Hair Stylists and Nail Technicians Can Claim Workers’ Comp Too
Hair stylists, nail technicians, and other beauty professionals may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if repetitive job duties lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Repeated hand, wrist, and arm movements can cause work-related injuries over time, even without a single workplace accident.
Repetitive Work Can Lead to Serious Injuries
If you’re a hair stylist or nail technician, your hands are your livelihood. Day after day, you spend hours cutting, styling, coloring, filing, painting, and performing other repetitive tasks that place stress on your hands, wrists, and arms.
Over time, these repetitive motions can cause serious injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Many workers are surprised to learn that they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if their symptoms developed gradually rather than after a single workplace accident.
If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or wrists, you may have a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
The condition occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist and into the hand. As the pressure increases, symptoms can worsen and begin affecting your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Repetitive gripping or twisting motions
- Prior wrist injuries
- Certain medical conditions
- Genetic factors
For many beauty professionals, repetitive job duties are a major contributing factor.
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often develop gradually and may include:
- Tingling in the fingers
- A pins-and-needles sensation in the hand
- Pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm
- Numbness in the fingers or hand
- Weakness in the hand or arm
- Difficulty gripping tools or objects
If left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and interfere with your ability to perform your job.
Why Are Hair Stylists and Nail Technicians at Risk?
Hair stylists and nail technicians perform the same hand and wrist movements hundreds of times throughout the workday.
A hair stylist may spend hours:
- Washing hair
- Cutting hair
- Coloring hair
- Blow-drying hair
- Styling hair
A nail technician may spend hours:
- Filing nails
- Cutting nails
- Applying polish
- Performing manicures
- Performing pedicures
These repetitive motions place continuous pressure on the hands, wrists, and arms. Over time, that stress can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries.
Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Absolutely. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim does not have to result from a single accident or sudden injury. Many workers develop carpal tunnel syndrome slowly over time due to repetitive work activities. In fact, this is often how carpal tunnel syndrome develops for hair stylists and nail technicians.
If your job duties contributed to your condition, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
What Benefits Are Available?
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Payment of medical expenses
- Diagnostic testing
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, if necessary
- Wage-loss benefits if you miss work
- Benefits for work restrictions or reduced earnings
The benefits available will depend on the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to continue working in a profession that depends on the constant use of your hands. Unfortunately, insurance companies often challenge repetitive injury claims by arguing that the condition was caused by something other than work.
At Stern & Cohen, we help hair stylists, nail technicians, barbers, and other workers pursue Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. We can evaluate your claim, explain your rights, and help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
Contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.
FAQs
Do I need a specific workplace accident to qualify for workers' compensation?
No. Many workers’ compensation claims involve injuries that develop gradually over time due to repetitive job duties rather than a single traumatic event.
What are the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Common early symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and a pins-and-needles sensation in the fingers, hand, or wrist.
Can a hair stylist file a workers' compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes. Hair stylists may qualify for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits if repetitive work activities contributed to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Can a nail technician get workers' compensation for a repetitive stress injury?
Yes. Repetitive hand and wrist movements performed by nail technicians can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome that may be covered by workers’ compensation.