How Does Workers’ Compensation Work for Repetitive Strain Injuries in Minnesota?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can have a significant impact on a worker’s ability to perform their job and maintain their quality of life. Here is a brief explanation by a workers’ comp attorney in St. Paul on how workers’ compensation works for those who suffer from RSIs to help them receive the support they need and the benefits that are theirs by right.

Answers from a Workers’ Comp Attorney in St. Paul

What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?

Repetitive strain injuries refer to a range of conditions caused by repetitive motions or overuse of certain muscles and tendons. These injuries can develop gradually over time, often going unnoticed until the pain or discomfort becomes severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

Common examples of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and tennis elbow. Workers in industries that involve repetitive tasks, such as assembly line work, data entry, or manual labor, are especially prone to these types of injuries.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for RSIs in Minnesota

In Minnesota, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes RSIs, which are recognized as valid work-related injuries under Minnesota law. To qualify for workers’ compensation, an RSI must be directly related to the worker’s job duties and not caused by activities outside of work.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an RSI

The first step is to report the injury to your employer as soon as you become aware of it. Minnesota law requires that employees notify their employer of an injury within 14 days, although exceptions can be made if the injury develops gradually or if there are extenuating circumstances.

Once the injury is reported, the employer must provide the employee with a workers’ compensation claim form. This form should be completed with as much detail as possible, including the nature of the injury, the date it first became noticeable, and how it is related to your work duties. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and any other medical documentation that supports your claim.

After the claim is filed, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will investigate the injury to evaluate whether it is eligible for benefits. This process may include reviewing medical records, speaking with the employee’s healthcare provider, and assessing the workplace conditions that may have contributed to the RSI.

What Benefits Are Available for RSIs?

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your RSI. This would include doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, medications, and any other treatments your doctor considers are needed for recovery. In some cases, workers’ compensation may also cover the cost of assistive devices, such as ergonomic equipment, to help prevent further injury.

Wage Loss Benefits

You may be eligible for wage loss benefits if your injury prevents you from working or makes it necessary to take time off for treatment. These benefits typically cover a portion of your lost wages, calculated as two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by Minnesota law. There are different types of wage loss benefits available, depending on the severity and duration of your injury.

If you are unable to work at all due to the injury, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. If you can return to work but can only perform a less physically demanding job that pays less than your previous position, you may receive temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits to help cover the difference in wages. If your RSI results in a permanent impairment that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits are based on a percentage of your wage and the severity of your impairment, as determined by a doctor.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If an RSI makes it impossible to return to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help you find a new job that accommodates your injury or to provide training for a new career. Vocational rehabilitation may include job placement assistance, skills training, and help with resume writing and interview preparation.

Common Challenges in RSI Workers’ Compensation Claims

One of the most common difficulties in obtaining workers’ compensation for an RSI is proving that the injury is work-related. Since RSIs develop gradually over time, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the injury. Employers and insurance companies may argue that the injury was caused by activities outside of work or that it is a pre-existing condition.

For these reasons, as well as for your own well-being, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of an RSI so your doctor can document the injury. Your doctor can also be a strong voice in linking the injury to your job duties, especially if you start keeping detailed records of your work activities to show them. In some cases, it may also be helpful to work with a workers’ compensation attorney who can help gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.

Another challenge that workers may face is dealing with delayed or denied claims. Insurance companies may deny a claim if they believe the injury is not severe enough to warrant benefits or if they suspect that the injury is not work-related. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge, who will review the evidence and determine whether the denial was justified.

The Role of Medical Evidence in RSI Claims

Medical evidence is a key factor in workers’ compensation claims for RSIs, so work closely with your doctor, therapist, or any other healthcare provider to make sure that your injury is thoroughly documented. You’ll likely need a detailed diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis, as well as any medical tests or imaging that may be necessary to confirm the injury.

In some cases, your employer or their insurance company may request an independent medical examination (IME) to assess the severity of your injury and its connection to your work duties. An IME is conducted by a doctor chosen by the insurance company, and the results can be very important to your claim. It is important to attend the IME and to provide the examining doctor with accurate information about your injury and work activities.

If there is a disagreement between your treating doctor and the doctor who conducts the IME, the workers’ compensation judge will consider both opinions when making a decision about your claim. It is possible that the judge may give more weight to the opinion of your treating doctor, especially if they have been treating you for an extended period and have a deep understanding of your condition.

If you have suffered a repetitive strain injury at work and need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, don’t hesitate to contact the Atkinson Gerber Law Office or come and talk to us at our offices in St. Paul or Minneapolis. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the process and secure the benefits you are entitled to by law.

Contact our Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation at 651-362-2417.