Workplace injuries can occur in any occupation. Although some are unavoidable, others occur due to someone else’s negligence. Either can result in severe injury or harm to the victim. Negligence doesn’t matter, though, most of the time. Workers’ compensation is a “no fault” system unless the injury is caused by someone other than the employer, the employee or a co-employee.
However, employees who sustain injuries at the workplace can certainly end up incurring huge losses in terms of medical expenses, lost time and wages at work, and they can risk having permanent disabilities.
But injured workers in Minnesota do have recourse in law after sustaining a work-related injury. If you sustain an injury at work, you have a right to seek compensation. This will help cover the losses incurred.
However, the claim process isn’t straightforward, and it would be best if you had a qualified and competent attorney by your side. A workers’ compensation attorney in Minnesota will help you understand the workers’ compensation law in Minnesota and the amount and kinds of compensation you may be entitled to.
Here is a brief list of some of the common workplace injuries that are a basis for a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota.
What Types of Injuries Qualify for Workers’ compensation in Minnesota?
Put simply, most work-related injuries qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota. Further, most injuries that occur at work are covered.
Some of the common types of injuries and illnesses that warrant compensation in Minnesota include:
- Back and spine injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
- Hearing loss
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Certain Lung Diseases
- Death
A workers’ compensation attorney can help you handle claims involving such injuries and ensure you get what you are entitled to receive.
Common Causes of Work Injuries in Minnesota
Work injuries can occur as a result of accidents in the workplace. In Minnesota, work injuries can also be caused by:
Overexertion (or repetitive use or overuse of a body part)
According to the National Safety Council, overexertion accounts for approximately 34% of work-related injuries. In this regard, overexertion tends to occur in occupations requiring physical work and arises from frequent lifting or lowering and repetitive motions. In Minnesota, these are called “Gillette” injuries after the case that first made this kind of injury compensable in workers’ compensation in the state.
Contact with Objects
Another study established that approximately 26% of work-related injuries arise from contact with work equipment. Contact with objects means injuries occurring when a worker is struck, hit, or crushed by a piece of equipment or another object.
In the absence of protective gear like helmets, gloves, work boots, etc., such contact may lead to debilitating injuries. Even with protective gear, this type of injury can occur.
Slips and Falls
Certain areas in the workplace may be hazardous for workers. For instance, working in a place where the floor is wet may lead to a slip and fall accident. Unprotected ramps, ladders, stairs, or machinery without proper guards can also pose extra hazards. To this end, employers are required to keep the workplace safe and free from such hazards that may lead to accidents. But a worker injured due to an unsafe workplace still only gets workers’ compensation remedies – not additional ones.
Occupations with the Largest Number of Workplace Injuries in Minnesota
The following are some of the occupations which often cause a work-related accident :
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Service (Firefighters and police)
When Should You Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Minnesota?
After a workplace-related injury, it is essential to take steps to safeguard your right to compensation. This ALWAYS involves reporting the incident to your employer. Whie this is required, it won’t guarantee you compensation since the employer may end up disputing your claim.
To best protect yourself, contacting a worker’s compensation attorney is an easy step – and a FREE step to take.
What you gain if you hire an attorney includes these things:
- They will advise you of your rights and interests
- They will hold the employer and insurer accountable for following the law
- They will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- They will represent you if your case goes to trial
Sustained a Work-related Injury in Minnesota? Contact us
If you or your loved one sustained a workplace injury, it is wise to seek legal help immediately. This will help build your case and ensure you obtain an amount and kinds of compensation that you are entitled to.
Contact the attorneys at Harvey & Carpenter today for a free case evaluation.
