If you’ve suffered from lingering pain, numbness, or swelling in your shoulder, arm, or hand after an injury at work, you might be dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition, often overlooked or misdiagnosed, occurs when nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet—the space between your collarbone and first rib—become compressed.
For workers in Birmingham, TOS can arise from repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or traumatic injuries, leaving them struggling with ongoing pain, limited mobility, and other debilitating symptoms.
The good news is that workers who develop TOS because of a work-related injury may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages during recovery. However, navigating the workers’ comp process can be tricky, especially since TOS may not present immediately and could require extensive documentation to link it to your job.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about TOS and workers’ compensation in Birmingham. We’ll cover common workplace causes of TOS, potential challenges you might face when filing a claim, and the steps involved in securing the benefits you deserve.
Have additional questions or need help filing a claim in Birmingham? Reach out to our knowledgeable Alabama work injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition caused by the compression or irritation of nerves and blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet, a narrow space between your collarbone and your first rib. There are 3 main types of TOS:
- Neurogenic TOS. This is the most common form of TOS, accounting for approximately 95% of all TOS cases. It occurs when the nerves in the brachial plexus (which runs from the spinal cord to the arms and hands) are compressed. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the arm, hand, or neck, with potential muscle atrophy in the hand and thumb.
- Venous TOS. This type is caused by the compression of veins in the thoracic outlet, leading to swelling and pain in the shoulder, arm, or hand and possibly even blood clots, which can cause a bluish discoloration in the affected hand.
- Arterial TOS. This is the rarest type and is caused by compression of arteries in the thoracic outlet, which can reduce blood flow to the arms and result in weak or absent pulse, leading to cold, pale, or bluish fingers. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as gangrene, potentially requiring amputation.
The symptoms often worsen with repetitive use of the arms, lifting overhead, or activities that compress the thoracic outlet further. In some cases, symptoms may appear gradually but become chronic and debilitating without treatment.
What causes thoracic outlet syndrome at work?
The most common cause of TOS is trauma from high-impact incidents like falls from heights (roofs, ladders, or scaffolding), heavy machinery accidents, and accidents with vehicles.
If you’ve developed TOS from a work-related car accident or another traumatic event, it’s most likely neurogenic TOS. Trauma to the neck, shoulder, or chest during an accident often leads to nerve compression, causing inflammation, swelling, or fractures that narrow the thoracic outlet and result in this condition.
Other common causes of TOS at work include:
- Repetitive overhead movements. Jobs that require workers to frequently raise their arms, such as landscaping, roofing, or warehouse work, can lead to TOS by compressing the nerves and blood vessels over time.
- Lifting heavy objects. Regular heavy lifting, especially without proper form, can strain the muscles and compress the thoracic outlet, increasing the risk of TOS for laborers like construction and factory workers.
- Prolonged poor posture. Working in awkward positions without breaks or ergonomic support can put pressure on the thoracic outlet, leading to nerve and vascular compression for workers like flooring installers and janitors.
Compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can also sometimes result from anatomical abnormalities (like having an extra rib), hormonal changes during pregnancy that loosen ligaments and joints, and sports injuries.
Because TOS can stem from multiple sources, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care after any work-related accident so your injuries can be documented and treated. Delaying medical treatment can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation through a workers’ comp claim.
Understanding Alabama Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Learn about the different types of benefits you may be entitled to after a work injury in Alabama.
How do I get workers’ comp for thoracic outlet syndrome in Alabama?
If you’ve developed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) due to repetitive tasks or a workplace injury in Alabama, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Most Alabama employees who work for an employer with 5 or more employees (not independent contractors) are entitled to workers’ comp after a work-related injury or occupational disease, but certain steps are required to obtain these benefits.
Here’s how to navigate the process and protect your right to compensation:
- Report the injury immediately. In most cases, Alabama law requires you to notify your employer within 5 days of the injury. You should also provide a written notice within 90 days. Failing to report promptly can jeopardize your ability to file a claim.
- Seek medical care through your employer. Alabama workers’ comp laws require you to see a doctor approved by your employer or their insurance provider. Be thorough during your medical evaluation, explaining any repetitive movements, lifting, or accident at work that may have caused or aggravated your TOS.
- File a formal workers’ compensation claim. After you report the injury, your employer should then file a First Report of Injury form to start your claim. Follow up with them to verify they’ve done this.
- Provide supporting medical evidence. TOS can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms like numbness, weakness, and pain aren’t always obvious. Comprehensive documentation—such as medical evaluations, imaging tests, and records from specialists—can strengthen your claim.
- Follow all prescribed treatment plans. Whether your treatment involves physical therapy, medication, or surgery, it’s important to follow through with all care recommendations. Consistent medical care shows the severity of your condition and your commitment to recovery.
- Keep records of all expenses and missed work. Alabama workers’ comp should cover medical bills and partial wage replacement, but you’ll need detailed records of doctor visits, therapy sessions, and lost income to claim these benefits.
- Consult a workers’ comp attorney if needed. If your claim is denied or your employer disputes the connection between your work and TOS, an experienced Alabama workers’ compensation attorney can help. They can guide you through the appeals process and fight for the full benefits you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous role.
Navigating Alabama’s workers’ comp system can be complicated, especially for conditions like TOS that develop over time. Acting quickly, gathering thorough medical evidence, and staying proactive will give you the best chance of securing the benefits you need for your recovery.
Common issues with filing a workers’ comp claim for TOS and how to overcome them
Filing for workers’ compensation for thoracic outlet syndrome isn’t always straightforward, and you might run into some roadblocks along the way. But knowing what to expect can help you prepare and improve your chances of success.
Below are some common challenges injured workers often face—and how to handle them.
Lack of clear medical evidence
TOS isn’t always easy to diagnose—symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain may not show up clearly on imaging tests. Insurers may argue that your condition is not serious or doesn’t really exist.
How to overcome it: Seek medical treatment early and work with specialists familiar with TOS, following all recommended tests and treatments. A detailed doctor’s report connecting your symptoms to your job tasks will be essential in proving your claim.
Disputes over the cause of injury
Your employer or insurer might claim that your TOS was caused by something outside of work, like a pre-existing condition or hobby.
How to overcome it: The best way to overcome this is to report your injury immediately to your employer and seek medical care. Be thorough when explaining your work activities to your doctor. Emphasize repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or accidents that may have triggered your symptoms. Clear medical records showing the connection between your job and your injury can make all the difference.
Pressure to return to work too soon
Some employers or insurers might push you to return to work before you’ve fully recovered, which can risk worsening your injury.
How to overcome it: Stick to your treatment plan and listen to your doctor. If your doctor says you need more time to heal or modified duties, make sure this is clearly communicated to your employer. If your employer is pressuring you to return to work before you’re released to do so by your doctor, reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney.
Dealing with TOS after a work injury in Alabama? We can help!
TOS can be a life-changing injury, but you don’t have to go through the claims process alone. Stay proactive, keep good records, and don’t hesitate to get legal help when you need it—your recovery and your financial future depend on it.
At Nomberg Law Firm, our experienced Birmingham workers’ compensation attorneys have been helping injured Alabama workers get the full compensation they deserve for more than 55 years. We can help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the insurer to help you get the benefits you need.
Contact Nomberg Law Firm today to learn how we can help maximize your workers’ comp claim by scheduling a free consultation.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 3). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17553-thoracic-outlet-syndrome-tos