Minnesota workers’ comp law covers more than just sudden injuries suffered on the job. Many workers suffer work-related injuries over time caused by repetitive motion. This cumulative effect can lead to total disability in some cases.
Workers in occupations that require repetitive motions are at risk for these types of repetitive trauma injuries. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies are often quick to contest these types of work comp claims.
Workers at Risk of Repetitive Trauma Injury
If you have ever spent hours doing one task such as typing, you know the discomfort you feel in your wrists and forearms. If typing is your occupation, the daily muscle strain can have severe and painful consequences. If it prevents you from doing your job, you are entitled to benefits under Minnesota workers’ compensation laws.
Occupations that have a high risk of repetitive trauma include:
- Secretaries and word processors
- Cashiers
- Bookkeepers and accountants
- Hairstylists
- Carpenters and mechanics
Improved posture and good overall physical health can minimize some occupational risks, but sometimes the daily muscle strain and exertion is simply too much for the body’s tendons and joints. We have seen this occur in the following professionals:
- Truck drivers
- Construction workers
- Textile workers
- Assembly line workers
Minnesota Repetitive Trauma Injury Law Firm
Our state’s highest court recognized the debilitative nature of some occupations and that employers and insurance companies should pay benefits to workers with repetitive trauma injuries. As mentioned above, some employers are quick to dismiss a repetitive injury claim. If this happens to you or a loved one, call Heimerl & Lammers and a repetitive injury attorney can help you. You can fill out the contact form on this site or call one of your offices in the metro at (612) 294-2200 or (651) 777-1811 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.