Hair Stylists and Nail Technicians Can Claim Workers’ Comp Too

By Ariel Silverman | February 15, 2024

Are you a hair stylist? Or a nail technician? Another type of beautician? Are you working day in and day out with your hands? Are you constantly in the same position? Are your hands cramping? Is this causing you pain? If you answer yes to any of these questions, contact us at Stern & Cohen because you may have a carpal tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim. 

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm.  

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

This pain is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs along the palm side of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily caused by repetitive motions or movements, injuries, medical conditions, or genetics.  

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include: 

• • Tingling in the fingers 
  • A “pins and needles” feeling in the fingers or hand  
  • Pain or numbness in the hand or arm 
  • Weakness in the hand or arm 
  • Difficulty gripping or grabbing objects 

Why Do Hairstylists and Nail Technicians Get Carpal Tunnel? 

Hairstylists and nail technicians are constantly repeating the same motions or movements with their fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. A hair stylist may spend all day washing, cutting, dying, and blow-drying hair, whereas a nail technician may spend all day cutting and painting nails. In either situation, the individual repeats the same tasks repeatedly. These repetitive and forced movements put pressure on the median nerve, and unfortunately, oftentimes results in developing carpal tunnel. 

Can Hairstylists and Nail Technicians Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim?  

Absolutely. A carpal tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim may result from a traumatic accident at work, such as a wrist fracture. However, a carpal tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim does not have to be from a single trauma or caused by a sudden onset of pain. Instead, symptoms can develop slowly over time. Many people do not even realize that the aches and pains associated with their daily repetitive job duties may be the early signs of a serious syndrome or work injury. 

More often, as seen with hairstylists and nail technicians, a carpal tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim will stem from repetitive hand movements. These hand movements are fundamental to hairstylists and nail technicians and are part of their daily job duties. There is no way to avoid it, but hopefully now, you can be proactive and aware of the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

In sum, if you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome or have developed any symptoms in your hands and arms while performing your work duties, you may be eligible for a carpal tunnel Workers’ Compensation Claim.  

Throughout the entire process, we’re here to help you.  Call Stern & Cohen at (215) 999-1443 or fill out a contact form below to get in contact with a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney.