When you hear the term workers’ compensation, an image of falling from a roof at a construction site or vehicle accident may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are many different injuries that occur due to work-related conditions and environments. Some common injuries we see in the Southern Minnesota area include:

• Back and neck injuries – Many employees spend their days lifting heavy objects, facing repeated strain, and repeating the same actions over and over. The injuries obtained from these stressors often require back fusion surgery or cervical (neck) fusion surgery.
• Carpal Tunnel – Not all work injuries are sudden impact injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition in your hands and wrists that gradually worsens over time with repetitive movement. These cases may seem less likely to result in benefits, but qualified attorneys know how to navigate these claims.
• Shoulder or knee replacement – The repetitive movements related to many physical labor jobs can lead to knee replacement or shoulder replacement surgery. Sometimes, employees hesitate to report these claims because of preexisting conditions. However, the repeated movement required by employment often exacerbates the problem enough to lead to surgery.
• PTSD – Many careers carry a huge load of daily stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by trauma. If this occurs at work, treatment and lost wages can be covered by worker’s compensation.
• Overuse syndrome – Most daily jobs require employers to repeat the same tasks over and over. This repetition causes injuries to tendons and other soft tissues throughout the body. A worker’s comp attorney can help guide you through the process to prove this injury was caused by work-related duties.
• Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores such as quartz. It mostly affects workers exposed to silica dust in occupations such mining, glass manufacturing, and foundry work.

Many employees mistakenly believe that workers’ compensation is reserved for acute injuries that require immediate surgery. However, many work-related conditions are developed over months or years of exposure to repeated labor or a difficult environment. Workers’ compensation benefits is not strictly designed to pay for medical treatment. Lost wages, job placement, and even retraining may be awarded when appropriate.