Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Workers' Compensation in Sunnyvale, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claims are common in Sunnyvale's Tech & Software and Technology Manufacturing sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $15,000–$30,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Sunnyvale is $76,200. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110. An experienced attorney who knows the Sunnyvale board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome settlement values in California range from $15,000–$30,000
  • Sunnyvale area settlements average $76,200 across all injury types
  • Key Sunnyvale industries with carpal tunnel syndrome risk: Tech & Software, Technology Manufacturing, Aerospace
  • Your WCAB office: 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110
  • 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

Sunnyvale avg. across all injuries: $76,200

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How Carpal Tunnel Syndromes Happen in Sunnyvale

Software engineers and tech workers develop carpal tunnel syndrome from years of intensive keyboard and mouse use, often worsened by poor ergonomic setups.

Assembly line workers in tech manufacturing perform thousands of repetitive hand movements daily, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Precision assembly, riveting, and wiring tasks cause repetitive strain in aerospace workers.

Sunnyvale's economy relies heavily on Tech & Software, Technology Manufacturing, Aerospace, 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.

Sunnyvale WCAB Office

224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 277-1246

Served by San Jose WCAB. 15-minute drive from Sunnyvale via US-101. Visitor parking in the structure (first 15 mins free).

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

Covered

Anti-inflammatory medications

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce inflammation and pain

Typical timeline: Ongoing as needed

Covered

Activity modification and ergonomics

Workplace modifications including ergonomic keyboard, mouse, and workstation setup

Typical timeline: Permanent modifications

Covered

Cortisone injections

Steroid injection into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation temporarily

Typical timeline: 1-2 injections, effects last 3-6 months

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Settlement in Sunnyvale

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 Sunnyvale

  • 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 Sunnyvale WCAB office is at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Sunnyvale

View all Sunnyvale workers' comp info →

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Sunnyvale FAQ

What is the average carpal tunnel syndrome workers' comp settlement in Sunnyvale?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome settlements in California typically range from $15,000–$30,000. The overall average settlement in Sunnyvale is $76,200. 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 Sunnyvale?

Sunnyvale workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110. Phone: (408) 277-1246. 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 Sunnyvale?

Most carpal tunnel syndrome cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Sunnyvale WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Sunnyvale board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Sunnyvale industries have the highest carpal tunnel syndrome risk?

In Sunnyvale, carpal tunnel syndrome claims are most common in the Tech & Software, Technology Manufacturing, Aerospace industries. Silicon Valley tech workers suffer repetitive strain and psychological injuries at high rates. We specialize in these complex cumulative trauma cases.

Injured at Work in Sunnyvale?

Our attorneys handle carpal tunnel syndrome claims at the Sunnyvale 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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