Question about carpal tunnel and time off work?

This can get a little complicated. Really, if I were you, find another line of work that won't aggravate your injury. Try a departmental transfer. Take all the precautions necessary so that your injury doesn't get worse.

You will have a long road ahead before your state gives out disability benefits. They are very picky and it is dependent on your ability to prove you are really disabled long term and are no longer able to work.

I am familiar with the process (Don't even think about getting involved in a lawsuit against your company...it goes on record and every potential employer/company that does a background check will see you as an employment liability/risk. It will become hard to find work in the long run) and believe me, it can become very stressful mentally and financially.

Good luck.

Light work assignments are up to you and your doctor, basically. Your work should accommodate you. If they don't, and something worse happens, then they can be held liable. Don't worry about special treatment. That would be discrimination and at least, harassment. I was out on medical leave for a little over a month, and when I went back, I was only allowed to work for 4 hours a day. Most of my co-workers were "snooty", but nothing ever happened, and I wasn't treated differently for it. Your better off to follow the instructions your treating dr has given you. Otherwise it may result in getting any benefits.