Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Lawyers Advocating for Those Injured in Wheaton and Schaumburg 

As a type of nerve injury, cubital tunnel syndrome can result from work-related tasks that place pressure on the ulnar nerve. This syndrome is also known as ulnar neuropathy because the increased pressure often leads to weakness, tingling, and numbness. Employees suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome may be unable to fully perform their tasks, and in severe cases, unable to work. Left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent nerve damage. The Wheaton and Schaumburg workers’ compensation attorneys at Therman Law Office help injured workers pursue benefits and compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim according to Illinois law. For more than three decades of combined experience, we have worked to secure employees and their families the assistance they deserve.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, force and repetitive motion cause cubital tunnel syndrome. Work-related tasks can lead to nerve compression through direct pressure at the elbow, and movements that narrow the tunnel through which the ulnar nerve travels ultimately damage the nerve. Hammering or lifting are examples of motion that can compress the ulnar nerve. Unfortunately, ignoring the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome will not make it disappear. Medication, surgery, and ongoing professional care are often required to alleviate the effects and treat cubital tunnel syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome often limits a person’s capacity to work. Laws designed to help injured workers are set forth in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (IWCA). An employee diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome may be entitled to expenses related to medically necessary care. Disability payments may also be secured for time away from work, during a period of healing and recovery. Ongoing permanent disability payments may be available, and vocational training can provide another way to return to the workforce when severely impacted by cubital tunnel syndrome.

Eligibility for Compensation Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

To be eligible for worker’s compensation for employment-related cubital tunnel syndrome, an employee must make clear that over time, their work tasks led to the compression of the nerve. In some cases there may be an accident that led to the injury. Proper medical documentation should make clear the syndrome is work-related by clearly documenting the cause of the syndrome. However, there is no requirement, according to the IWCA, that a worker show fault for their condition.