Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Workers' Compensation in San Diego, California
Quick Answer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claims are common in San Diego's Biotech & Research and Higher Education sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $15,000–$30,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome settlement values in California range from $15,000–$30,000
- San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
- Key San Diego industries with carpal tunnel syndrome risk: Biotech & Research, Higher Education
- Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- Report wrist pain, numbness, and tingling as soon as symptoms appear - don't wait until it's severe
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Settlement Range
$15,000–$30,000
San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100
How Carpal Tunnel Syndromes Happen in San Diego
Pipetting, microscope work, and laboratory data entry create repetitive strain injuries in biotech researchers.
Professors and researchers develop carpal tunnel from extensive typing, grading, and computer-based research work.
San Diego's economy relies heavily on Biotech & Research, Higher Education, making carpal tunnel syndrome claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.
San Diego WCAB Office
Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms to Document
Numbness and tingling
Pins-and-needles sensation in thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, often worse at night
Hand pain
Aching or burning pain in the palm, wrist, or forearm, sometimes radiating up to the elbow or shoulder
Weakness and clumsiness
Difficulty gripping objects, dropping things, or trouble with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes
Night symptoms
Waking up at night with numb, tingling hands requiring shaking or repositioning for relief
Thenar atrophy
Visible wasting of the thumb muscle (thenar eminence) in severe, longstanding cases
Shock-like sensations
Electric shock-like feelings radiating into the fingers, triggered by wrist movements or pressure
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Wrist splinting
Neutral position wrist splints worn at night and during work to reduce nerve compression
Typical timeline: 4-6 weeks trial, ongoing if helpful
Anti-inflammatory medications
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce inflammation and pain
Typical timeline: Ongoing as needed
Activity modification and ergonomics
Workplace modifications including ergonomic keyboard, mouse, and workstation setup
Typical timeline: Permanent modifications
Cortisone injections
Steroid injection into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation temporarily
Typical timeline: 1-2 injections, effects last 3-6 months
Factors That Affect Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Settlement in San Diego
Severity of nerve damage
Nerve conduction studies showing severe compression result in higher settlements
Mild CTS: $10,000-$15,000 vs. Severe CTS: $25,000-$40,000
Bilateral vs. unilateral
Both wrists affected doubles settlement value
One wrist: $20,000 vs. Both wrists: $40,000-$60,000
Surgery outcomes
Failed surgery or persistent symptoms after surgery increase value
Good surgical outcome: $20,000 vs. Failed surgery: $35,000-$50,000
Ability to continue work
Permanent restrictions on computer work or repetitive tasks increase disability rating
No restrictions: 5% PD vs. Limited keyboard use: 10-15% PD
Filing Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claim in San Diego
- Report wrist pain, numbness, and tingling as soon as symptoms appear - don't wait until it's severe
- Document the repetitive nature of your work in detail (hours per day typing, keystrokes, tool use)
- Request nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) to objectively confirm carpal tunnel diagnosis
- Keep a symptom diary noting when numbness/pain occurs and what activities trigger it
- If symptoms affect both wrists, file for both even if one is worse than the other
- Don't settle before surgery outcome is clear - some surgeries fail or provide incomplete relief
- Ensure settlement accounts for permanent restrictions on computer work if you can't return to previous job
- The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in San Diego FAQ
What is the average carpal tunnel syndrome workers' comp settlement in San Diego?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome settlements in California typically range from $15,000–$30,000. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a carpal tunnel syndrome workers' comp claim in San Diego?
San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a carpal tunnel syndrome workers' comp case take in San Diego?
Most carpal tunnel syndrome cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Diego WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Diego board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which San Diego industries have the highest carpal tunnel syndrome risk?
In San Diego, carpal tunnel syndrome claims are most common in the Biotech & Research, Higher Education industries. We frequently handle defense firms based in Mission Valley.
Injured at Work in San Diego?
Our attorneys handle carpal tunnel syndrome claims at the San Diego WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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