will receive complete compensation from your employer or their insurer, or even a third party.

If you would like to know more about worker compensation laws and claim settlement process related to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, please visit http://www.illinoisworkinjuryattorney.com/ or contact 1- 888-853-4878 to schedule a free consultation.

Worker Compensation Claim For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a growing situation among professionals who use the computer for several hours each day. More than seven million people are affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) across the country. The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow tunnel on the palm-side of the wrist, enclosed by bones and muscles of the palm. The median nerve and tendons that aid in the movement of the fingers, except the little finger pass through it. Initially, carpal tunnel syndrome may occur as pain in the wrists and palms. However, it may progress if these symptoms are left untreated to a point where the patient may feel weak and lose the ability to feel heat and cold.

Carpal tunnel treatment may involve a combination of surgery, exercises and splints. Workers who are injured due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are covered under Illinois workers compensation laws. However, it’s important to establish the history of the injury to file a successful claim. It’s also important to establish that the injury occurred due to unavoidable work related instances over a period of time. In addition to repetitive motions, CTS symptoms can also be triggered due to an accident to the hand or neck. Treatment is focused on reducing the swelling and easing the nerve pressure. Identifying and treating the condition during early stages helps in quick recovery without surgical intervention. Severe cases will require surgery.

Workers injured due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should seek immediate medical advice and inform their employer about the condition to obtain appropriate benefits. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act entitles an injured worker to obtain 100% carpal tunnel workmans compensation for their medical expenses that are reasonable and necessary to treat the condition. The medical expenses include, but are not limited to emergency room services, first aid, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, doctor visits and prescriptions. Your employer may direct you to a physician who is pre-determined by the insurer, however you may also consult with independent medical counselors of your choice for treatment. During your active treatment and recovery period you are also entitled to temporary total disability compensation (TTD) while you are off work. This will help you recover lost wages and the employer or their insurance company is required to being the TTD payment within 14 days of the date you informed your employer regarding the CTS condition.

Apart from lost wages compensation, you may be entitled to receive permanent partial disability compensation (PPD) to compensate for the loss of use of your hands or arms as a result of contracting CTS while on the job. Such compensation is generally obtained through a settlement agreement between you and your employer. You may also face situations where you have to consider a lower paying job during your treatment due to inability to perform your earlier job responsibilities. In such situations you are entitled to receive benefits to compensate the loss in wages due to reduced salary conditions of the new job.

Hiring a Chicago Worker Compensation Lawyer who is highly experienced in Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and in particular carpal tunnel syndrome, will ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation you deserve. They will diagnose your situation and advice the best legal course to file for all relevant benefits you are entitled to.

If you would like to know more about worker compensation laws and claim settlement process, please visit www.illinoisworkinjuryattorney.com . You may also contact 1- 888-853-4878 to schedule a free consultation.