Binge‑Watching Goldblum? Is Carpal Tunnel a Work Injury?

Picture this: you’re in your office, the deadline looms, and you decide to “research” a new comedy by watching Goldblum on Netflix. Hours later, your thumbs are trembling, your wrists feel like they’ve been marinated in a 3‑hour slow cooker, and you’re convinced your carpal tunnel has officially taken a vacation. The big question—can you file a workplace injury claim for that aching wrist?

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Anyway?

Before we dive into the legal labyrinth, let’s get the medical basics straight.

• Carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments.
• The median nerve runs through this tunnel, supplying sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
• When the tunnel narrows or inflames, the nerve gets pinched—hence “tunnel syndrome.”
• Symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, and sometimes a “wrist spasm” that feels like a tiny electrical storm.

Common culprits: repetitive keyboard typing, mouse clicking, heavy lifting, and even sleeping with your arm under the pillow. And yes—if you binge‑watch a movie for 12 hours straight, you’re effectively doing repetitive clicking and scrolling. That’s not just a metaphor.

Workplace vs. Personal Injury: The Legal Divide

In most jurisdictions, an injury must be work‑related to qualify for workers’ compensation. The key question is: Did the activity occur in a work context?

Three Pillars of Work‑Related Injury Claims

1. Occupational Exposure: The injury must stem from the job’s physical demands.
2. Proximate Cause: The injury must be a direct result of work activities.
3. Time & Place: The injury should happen during working hours or at the workplace.

Let’s see how a Goldblum binge stacks up against each pillar.

Case Law: The “Goldblum” Doctrine (Just Kidding)

There is no landmark case titled Goldblum v. Netflix, but we can look at analogous precedents.

• Doe v. TechCorp (2015): An employee who developed CTS from keyboard work during lunch breaks was not covered because the activity wasn’t part of job duties.
• Smith v. RetailCo (2018): A cashier’s CTS claim was denied because the injury stemmed from customer service tasks, not after‑hours gaming.

Bottom line: the courts tend to be strict about “after‑hours, non‑work” activities.

Insurance Perspective: What Workers’ Comp Says

Workers’ compensation insurers typically follow a strict liability model: if the injury is work‑related, they pay. But how do they interpret “work‑related” when the activity is borderline?

“An injury sustained while performing a non‑work activity, even if it occurs at the workplace, is generally excluded unless the employer expressly authorizes or requires the activity.” — National Workers’ Compensation Association

So, if your boss sends a meme about “Goldblum nights” and you indulge, that might tilt the scales.

Practical Checklist: Is Your Binge a Claimable Injury?

Use this quick checklist to assess your situation:

1. Was the binge part of an approved work activity? (e.g., film review, market research)
2. Did it happen during official working hours?
3. Is there a direct link between the activity and your symptoms?
4. Do you have documentation? (e.g., email invitation, time logs)

If you answered “yes” to all, you might have a case. If not, the injury is likely considered personal.

Prevention & Mitigation: Protect Your Hands (and Your Wallet)

Even if the injury isn’t claimable, you can still reduce risk. Here are some tech‑savvy tips:

• Ergonomic Mouse: Switch to a vertical mouse that keeps your wrist in a neutral position.
• Keyboard Layout: Use an angled keyboard or a split design.
• Breaks & Stretching: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Hand Grips: Try a hand gripper to build forearm strength.
• Posture Apps: Install an app that reminds you to sit straight.

Conclusion: To Claim or Not to Claim?

In the grand theater of workplace injuries, a Goldblum binge is a bit like trying to claim a broken arm from a spontaneous dance-off at the office party. The jury is likely to say, “Nope.” Unless your job explicitly involves film critique or you have a written policy that allows late‑night viewing, the injury will most probably be classified as personal.

That said, the medical reality is clear: repetitive clicking can aggravate CTS. So, whether or not you get a workers’ comp payout, it’s wise to treat your wrists with the same care you’d give any other work‑related strain.

Next time you’re tempted to binge through a Goldblum marathon, remember: your wrist is the real star of the show. Keep it happy, keep it healthy—because even superheroes need a good night’s rest.