Learn how to prove thoracic outlet syndrome is connected to your job so you can get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve in Georgia
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects the nerves and blood vessels in the upper chest, shoulders, and arms. For many workers in Atlanta, particularly those who drive for work or have physically demanding jobs, TOS is a serious risk. Yet, it’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leaving employees to struggle with their symptoms without proper treatment or support.
In this article, we’ll dive into the common signs of thoracic outlet syndrome, explore how workplace tasks and environments can contribute to its development, and outline what you need to know to prove your injury is work-related for workers’ compensation. We’ll also discuss the challenges many workers encounter when filing claims and provide tips to help you protect your rights.
Suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome and need help getting workers’ comp benefits in Georgia? Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Atlanta work injury lawyers today.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders caused by the compression of nerves, blood vessels, or both in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. Depending on which nerves or blood vessels are affected, TOS can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and swelling in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.
The 3 types of thoracic outlet syndrome are:
- Neurogenic TOS. This is compression of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the arm, shoulder, and hand. Neurogenic TOS can occur due to repetitive strain, poor posture, or anatomical abnormalities like cervical ribs or tight muscles. According to the Washington University School of Medicine, 85-95% of all patients with TOS are diagnosed with this type.
- Venous TOS. This is compression of the subclavian vein, which carries blood from the arm to the heart. It affects 10-15% of patients and is often caused by repetitive overhead arm movements or trauma. This type of TOS leads to swelling and impaired blood flow.
- Arterial TOS. This is compression of the subclavian artery, which supplies blood to the arm. This type is the rarest, affecting only 2-5% of patients with TOS. It’s usually caused by anatomical abnormalities, such as having an extra cervical rib, leading to reduced circulation and arm discomfort.
Thoracic outlet syndrome can manifest in various ways depending on its type, and its symptoms can mimic other health issues, making it difficult to diagnose. If you suspect that you may have TOS, seek prompt medical attention for a diagnosis and treatment.
Did you know?
According to Yale Medicine, thoracic outlet syndrome is considered a rare condition, with an estimated occurrence ranging from 3 to 80 cases per 1,000 people. It is more frequently diagnosed in women than in men and is most commonly seen in individuals aged 20 to 50, though it can affect people of all ages.
Can TOS be work-related?
Yes, thoracic outlet syndrome can be work-related. Certain traumatic injuries at work and jobs that involve repetitive motions, prolonged overhead arm use, or maintaining posture for extended periods can contribute to the development of TOS.
Common work-related factors include:
- Repetitive lifting or heavy loads. Jobs in construction, roofing, or manufacturing that require frequent overhead lifting of heavy objects can compress nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.
- Prolonged overhead work. Activities that require keeping a worker’s arms raised for extended periods, such as painting, stocking shelves, cutting hair, etc., put strain on the shoulders and neck, which can lead to TOS.
- Poor ergonomics. Sitting at a poorly adjusted workstation or in a vehicle for long hours can lead to poor posture, which may compress the thoracic outlet.
- Acute trauma or injury. Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, and work-related vehicle collisions (cars, trucks, forklifts, etc.), especially T-bone accidents, can cause structural damage or inflammation that leads to TOS.
Implementing workplace modifications, making ergonomic adjustments to seating and equipment, and ensuring regular breaks throughout the workday can help prevent or alleviate work-related TOS.
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What activities worsen thoracic outlet syndrome?
Unfortunately, the same activities that worsen TOS (like overhead lifting) are often the same activities that cause it, meaning many workers won’t be able to work during their recoveries.
The good news is that most workers in Georgia who develop TOS as a direct result of their jobs are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help them during their recoveries, including:
- Benefits for all medical expenses related to the injury
- Wage loss benefits if they’re unable to work during their recoveries
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits if they can’t return to their previous job
According to Yale Medicine, about 90% of patients recover from TOS with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, so most workers impacted by TOS will eventually be able to resume their work duties if they follow their doctor’s orders.
How can thoracic outlet syndrome be caused by a car accident?
Thoracic outlet syndrome can arise from a car accident, mainly when trauma damages or compresses the vital structures between the collarbone and the first rib. Common injuries sustained in such accidents, including whiplash, fractures, soft tissue damage, or dislocations, can significantly strain the muscles, nerves, or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet. This strain can lead to various symptoms that may affect the arm, neck, and head.
If you begin to experience symptoms of TOS after a work-related auto accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an employer-approved doctor (or any doctor in the event of an emergency) who can diagnose the condition and help establish its connection to the incident.
How do I prove that my thoracic outlet syndrome is work-related?
Proving that your TOS is work-related can be challenging. To prove that your TOS is a result of your work duties, start by doing the following:
- Obtain a medical diagnosis from an authorized treating physician that connects your thoracic outlet syndrome to specific job activities.
- Document your daily tasks, particularly repetitive motions, overhead lifting, or poor ergonomics.
- Gather evidence such as workstation photos, task descriptions, co-worker statements, and an incident report from the accident.
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, opinions from vocational experts about your job demands may also be needed to link your TOS to your work activities.
A local Georgia workers’ compensation attorney familiar with thoracic outlet syndrome is often needed to gather necessary evidence and connect you with the experts who can help prove your claim.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim for thoracic outlet syndrome in Georgia?
Georgia law requires most employers with 3 or more employees, including part-time, to carry workers’ compensation insurance. While most employees are entitled to benefits after a work-related injury or occupational illness, they need to take steps to start a workers’ comp claim, including:
- Seek medical attention. Obtain immediate medical care for your injury from an approved physician. This ensures your health and safety and provides documentation critical for your workers’ comp claim.
- Notify your employer. You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of discovering it. Employers are then required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance company after being informed of your injury.
- File a claim. Submit Form WC-14 to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation to officially begin your claim process. You have up to 1 year to file a claim.
If you need help appealing a denied workers’ comp claim or if your injury is serious and you want advice on negotiating the best workers’ comp settlement, consult a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.
Was your Georgia workers’ comp claim for thoracic outlet syndrome denied by your employer? We can help!
If you’re suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by a work-related injury in Georgia, don’t wait to get the help you need.
At Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming it can be when your workers’ comp claim is denied. In the midst of facing mounting medical bills and lost income, you’re also dealing with pain from your injury and frustration with your employer.
With more than 100 years of experience with work injuries like TOS in Georgia, our skilled Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys know how to gather evidence and effectively negotiate a settlement with your employer and their insurance company to get the full benefits you deserve.
Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation to learn how we can help maximize your claim and protect your rights.
References
Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) | Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome | Washington University in St. Louis. Wustl.edu. https://tos.wustl.edu/what-is-tos/types-of-tos/arterial-tos/
Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) | Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome | Washington University in St. Louis. (2025). Wustl.edu. https://tos.wustl.edu/what-is-tos/types-of-tos/neurogenic-tos/
Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) | Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome | Washington University in St. Louis. (2025). Wustl.edu. https://tos.wustl.edu/what-is-tos/types-of-tos/venous-tos/
Yale Medicine, & Strosberg, D. (2023, May 16). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome
