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Sometimes, no matter how careful and attentive you are, a workplace accident can occur. These accidents can leave you injured, frustrated, and unable to return to daily life. Fortunately, workers’ compensation may help ease the stresses and financial burden. 

However, workers’ compensation does not cover all injuries. It is essential to know and understand the types of injuries that make an employee eligible for workers’ comp benefits. 

Common Types of Accidents at Work

Some employees have higher chances of work-related accidents than others, including construction workers, truck drivers, and warehouse workers. The most common causes of accidents at work include:

  • Slip and falls,
  • Falls from heights,
  • Tool and equipment malfunctions,
  • Lifting accidents,
  • Electrocutions, and
  • Items falling on employees.

No two workplace accidents will look the same, and the kind of accident will depend on the industry and work environment. 

Types of Work Injuries

Injuries can also vary significantly by industry and type of accident. Some of the most common types of work-related injuries include:

  • Back and spine injuries,
  • Broken bones,
  • Lacerations,
  • Burns,
  • Soft tissue injuries, and
  • Traumatic brain injuries. 

Work injuries are not only those that are seen and felt, like broken bones and laceration. Toxic exposure in the workplace that leads to specific health issues, including cancers, can also be covered by workers’ compensation. 

If you are unsure whether workers’ compensation will cover your injury, speak to a St. Paul workers’ compensation attorney.

What Is a Compensable Injury?

In Minnesota, injuries must occur during the course of employment to be considered compensable. For an injury to be compensable:

  • The injured party must be an employee, not an independent contractor;
  • The injury must be the result of a work-related accident; and
  • The injury must lead to some impairment and/or lost wages. 

If the injury does not satisfy these requirements, it is considered a non-compensable injury, and the employee will be unlikely to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Can I Be Forced to Go Back to Work After an Injury?

Whether or not you return to work will depend on the severity of your injuries and your doctor’s recommendations. If your injuries are severe and impose limitations on your physical activity, you will not be expected to return to work. However, if your injuries do not stop you from working altogether, you may need to return to work.

Every time you visit your doctor for your work injury, they will assess your physical health. They will determine whether you should take time off work, if you can return to work with some restrictions, or if you can work with no limitations. 

If your doctor decides you are well enough to return to work, either with or without restrictions, you will need to go back to work. If you do not return to work, you will risk losing your workers’ compensation benefits. 

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Workers’ compensation can be tricky to navigate, and you don’t want to risk losing your benefits. It is best to seek the help of a workers’ compensation attorney. Your attorney will help ensure you take the necessary steps to receive all your benefits. 

Arechigo and Stokka, P.A., has been working with injured clients for over a decade. We offer clients the time and dedication they deserve while fighting tirelessly for their rights. Our team knows the impact an injury can have on clients and their families, and we’re always ready to help when they need it most. Contact us today to discuss your case. 

Author Photo Joshua R. Stokka

Josh has been representing injured workers for over 10 years. Josh was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. Mr. Stokka alson received his law degree from the Hamline University School of Law. During law school, Josh clerked at a Minnesota law firm specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation. Prior to practicing in the area of workers’ compensation, Josh clerked for a judge in the 7th Judicial District in Minnesota. This valuable experience gave him insight into how judges think, do their jobs behind the scene, and how to frame a case in order to obtain a favorable result.  Now, he focuses 100% of his practice on defending injured workers in Minnesota.

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