Types of Workers' Comp Injuries | Meshbesher & Spence

Who's At Risk of Work-Related Injuries?

Minnesota has a range of industries reporting the highest number of work-related accidents and illnesses yearly.

First Responders: First responders are at serious risk of developing physical and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) injuries during their duties because of the dangerous nature of their jobs. The workers’ compensation and PERA disability attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence understand the complexity of these claims and will work with you to ensure that your benefits from all sources are maximized.
Construction: Construction workers are often exposed to hazards such as falls from heights, electrical dangers, and heavy machinery accidents. In addition, they risk developing long-term health conditions due to exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances. The job’s physical demands can also lead to overexertion injuries, including strains and sprains.
Healthcare: Healthcare workers must lift and move heavy objects, such as patients, equipment, and supplies, which can lead to back injuries, strains, and sprains. In addition, professionals in this field are at a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, which can result in illness or infection. The fast-paced healthcare environment can also lead to slips, trips, and falls, especially in areas with wet or slippery floors.
Manufacturing: Employees in the manufacturing industry encounter various physical hazards on a daily basis, such as operating heavy machinery, exposure to toxic chemicals, and repetitive motions for long periods without breaks. These hazards can result in workplace injuries that could be career-ending or life-threatening.

While certain industries are more susceptible to workplace injuries, any employee can suffer from an injury at work that may result in the need for medical treatment, hospitalization or long-term care, wage loss, or hinder their ability to perform their job effectively.

Meshbesher & Spence is dedicated to supporting all Minnesotans, regardless of their profession. We strive to offer the highest level of support and service to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

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Common Work Injuries

Overuse & Repetitive Motion Injuries: Overuse and repetitive motion injuries are common when a job requires repetitive motions. It is not uncommon for employees performing any type of physical labor to experience this type of injury. These injuries can occur when workers lift heavy objects, perform the same motions repeatedly, or work for long periods without breaks.
Vehicle Accidents: Vehicle accidents may occur in work environments in which an employee is required to travel in a motor vehicle for work and/or operate heavy construction equipment and vehicles. Even the most seasoned worker can still sustain an injury.
Slip and Fall Injuries: Slip and fall injuries can happen anywhere, but are common in industries with slippery or uneven surfaces, such as construction sites, warehouses, and retail stores. When floors are wet, cluttered, or uneven, employees are more likely to slip and fall. Moreover, if employees are not adequately trained to handle hazardous situations, it can increase accidents.
Equipment Accidents: Using heavy machinery and tools in workplaces increases the risk of injury. These incidents often happen on construction sites or in manufacturing plants and warehouses. When machines malfunction or are improperly operated, the results can be severe.

Hurt at Work?

Follow These Next Steps

To file a claim for workers’ compensation in Minnesota, you must report the injury to your employer immediately or as soon as you are physically able to do so. Your employer must report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within 10 days of learning you were injured and missed time from work.

Having a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney on your case at the beginning will help you avoid mistakes and protect your claims moving forward. It will also mean that we will be prepared to act immediately on your behalf if and when a dispute occurs.

How to File a Claim Checklist

Even if you think the injury is minor at first, you must report the injury right away so the employer and insurer do not use a lack of report against you in the future. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Report your injury to your employer immediately. In a medical emergency, get treatment first and report your injury as soon as possible.
Step 2: Contact Meshbesher & Spence for advice on what to expect with your claim and how to communicate with your employer and insurer.
Step 3: Seek medical treatment with a doctor of your choice and follow your doctor’s orders and medical instructions.
Step 4: Send your employer a copy of any work restrictions you receive immediately.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys can advise you on whether it makes sense to retain our services at that time or if you can wait.

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Injury-Related FAQs

• What should I do if I get injured at work?

If you sustain an injury at work, you should tell your employer immediately and request that a First Report of Injury form be completed. You should then seek medical attention as soon as possible with a doctor of your choice.

Your employer may ask you to see one of their doctors for an initial examination, but you have the right to choose your own doctor.

Be sure to tell your doctor that your symptoms are a result of a work injury and ask whether work restrictions are appropriate. You should then be sure to promptly provide your employer with a copy of any work restrictions your doctor gives you. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for care.

If you have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of your work duties, these steps will differ.
• Does my employer have to carry workers’ compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory in Minnesota. This means that all employers are required to purchase a workers’ compensation policy or be self-insured for workers’ compensation claims.

Self-insured employers assume the risk for the workers’ compensation claims of their employees and fund the claims with their own monies. Commonly, large cities and municipalities will be self-insured for workers’ compensation (e.g., Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County, Dakota County).

Whether an employer has coverage through a third-party insurance company or funds its own claims has no effect on the benefits to which the injured worker is entitled.
• Are psychological injuries covered by workers’ compensation?

Historically, the answer in Minnesota has been no. In order for a mental injury to be covered by Minnesota workers’ compensation, it would have to be tied to or caused by a physical injury. For example, if someone developed depression as a result of a compensable back injury, the depression could be covered.

As of October 1, 2013, Minnesota recognized post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury. No other mental health conditions are covered. This means while diagnoses such as depression or anxiety may be debilitating and caused by your work, in Minnesota, employers do not have to pay workers’ compensation benefits for these conditions.

For PTSD injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2019, first responders diagnosed with PTSD are entitled to a legal presumption, in recognition of the dangerous job duties they perform on a daily basis.

The laws regarding PTSD claims are constantly evolving and changing, and therefore these claims are complicated.

For PTSD injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2019, first responders diagnosed with PTSD are entitled to a legal presumption, in recognition of the dangerous job duties they perform on a daily basis. The laws regarding PTSD claims are constantly evolving and changing, and therefore these claims are complicated. Meshbesher & Spence workers’ compensation attorneys are highly experienced in this area, and available to discuss your options if you believe you are suffering from PTSD as a result of your work duties.
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Types of Work-Related Injuries

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Who's At Risk of Work-Related Injuries?

Common Work Injuries

What If I Have a Preexisting Condition?

Follow These Next Steps

How to File a Claim Checklist

Injury-Related FAQs