Rosengren Law Office, LLCMankato Workers' Compensation Attorney | Rosengren Law Office, LLC2024-03-01T22:45:15Zhttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502116/2020/04/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468862024-02-27T22:46:18Z2024-03-01T22:45:15ZFlashbacks
One problem is having flashbacks or nightmares about the accident. It is like the mind goes back to that scary moment, even when it is not happening. These thoughts can make it hard to sleep well and usually cause serious anxiety.
Avoidance behaviors
People with PTSD might try to stay away from anything that reminds them of what happened. This could mean avoiding certain tasks or places at work and not wanting to talk to coworkers. Avoiding things can make it tough to do the job right and can make it hard to get along with others at work.
Hypervigilance
PTSD can make someone feel like they always need to be on the lookout for danger. This makes it hard to focus and leads to a person feeling tired and overwhelmed often.
Emotional distress
Work-related PTSD can make people feel depressed or guilty. Sometimes, they might have a hard time controlling their feelings and lash out at friends and family. Feeling this way can cause fights with coworkers.
Physical problems
PTSD causes physical problems along with emotional ones. Things like headaches, stomachaches and tense muscles are common in people with work-related PTSD. These physical problems can make the situation feel even worse.
PTSD and a work injury can create a need for workers' compensation. Additionally, early intervention may lead to better outcomes for affected individuals.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468852023-12-14T21:14:13Z2023-12-14T21:14:13ZUnderstanding workers' compensation
Workers' compensation provides financial assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and a portion of lost wages.
Collision on the job
When a delivery driver experiences a collision while on the job, they may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The first step is to report the incident promptly to the employer and seek medical attention if necessary. This ensures that the proper documentation is in place to support a claim.
Establishing eligibility
Delivery drivers must demonstrate that the accident occurred within the scope of their job duties. This means proving that the incident happened while the driver was actively engaged in making deliveries, rather than during personal errands.
Navigating the claims process
After a collision, the delivery driver should follow the established procedures for reporting workplace injuries set by their employer. This often involves completing incident reports and providing relevant documentation. These documents should include medical records and witness statements.
The National Safety Council reports that there were 155,000 injuries from large truck crashes in 2021. While not every delivery driver operates a large truck, with some relying on vans or even smaller vehicles at times, this statistic shows that professional drivers should be aware of how their workers' compensation benefits will apply in an accident scenario.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468352023-11-21T09:15:34Z2023-09-15T20:00:49ZWet or slippery floors
Spilled liquids and water on the floor from cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can lead to slip hazards that cause serious injuries. Nurses often move at a rapid pace to meet patient needs and attend to emergencies, so they may not see a wet floor hazard until it is too late. Addressing spills and wet surfaces immediately can reduce these risks, as can wearing non-slip footwear.
Obstacles
Another common cause of trip and fall injuries for nurses is obstacles in the way. With medical equipment, cables and furniture often obstructing pathways, nurses may experience injuries when moving quickly between patient rooms or beds. Establish procedures to keep patient access clear of any obstructions to minimize this risk.
Rushed movements
When nurses struggle with demanding schedules and excessive patient rosters, they might rush through routine activities in an attempt to keep up with the demands of the shift. This often leads to mistakes or overlooking a hazard in the way. Adequate staffing for patient volume and sufficient time for patient care reduces these risks.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 5,300 slip, trip and fall injuries resulting in missed work time for nurses in 2020. Proper training, adequate staffing and careful attention to the work environment can protect nurses and other medical professionals from many slip and fall hazards without sacrificing patient care.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468342023-11-21T09:18:07Z2023-06-07T19:39:32ZGive a deposition
Many hearings begin with depositions. You may need to give a deposition as part of the pre-hearing preparation. Your attorney can, and should, attend the deposition with you to protect your interests as you answer questions.
Present new evidence
The hearing itself provides an opportunity to present new evidence in your case. This includes any changes in your condition, new information that has come to light or documentation you did not have available to begin with.
Call expert witnesses
When you have a misinterpretation or misunderstanding in the review process or you receive a complex and unusual diagnosis, you may help your case with expert witnesses to explain things to the judge.
Receive the judge’s decision
After presenting evidence and witnesses, the judge considers all of the relevant information and issues a ruling on your claim. You typically receive the ruling shortly after the hearing. You have the option to appeal that ruling if you disagree.
Explore the basics of workers’ compensation hearings as you prepare for your upcoming case. Talk with your attorney, gather as much evidence as possible and present a comprehensive picture of the case to ensure your best chance of success.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468292023-11-21T09:19:07Z2023-03-10T19:05:05Z1. Experiencing a fall
Across the board, falls take the top spot as the greatest risk factor. In the construction industry, those rates greatly increase. While many people may think of falling off of scaffolding or a roof, a high percentage of falls occur on the same level. Key hazards include improper use of ladders, not using fall protection and navigating uneven surfaces. Any fall has the potential to lead to minor and severe injuries, including broken bones, brain injuries and trauma to the spinal cord.
2. Getting struck by a falling object
Even a person who focuses on working safely still faces risks, especially from above. From weather conditions to misplacing a tool, debris and unsecured items create a high risk for injury. When using power tools, the constant movements may cause objects to loosen and fall. While a hard hat provides some security, the impact of an object may still cause a concussion or serious trauma.
3. Malfunctioning equipment
Wherever construction happens, it requires heavy-duty equipment. From human error to the equipment not properly working, any type of machinery may cause severe injuries, including lacerations and amputations. Construction employees always face the risk of getting stuck between failing equipment and another object.
Even if a workplace injury seems small, it may have long-lasting effects that take time to appear.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468282023-11-21T09:20:30Z2022-11-29T00:14:10ZViruses, chemicals and violence
Any worker in a health care facility may face the following workplace hazards:
Sharps injuries: A penetrating stab wound from a sharp object such as a scalpel or needle may lead to exposure to bodily fluids and blood.
Viruses and bloodborne pathogens: Health care workers must continue to be vigilant to exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Respiratory droplets, saliva and blood may contain disease-causing pathogens, potentially leading to serious illnesses such as influenza, tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis.
Chemical and drug exposure: Damage to the nervous system and internal organs are possible from exposure to hospital chemicals such as ammonia, pesticides and mercury. Hazardous drugs include those needed for cancer therapy, antiviral drugs, bioengineered drugs and hormone agents.
Musculoskeletal injuries: Back, shoulder, neck and knee injuries may result from the constant lifting of patients, medical supplies and equipment.
Stress: Demanding work may cause physical and psychological pressures. Stressful working conditions may include exposure to disease, unexpected double shifts and verbal abuse from a patient’s family. This is not good for anyone’s mental health.
Violence: Hospital workers may be assaulted by patients, disruptive family members and even co-workers, leading to physical injury. According to the American Hospital Association, an estimated 44% of nurses experienced physical violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are just some of the job hazards faced by health care workers who know they must be prepared, alert and take necessary precautions.
Training, avoiding and coping
Some of these job hazards are unavoidable. As a result, more and more health care workers receive additional training on how to avoid and cope with these hazards that may lead to serious injury and even end their careers.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468262023-11-21T09:21:05Z2022-09-02T14:57:47ZDo I have to prove negligence to receive workers' compensation?
Like many people, you might think that an injury must be your employer's fault for you to collect benefits. However, Minnesota is a no-fault state when it comes to workers' compensation benefits. This means that, with a few exceptions, you can receive benefits for any injury that occurred on the job, regardless of who is at fault. Exceptions to this general rule include:
If you were under the influence of narcotics or alcohol
Your injury is very minor and does not affect your work
You were off the clock
What should I do next?
After obtaining the necessary medical care, you should inform your employer of your injury as soon as possible. Minnesota law states that you have 180 days to inform your employer of your injury, but you must have a legitimate reason for the delay. Ideally, to expedite the process and avoid the appearance of deception, you should tell your employer about the incident within 14 days. While you do not need to prove negligence, it is still wise to gather eyewitnesses of the incident to help you demonstrate that the injury occurred at work.
Even if a workplace injury was your fault, you are most likely still eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468142023-11-21T09:22:18Z2022-06-16T18:26:31Zhighest injuries and illnesses in all private industry cases in 2020.
Working as a CNA is a physically demanding occupation that often results in shoulder, neck, and back injuries. If you are suffering the effects of a work-related injury, it is vital to understand how to file a workers' compensation claim to cover your associated expenses.
What are some common CNA workplace injuries?
In your position, you have to manage many physical tasks at a fast pace. Your job requires lifting heavy loads, moving quickly, and navigating disease exposure. These job duties can lead to cumulative trauma or other bodily damage, such as:
Slip-and-fall injuries
Herniated discs in your back or neck
Hand injuries from repetitive motions
Knee damages from physical strain
Infection from an accidental needle poke
Spinal injuries from lifting patients
How does workers' comp help?
The type of injuries that can occur in your position may require ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy. Even if you do not currently need medical attention, your ailment may worsen over time. A workers' compensation claim can help ensure you have enough money to pay for procedures and necessary care. Work with a knowledgeable professional to help file your claim and secure your desired outcome.
You spend your time caring for others, making it essential to care for yourself. Get the compensation and treatment you deserve by understanding your legal options. Always report any work-related injuries or illnesses to your employer's human resources department.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468112023-11-21T09:22:41Z2022-03-15T22:03:57ZMinnesota Statute § 176.461, a reopened claim must meet one of the following requirements.
New evidence
If you find documentation or photos that will increase your compensation payments, the case can be up for review. New evidence must confirm that the previous payments were insufficient for your medical expenses.
Employer fraud
Employers may attempt to falsify or downplay the injuries you sustained. If you can prove that your employers intentionally presented your injury dishonestly, you may reopen your case and pursue more damages.
Mutual error
Sometimes the diagnosis or extent of your injury is incorrect through no fault of anyone involved. If in the future you find the information used to justify your payments was wrong, the courts can reopen the case.
Unanticipated worsening of your condition
The courts try to consider future problems you may experience from your injury. However, if you can prove your medical condition worsened unanticipatedly, the case may reopen.
It is rare for workers' compensation cases to reopen. Consult with an experienced attorney specializing in employees' rights before pursuing any claims. Remember, a positive result is not guaranteed when you reopen the case.]]>On Behalf of Rosengren Law Office, LLChttps://www.mninjuredworker.com/?p=468102023-11-21T09:23:10Z2021-12-13T19:12:21Zonly 15% of Americans claim to have high confidence in the medical professionals they see.
In some states, injured workers have no choice but to visit a doctor their employer chooses. Fortunately, that is not the case in Minnesota. That is, you can seek diagnosis and treatment for your work-related injury from any doctor you choose.
Your employer may mislead you
If your employer does not understand Minnesota's workers' compensation laws, you may receive incorrect information about the doctor you must see. On the other hand, your employer may try to mislead you by directing you to its workers' compensation physician.
Either way, because your medical interests and your employer's goals may not be the same, you may need to push back against or even ignore HR's doctor recommendation.
Your doctor may not be a good fit
While you may feel comfortable discussing your work-related injury with your primary care physician, your doctor may not be a good fit for your workers' compensation claim. After all, some general practitioners lack the skill necessary to diagnose and treat workplace injuries, while others simply refuse to complete workers' compensation paperwork.
The doctor you choose for your on-the-job injury may affect your chances of receiving fair compensation. Ultimately, if you have concerns about whether your regular physician is a good fit, you may want to discuss your treatment options with an experienced workers' compensation attorney.]]>