What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from the compression of blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib, an area called the thoracic outlet.
The 3 main types of thoracic outlet syndrome include:
- Neurogenic TOS. This is the most common form caused by compression of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves controlling muscle movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, neck, shoulder, arm pain, and hand weakness.
- Venous TOS. This occurs when veins in the collarbone area are compressed, leading to symptoms like arm or hand swelling, bluish discoloration, and arm pain, often linked to blood clot formation.
- Arterial TOS. This least common form is caused by compression of the subclavian artery. Symptoms include coldness, numbness, arm and hand pain, and a weakened pulse. It can lead to an aneurysm (a bulge in the artery) or blood clots, both of which can lead to serious complications.
It’s also important to note that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may worsen with activities or positions that compress the thoracic outlet, such as lifting the arms overhead or carrying heavy objects.
Can thoracic outlet syndrome be work-related?
Yes, TOS can be work-related. Certain jobs, occupations, and tasks, especially those involving repetitive movements, sustained awkward postures, or heavy lifting, can contribute to the development of TOS.
Can I file workers’ comp for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Yes, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you develop TOS due to your job.
In North Carolina, most businesses with 3 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance, with some exceptions for certain farmworkers, sawmill workers, railroad workers, domestic workers, and independent contractors.
Workers’ compensation covers injuries or conditions linked to work-related activities, including TOS, if you can prove they’re directly caused by your job.
To file a successful claim, you’ll need to provide evidence that your TOS is work-related, usually through medical documentation and a detailed explanation of how your job contributed to the condition. Because the process can be complicated, it’s a good idea to get help from an experienced workers’ comp shoulder injury attorney to prevent a denied claim.
What benefits does workers’ comp offer?
If your workers’ comp claim for thoracic outlet syndrome is approved, you may be eligible to receive several key benefits:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ comp will cover all necessary medical treatments related to your TOS, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, scans, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Wage replacement benefits. You’ll receive compensation for a portion of your lost wages (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage) if TOS prevents you from working or limits your ability to work during your recovery.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If your TOS symptoms are so bad that you ultimately can’t continue in your previous job, you may be eligible for benefits that assist with job retraining or education to help you transition to new employment.
- Death benefits. If TOS leads to a worker’s death, their dependents are eligible for benefits that cover a portion of funeral expenses and lost income.
These benefits are designed to support you and your family as you recover from TOS and adjust to any long-term effects of the condition, helping you transition back to work or find new opportunities that suit your abilities.
How do I file for workers’ comp in NC?
To file for workers’ compensation in North Carolina for thoracic outlet syndrome or any other work-related injury, illness, or occupational disease, follow these steps:
- Seek medical care. Start by getting medical treatment from an employer-approved physician. The doctor will diagnose your condition and provide a medical opinion linking your TOS to your job.
- Inform your employer. Notify your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days of the diagnosis. It’s crucial to do this promptly, as failing to provide timely notice could result in your claim being denied.
- Submit Form 18. Complete and submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) as soon as possible, but no later than 2 years after your injury. This will officially begin the claims process.
- Await insurer’s decision. After submitting Form 18, the insurance company should notify you in writing whether they accept or deny your claim within 14 days of receiving the form.
Following these steps carefully can help ensure your workers’ compensation claim is processed smoothly in North Carolina. If your claim is denied and you need help filing an appeal, or if you want help determining how much your claim is worth, reach out to a local work injury attorney for guidance.
Contact Us
