Can Carpal Tunnel Be Caused by a Car Accident?

Car accidents often lead to a variety of physical injuries, from whiplash and fractures to concussions and spinal injuries. However, not all car accident injuries are immediately obvious, and some can develop over time. One such injury is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. 

At Robert Louis Armstrong Personal Injury Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina, I’ve helped numerous individuals seek appropriate compensation for injuries caused by car accidents. If you’ve recently been in a car crash and suspect the incident may have caused carpal tunnel syndrome, continue reading for some important information.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression leads to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or forearm

• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform tasks that require dexterity

• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as typing or buttoning a shirt

The condition is most commonly associated with repetitive hand movements, such as typing, using a mouse, or performing manual labor. However, the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t always related to overuse or repetitive tasks. In some cases, external trauma or injury can lead to the condition.

Can Car Accidents Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Car accidents, particularly those involving a significant impact or sudden trauma, can cause a range of injuries, including those to the neck, back, and limbs. While carpal tunnel syndrome is typically linked to repetitive strain or pressure, it’s also possible for the condition to develop as a result of car accidents.

There are several ways in which car accidents might lead to carpal tunnel syndrome:

Direct Trauma to the Wrist or Arm

In the aftermath of a car accident, victims often experience sudden jerking motions, whiplash, or impact injuries. These forces can cause damage to the soft tissues in the wrist or arm, including tendons, muscles, and nerves. If the wrist is injured, it could lead to swelling or inflammation in the area, which may put pressure on the median nerve, leading to the development of CTS.

For example, in a T-bone or side-impact collision, the victim’s wrist might be forced against the steering wheel or door, causing an injury to the wrist or forearm. Even if the wrist doesn’t appear to be severely injured at the time of the accident, internal swelling or damage could result in nerve compression, ultimately leading to CTS symptoms.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash, a common injury in rear-end collisions, occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth. This sudden movement can affect the entire upper body, including the arms and hands. Whiplash can lead to nerve compression in the neck or shoulder, which may affect the median nerve’s ability to function properly.

In cases where the injury involves the cervical spine (the neck), pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots could radiate down the arm, causing symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. While this isn’t strictly a "wrist injury," the pain and numbness experienced in the hand can mirror the effects of CTS.

Inflammation and Swelling

The force of car accidents can cause immediate inflammation or swelling in the body, especially around the wrists, hands, or arms. Swelling in the wrist area can result in increased pressure on the carpal tunnel, where the median nerve passes. This pressure could lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, even if the victim didn’t suffer a direct injury to the wrist itself.

Poor Posture After an Accident

After car accidents, victims may change their posture or adopt awkward positions in an attempt to alleviate pain or discomfort. This altered posture can place additional stress on the upper body, including the wrists and arms. Over time, these abnormal movements or positions could contribute to nerve compression and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Legal Aspects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Car Accidents

If you've been involved in a car accident and developed carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, proving that the accident caused your CTS can be complicated, and there are several legal considerations to keep in mind when pursuing a personal injury claim in North Carolina.

Establishing Causation

In any personal injury claim, the plaintiff (the person making the claim) must prove that the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of their injuries. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, establishing a link between the accident and the condition can be challenging because CTS is typically associated with repetitive motions, not a single traumatic event.

To establish causation in a car accident-related CTS claim, the plaintiff will need to show that the car accident caused or significantly contributed to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

This may involve medical testimony from doctors, including orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or physical therapists, who can explain how the trauma from the accident led to nerve compression in the wrist.

Documenting the Injury and Symptoms

One of the most important aspects of any personal injury claim is documentation. If you believe that your carpal tunnel syndrome was caused or worsened by a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to evaluate your symptoms, conduct tests such as nerve conduction studies, and provide a diagnosis.

In addition to seeking treatment, it’s important to document the onset of symptoms and any changes in your condition. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they began, how they’ve progressed, and how they’re affecting your daily life. This documentation will be useful when presenting your case in court or during settlement negotiations.

Comparative Fault in North Carolina

North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found to be even partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. In other words, if the defendant can show that you were partly responsible for the car accident, you could lose your ability to recover damages entirely.

This is particularly relevant in cases where the car accident may have been a minor event or the plaintiff had preexisting wrist issues. If the defense can argue that the plaintiff was partially at fault for the accident or that their condition wasn’t caused by the accident, it may hinder the claim’s success.

Therefore, it’s crucial to have strong evidence demonstrating that the car accident was the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Types of Compensation Available

If you’re successful in proving that your carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment for CTS, including doctor’s visits, physical therapy, surgeries, or any other necessary medical interventions.

• Lost wages: If carpal tunnel syndrome affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or future earning capacity.

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life caused by the injury.

• Disability or disfigurement: If the CTS leads to permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be eligible for additional compensation.

I can help you fight for compensation. Contact my firm so we can start working on your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you suspect that your carpal tunnel syndrome was caused or aggravated by a car accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal options.

At Robert Louis Armstrong Personal Injury Attorney, I help accident victims fight for fair compensation for their injuries. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, I serve clients statewide, including New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, and Onslow County. Contact me today for more information.