Carpal Tunnel Compensation: Medical Negligence Claims

If you have experienced avoidable harm due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), you may be entitled to compensation. The team at JMW is highly experienced in carpal tunnel syndrome cases, and our expertise will prove invaluable as you go through the claims process. We understand the significant impact this condition can have on your quality of life, and aim to secure compensation that can make an important difference to your day-to-day life

To speak to a solicitor about making a carpal tunnel syndrome medical negligence claim, call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back. We are able to take on cases on a no win, no fee basis.

If you are looking for information related to making a carpal tunnel syndrome claim that was caused by your workplace, visit our CTS personal injury claims page.

Meet Our Team of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Compensation Claim Experts

We represent people whose carpal tunnel syndrome was missed, misdiagnosed, or made worse due to medical negligence. Our experienced medical negligence team has the legal expertise to secure the accountability and compensation you need.

Am I Entitled to Make a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Claim for Medical Negligence?

If you believe a medical professional caused avoidable harm by failing to diagnose, treat or manage your condition properly, then you may be entitled to make a claim. This avoidable harm could include:

• A GP failing to recognise early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome or dismissing symptoms.
• Delays in referring you to an orthopaedic specialist or neurologist.
• Failing to arrange nerve conduction tests to confirm the diagnosis.
• Mistakes during carpal tunnel release surgery, such as incomplete decompression of the median nerve.
• Poor post-operative care resulting in infection, scarring or more significant symptoms.

If your care fell below an acceptable standard and this directly caused your carpal tunnel syndrome to progress and cause long-term injury you may be eligible to claim compensation.

Our medical negligence solicitors will speak with you to establish your situation, review your medical records, assess the strength of your case and advise you on your options. We handle most carpal tunnel syndrome claims on a no win, no fee basis.

How Can Delayed Diagnosis Cause Harm?

When carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed early, treatment such as wrist splints, steroid injections or minor surgery are often able to prevent long-term damage. However, a delayed or missed diagnosis can cause the condition to progress, leading to permanent harm to the median nerve that could have been avoided.

As untreated symptoms worsen, you may experience continuing pain, reduced grip strength and difficulty performing everyday tasks. In some cases, delays can lead to irreversible nerve injury or ongoing disability in one or both hands.

These physical symptoms can also lead to psychological effects, such as frustration, anxiety or low mood linked to reduced independence. Compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome negligence can help you manage these challenges by covering medical treatment, care needs and financial losses.

Can I Claim If My Carpal Tunnel Surgery Went Wrong?

If your symptoms have persisted or worsened after carpal tunnel surgery, you may be able to make a surgical negligence claim. Surgical errors during a carpal tunnel release procedure can include accidental nerve injury, failure to fully release the pressure on the median nerve or post-surgical complications that were not properly managed.

When these errors result in long-term pain, weakness or disability, they have an impact on your life and welfare. In these cases, our lawyers specialising in carpal tunnel syndrome compensation claims can help assess the care you received, gather medical evidence and determine whether your treatment fell below an acceptable standard.

Who Can Be Responsible for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Medical Negligence?

When you seek treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, many different medical professionals can be involved, and all of them have a duty of care to uphold. There are many places this care could fall short, including:

• GPs who fail to recognise symptoms or refer for further tests.
• Orthopaedic surgeons who perform an incorrect or incomplete operation.
• Physiotherapists who provide inappropriate exercises or delay necessary medical treatment.
• Hospital clinicians who misinterpret test results or overlook signs of nerve damage.

Negligence can occur at any stage of your care. If your symptoms worsened because of someone else’s error, our solicitors can look at the departments and medical professionals involved, pinpoint where your care fell short, and stand by you while we seek accountability on your behalf.

What Evidence Will I Need to Make a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Negligence Claim?

Strong medical evidence is essential in proving that negligence caused your carpal tunnel injury. The JMW team will look to compile:

• Copies of your medical records and referral notes.
• Nerve conduction test results showing the extent of the damage.
• Independent medical assessments from specialists.
• Evidence of lost earnings, medical expenses and care costs.

JMW’s medical negligence team will handle the process of gathering this information and obtaining expert opinions to support your case. We will use this evidence to paint a compelling case that details how you experienced avoidable harm due to negligence by medical professionals. Read more with our detailed guide on how to prove medical negligence.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury to begin a medical negligence claim. This is known as the limitation period.

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the person affected lacks mental capacity, the time limit does not apply. If the claim involves a child, the three-year period begins when they turn 18. Because time limits can be complex, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible. JMW offers free initial advice on carpal tunnel syndrome claims and can explain how the process works.

How Long Does a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Negligence Claim Take?

The length of time involved in a carpal tunnel syndrome claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the defendant accepts responsibility. 

During the claims process, the work your solicitor does, such as gathering evidence and corresponding with the healthcare provider’s insurers, will mostly happen in the background. This way, you can recuperate from your condition, and we will take the time to keep you informed as things change.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The compensation you may receive for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on how severe your injury is and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. A claim usually includes two parts:

• General damages: for the pain, discomfort and reduced use of your hand.
• Special damages: for the financial impact, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and any future loss of earnings.

Your solicitor will review your circumstances carefully and pursue the full amount you’re entitled to claim. When you call us, JMW’s solicitors dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome claims will advise you on what your claim may involve, and potentially how much you may be able to claim for.

Q

What is classed as medical negligence in carpal tunnel syndrome cases?

A

Negligence can occur when a healthcare professional fails to recognise carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, delays diagnosis or performs an inappropriate treatment that causes your condition to worsen. For example, if your GP overlooked clear signs of carpal tunnel syndrome or an orthopaedic surgeon carried out a procedure incorrectly, this may amount to medical negligence.

Q

Can I make a claim if my symptoms were dismissed by a doctor?

A

If a doctor or other clinician ignored your symptoms or failed to refer you for nerve conduction tests, you may be able to make a carpal tunnel syndrome compensation claim. Early diagnosis is crucial, and unnecessary delays that lead to permanent nerve damage and ongoing pain may have caused you avoidable harm.

Q

Can I still claim if I developed carpal tunnel syndrome at work?

A

If you believe your condition was caused by repetitive strain, vibrating tools or poor workplace practices, you can still claim, but this will fall under personal injury. You can start your carpal tunnel syndrome workplace injury claim by visiting our personal injury claims page.

Q

Will I need to go to court to make a claim?

A

Most medical negligence claims are resolved without the need for a court hearing. However, your solicitor will prepare your case thoroughly so that if it does proceed to court, we will support you at each stage and make sure you have the best possible representation.