Worker's comp for thumb pain?

May 2, 2007 8:05 AM

Should I ask for worker's comp on what may be thumb arthritis? What's the chance the case would be considered?

I am usually in an office environment; most work is on the PC, but not necessarily all of it typing (I do prefer the keyboard, but working on CAD and ladder logic does necessitate greater use of the mouse). A few days ago I suddenly started having a little annoyance on my left thumb joints when using it. Today it's gotten to the point that typing on the left hand transmits some pain to the thumb joints. Just as a little note, I usually input "space" with my left thumb. Also, I am right-handed.

I am also somewhat of a console gamer; the left thumb is oft-used for movement controls. I cant say that either one of these caused this state, though i'm sure both contributed.

Obviously I need to see a doctor, and soon at that, but upon calling for an appointment I found out that if I plan to get any sort of worker's comp for this I need to file that first. It can be one or the other, but the decision cannot be switched after the initial appointment. Is this a worthwhile case to pursue? Even if I do pay the bills on my own, and even if they go as far as to do a MRI for this I probably won't have to pay more than $200~$300 in total for dr visits, etc. and sick leaves are given by default. The only different case would be if, down the road, I end up having to get surgery to remedy this problem.

Since I'm in the process of negotiating a raise as well, I'm not sure how asking for compensation on arthritis may affect negotiations at this point. Since I'm right-handed this really doesn't significantly slow down what I have to do for work (assuming it really is arthritis and I get thumb splints or something), and I'm sure my manager knows this, but I can't confidently say the same for the HR.

posted by Muu to work & money (5 comments total)

Why do you want to head down the workman's comp route? Is there no insurance available that could cover treatment? Honestly, given your description (especially the gaming aspect) it sounds more like tendonitis-ish and not actual arthritis. IANAD, of course.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:56 AM on May 2, 2007

Workers Comp has to arise in the course of your employment (which could be argued), and it has to be caused by a one time event/accident. I'd say no.
posted by rainbaby at 9:32 AM on May 2, 2007

I've never heard the one-time event/accident point be made, and know people on workers comp with injuries such as yours (carpal tunnel). they are all estranged from their former employers. if you have any insurance, i suggest you use it. if you have any faith in them, talk to your HR department. by law, it should have no consequence on your raise negotiations.
posted by phaedon at 9:47 AM on May 2, 2007

If you want to go quietly insane until you find yourself inexplicably bleeding from your ass, by all means throw yourself into the Worker's Comp quagmire. Seriously, the fact that you have a gaming habit, in fact the fact that you have the audacity to use your opposable thumb for anything besides work, is likely going to eliminate you from consideration. Workers Comp is not your friend. It's not even your enemy. It's more like a giant faceless villain in a B-movie that never tires of crushing helpless, stupid animals with a big hammer or similar device.
posted by docpops at 2:07 PM on May 2, 2007

I, too, am curious as to why you'd go the Worker's Comp route. Whatever you might save in dollars is nothing compared to the megatons of paperwork, hassles, and emnity from your employer that you'd reap in return. Also consider that the determination of whether or not you even have a WC case is ultimately up to your employer's risk manager, or to whomever they've outsourced their WC claims to. And once you're in the WC wheel of doom, you may be required to consult specialists of someone else's choosing in place of your regular doctor. Honestly, you don't want to be the "Worker's Comp" guy for something this small. If you have group insurance coverage, use that. That's what it is for.
posted by contessa at 2:46 PM on May 2, 2007