Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Many people are familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome but are less aware of the related nerve compression syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar neuropathy, is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve, which is close to the area of the funny bone. It can occur when someone repeatedly leans on the elbow or bends the elbow for sustained periods, such as when talking on the phone. Symptoms may include pain as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness. If you suffer from a cubital tunnel syndrome due to a job in Boston or the surrounding area, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Pulgini & Norton may be able to help you pursue benefits.

Many workers go through discomfort and pain, but ignoring cubital tunnel syndrome will not make it go away. If the ulnar nerve remains compressed, serious disability may result. The only way to relieve these symptoms is to avoid the work that exacerbates or aggravates the condition, such as jobs that require you to keep your elbows bent for a long period.

You may need surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve if you have severe symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. This may result in your losing income while recovering. If surgery does not resolve the symptoms, you may be entitled to disability benefits. These are payments based on a percentage of your weekly wage. You may also be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, vocational rehabilitation, or a lump sum settlement.

Disabilities in the workers' compensation system can be temporary or permanent and partial or total. You can qualify for temporary disability payment if you are unable to work for five or more full or partial days based on your age, experience, and training. Temporary and total disability benefits are 60% of your gross average weekly wage. This is determined by looking at your total gross earnings for the 52 weeks before your injury date and dividing that sum by 52 for the average weekly wage. That figure is multiplied by 60% to find an approximate weekly compensation. Temporary and total disability benefits are available for 156 weeks, or three years.

Partial disability is available if your cubital tunnel syndrome renders you unable to do part of your job, but you can still work part-time or in a position that has a lower pay rate. The maximum compensation for partial disability is up to 75% of your weekly total temporary benefits. These benefits are available for up to five years.

You can qualify for permanent total disability if you are completely unable to do any sort of work because of cubital tunnel syndrome. The benefits are two-thirds of the average weekly wage based on the 52 weeks before the injury or a minimum of 20% of the state average weekly wage, up to a maximum of the state average weekly wage. These benefits are available for as long as you are permanently disabled.

If you have endured cubital tunnel syndrome at a Boston workplace, you should retain an experienced work injury lawyer to represent you through the challenging workers' compensation claims process. The attorneys at Pulgini & Norton represent individuals in communities throughout Massachusetts, including Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford. Call us at 781-843-2200 or contact us via our online form to set up an appointment.