Work-related injuries are not always the result of one dramatic event. In many cases, injuries develop slowly over time and begin with subtle symptoms—numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or arms. One of the most common repetitive-use injuries affecting Oklahoma workers is cubital tunnel syndrome. Understanding what this condition is and how it impacts your ability to work is essential when evaluating whether a workers’ compensation claim is appropriate.

Below, we explain what cubital tunnel syndrome is, how it occurs, and when it may be considered a compensable injury under Oklahoma workers’ compensation law.

What Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Also known as ulnar nerve entrapment—is a condition caused by pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This nerve runs through a narrow passageway called the cubital tunnel, located on the inside of your elbow (the “funny bone” area).

When the ulnar nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it can lead to symptoms including:

• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers. You may also feel tingling in other parts of your hand
• Weakness in the hand or grip strength. Its a noticeable weakness that may impact your ability to open a can or hold things without dropping them./
• Pain along the inside of the forearm or elbow. It myy even present itself in other parts of the arm on to the shoulder.
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks. Things like picking up a penny or other small object with your two fingers may be impacted.
• Hand clumsiness, dropping objects, or reduced coordination

In advanced cases, this syndrome can cause muscle wasting in the hand, making early diagnosis and treatment important.

What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

While everyday activities can contribute to cubital tunnel syndrome, many Oklahoma workers develop the condition directly from their job duties. Common occupational causes include:

• Repetitive elbow bending (assembly line work, mechanics, construction). This repetitive bending can happen in office work or kitchen work picking up heavy objects and moving them around on a constant basis.
• Frequent pulling, lifting, or reaching. things like pulling cable or other heavy objects for extended times
• Prolonged leaning on the elbow (drivers, office workers, equipment operators)
• Vibration exposure (jackhammers, power tools). Very common in construction and the auto mechanic industry.
• Prolonged holding of tools or equipment in awkward positions

Workers whose jobs involve repetitive upper-extremity tasks are at heightened risk. Over time, continuous strain can inflame the ulnar nerve and lead to significant pain or loss of function.

Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Covered by Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, this repetitive injury can be compensable under Oklahoma workers’ compensation law—but only if you can show that the condition arose out of and in the course of your employment.

Under Oklahoma law, repetitive-use injuries and occupational diseases are recognized and can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits when supported by medical evidence. This often requires:

1. A medical diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome
2. A physician’s opinion connecting the condition to your work duties. This goes along with number one above. The key here is that the physicians note must clearly set out that the injury is caused by the work itself.
3. Evidence that your job activities materially contributed to the development or aggravation of the injury. This includes testimony from you that your work consisted of repetitive motion and that you haven’t suffered this problem in the past.

Even if you had pre-existing nerve issues, workers’ compensation may still apply if your job aggravated, accelerated, or worsened the condition.

What Benefits Can an Injured Worker Receive?

If your cubital tunnel syndrome is accepted as a compensable work injury, you may be entitled to:

• All Reasonable and Necessary Medical treatment (doctor visits, therapy, surgery, medication, bracing)
• Temporary disability benefits while you are unable to work. In the event the treating doctor places you on light duty the employer must accommodate you or send you home and pay you TTD.
• Permanent partial disability compensation, if impairment remains after treatment. Most repetitive injuries caused at work leave you with a degree of permanent partial disability. This is what you workers compensation attorney gets for you.
• Mileage reimbursement for medical-related travel, but the travel must be across a county line.
• Vocational retraining or job placement assistance in qualifying cases. This isn’t always what it seems like but it is an effort to place you on the path to vocational rehab.

Workers’ compensation is designed to ensure you receive necessary medical care and financial support during recovery.

Why Are Cubital Tunnel Claims Often Disputed?

Insurance companies frequently deny cubital tunnel claims for several reasons:

• Symptoms may develop gradually as a cumulative trauma injury, not from a single identifiable event
• Insurers may blame daily activities or pre-existing conditions
• Claims involving repetitive motion often require detailed medical documentation
• Employers may argue that the condition is unrelated to work or that the condition is inherited.

Because of these hurdles, many legitimate claims are denied or delayed without proper representation.

When Should You Speak With an Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you are experiencing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel and believe your job duties caused or aggravated the condition, speaking with an experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney is essential. A lawyer can:

• Gather the medical evidence needed to support causation
• Ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time
• Confront disputes from the insurance company
• Maximize the benefits you are entitled to receive
• Protect you from retaliation or pressure from your employer

Repetitive Injury Lawyers On Your Team

Work injuries in Oklahoma related to cubital tunnel syndrome is a painful and potentially disabling condition that can directly impact your ability to work. Fortunately, Oklahoma workers’ compensation law recognizes repetitive-use and occupational injuries, making cubital tunnel syndrome compensable when it is proven to be work-related. If you believe your symptoms stem from your job, don’t wait. Early reporting, medical treatment, and legal guidance are crucial for building a successful workers’ compensation claim. For a free consultation with a workers’ comp injury attorney at Tulsa County Lawyers Group, call us at 918.379-4864. Or you can ask a free online legal question by following this link.