April 14, 2026

Electrical injuries are relatively rare in workers’ compensation claims. However, when such injuries occur, claimants may allege the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or other forms of nerve damage.

Scientific research, however, does not clearly establish a causal relationship between electrical shock and the electrodiagnostic findings associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

In “A Study of Carpal Tunnel Injury Following Electrical Trauma” (M. Stephen Morse, Ph.D., July 2000), researchers examined individuals who had been exposed to electrical shock but showed minimal gross tissue damage, meaning there were no significant burns or visible scarring. Some individuals in the study demonstrated EMG/NCV findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, when surgical intervention was performed, the patients did not experience improvement in their symptoms. This led researchers to conclude that the positive electrodiagnostic findings were more likely idiopathic rather than caused by the electrical injury.

The study ultimately determined that while some individuals who suffer electrical injuries may exhibit electrodiagnostic findings consistent with CTS, a definitive causal relationship between electrical shock and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome has not been established.

Other literature reaches similar conclusions. In “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After an Electrical Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature” (Journal of Occupational Health, June 14, 2018), researchers noted that damage to the median nerve from electrical injuries could plausibly contribute to CTS. However, the available literature on this association remains limited. Most documented cases involve severe electrical burns, where nerve compression may develop due to scarring.

The study further suggested that lower-voltage electrical injuries might contribute to CTS, but the evidence supporting this conclusion remains far from definitive.

Implications for Claims Handlers

For claims professionals, these studies suggest caution when evaluating allegations that carpal tunnel syndrome developed as a result of an electrical injury. CTS should generally not be accepted as part of the claim absent clear evidence of significant burns or scar tissue resulting from the electrical exposure, which typically occurs only in cases involving high-voltage injuries.

Where lower-voltage electrical exposure is involved, the medical and scientific evidence linking such injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome remains inconclusive, and causation should be carefully evaluated.

If you would like more information or need assistance with Workers’ Compensation matters, please contact Bret R. Goldstein at bgoldstein@regerlaw.com or 215-495-6500.