Work injuries can happen in many different ways. For example, repetitive motions – doing the same motion over and over for an extended period without a break – can cause stress on joints and muscles that eventually leads to an injury. If you have a repetitive motion injury from work in Minnesota, you may have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim, which could cover your medical expenses and replace a large portion of your wages if you have to miss work.
Understanding Repetitive Motion Injuries
A repetitive motion injury, also called a repetitive strain injury or cumulative trauma disorder, is a bodily injury caused by constantly making the same movements. Repetitive motion injuries can arise from common work tasks such as:
- Typing
- Lifting
- Bending
- Using power tools
- Assembly line work
Repetitive stress injuries can cause various symptoms typical of musculoskeletal or nerve injuries, including:
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Inflammation
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion or a “locking” feeling in joints
Many repetitive motion injuries gradually worsen over time, though they may start with nearly imperceptible symptoms. Eventually, they can cause noticeable pain, stiffness, or loss of range of motion. The gradual onset of repetitive motion injuries can make it challenging to pinpoint the cause or beginning date of an injury.
Reporting the Injury to Your Employer
Ideally, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as you first notice its symptoms. The workers’ compensation law in Minnesota requires workers to notify their employers of injuries as soon as they discover it was work-related. Workers should not wait too long to report an injury, as an employer or their insurer may deny their claim due to the delay.
Getting Medical Evaluation and Documentation
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after noticing pain or other symptoms of an injury. When seeing a doctor, you should tell them what work activities are causing the symptoms. The doctor will examine you and ask questions about the kinds of movements you make at work and may diagnose your condition as a repetitive motion injury. This type of documentation can provide critical evidence in a workers’ compensation claim.
Filing a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Claim
After you’ve reported your injury to your employer, you should follow up with them to be sure that they forward your claim to their insurer. Depending on the severity of your injury, your employer or the insurer may also have to file a report with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. A workers’ compensation claim can provide you with various financial benefits, such as:
- Reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Wage loss benefits if your injury keeps you off work
- Vocational rehabilitation to help you return to your job or obtain alternate employment if your condition prevents you from returning to your job
Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
Have you suffered a repetitive motion–related injury on the job in Minnesota? Contact Meshbesher Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You’ll talk with a workers’ compensation attorney and learn more about your right to benefits and how we can help you claim them.
