Yes, if you develop carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as a result of your work, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The key factor in these claims is demonstrating that your employer’s negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment contributed to your condition. CTS often occurs in jobs that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as factory work, typing, or using vibrating tools. If your employer did not take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of you developing CTS - such as offering ergonomic equipment, regular breaks, or proper training on how to reduce strain on your wrists - you may have grounds for a claim.

In addition, your claim may be valid if your employer was aware of the potential risks associated with your job duties but failed to act. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines that employers should follow to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including CTS. If these guidelines were ignored, and your condition developed or worsened as a result, it could strengthen your case for compensation.

To successfully claim compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, you'll need to provide comprehensive evidence showing that your condition is work-related and was caused or aggravated by your employment. The following evidence is typically required:

Medical records : a diagnosis from a doctor or specialist confirming that you suffer from CTS is essential. Medical reports should also show the extent of your injury, how it impacts your daily life, and any treatments or surgeries you’ve undergone.

• Occupational health records: if your workplace has carried out occupational health assessments, these records can be vital. They can show whether your employer was aware of the risks associated with your job and whether they took any action to prevent or manage those risks.
• Job description and details of duties: demonstrating how your work activities contributed to your condition is crucial. You will need to provide detailed information about your daily tasks, particularly those involving repetitive or strenuous wrist movements.
• Witness statements: colleagues or supervisors may provide statements that describe the working conditions and whether the employer followed health and safety guidelines.
• Formal complaints: if you raised concerns about your work environment or the strain on your wrists and your employer failed to address them, this can further support your claim.
• Health and Safety Executive guidelines: showing that your employer did not follow HSE guidelines for preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace can also strengthen your case.

Our legal team will help you gather the relevant evidence to build a strong case, ensuring all aspects of your condition and work environment are documented.

Not necessarily. Most carpal tunnel syndrome compensation claims are settled out of court through negotiations between your solicitor and the responsible party (usually your employer’s insurance company). These negotiations aim to reach a fair settlement without the need for court proceedings. However, if the employer disputes liability or the compensation amount cannot be agreed upon, it may become necessary to take the case to court.

If your case does go to court, the process involves presenting your evidence to a judge, who will determine whether your employer was negligent and, if so, how much compensation you should receive. Our solicitors will support you throughout the entire process, handling the legal aspects and ensuring your case is presented effectively in court.

If your employer disputes the claim, it is essential to continue building a strong case with additional evidence. Employers may argue that your condition was not caused by your work, or that they took all reasonable steps to prevent it. If this occurs, consider the following actions:

Seek further medical opinions: a specialist's report can provide more detailed information on how your work activities contributed to your condition, helping to counter any claims that your CTS developed for other reasons.

Keep a detailed record of your symptoms: maintain a log of your symptoms, including when they started, how they progress throughout the day, and how they affect your work and personal life. This can help demonstrate the link between your job and your injury.

Gather evidence of unsafe working conditions: if possible, take photographs of your work environment, equipment, or any situations that could have contributed to your CTS. This might include poorly maintained machinery, insufficient ergonomic setups, or inadequate rest periods.

Use witness statements: colleagues who have similar job roles or have observed your work conditions can provide statements about the demands of your job and whether your employer adhered to safety guidelines.

Our team can provide advice on how to strengthen your claim if your employer disputes your condition, ensuring that your case is as robust as possible.

The compensation you receive for carpal tunnel syndrome will vary based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your life. Payouts are generally broken down into two categories:

• General damages: these compensate for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the condition. The more severe the CTS, the higher the general damages. For example, mild cases of CTS where symptoms resolve with treatment may result in payouts between £2,500 and £6,000. Moderate cases, which may involve surgery and longer-term recovery, could attract compensation between £6,000 and £12,000. Severe cases involving permanent disability or inability to work may result in higher payouts, potentially exceeding £20,000.
• Special damages: these cover any financial losses you have incurred due to the condition. This may include loss of earnings (both past and future), the cost of medical treatment or surgery, physiotherapy, or any necessary modifications to your home or work environment. Special damages are calculated individually based on your specific circumstances.

The final compensation amount will take into account the extent of your suffering, the financial impact, and any long-term effects of the condition. Our solicitors will work with medical experts to assess your claim comprehensively and ensure you receive fair compensation.

A no win, no fee agreement (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement) allows you to pursue a carpal tunnel syndrome compensation claim without having to pay any legal fees upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay for the solicitor’s services, ensuring that you are not financially at risk.

If your claim is successful, a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation will be used to cover the solicitor's fees. This percentage will be discussed at the outset of your case, so you understand how much of the compensation will be allocated to legal costs. The no win, no fee model is designed to make legal support accessible, particularly in cases where financial hardship is a concern.

Our solicitors will discuss the terms of the no win, no fee agreement with you before proceeding, ensuring that everything is clear and transparent from the start. This way, you can focus on pursuing your compensation without worrying about upfront costs.