Minnesota Workers’ Compensation for Orthopedic Injuries

Someone getting their ankle taped by a medical professional. Caused by accidents and repetitive strain, orthopedic injuries make up some of the most common workers’ compensation claims. At Atkinson Gerber, we understand the impact orthopedic injuries can have on your health, career, and financial stability. That’s why our experienced team of workers’ compensation attorneys is dedicated to helping Minnesota workers secure the benefits they deserve for injuries sustained at work.

If you or a loved one has suffered an orthopedic injury, it’s not only important to understand your rights but also how to navigate the workers’ compensation process.

Call us today at 651-333-3636 for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your future.

What Are Orthopedic Injuries?

Every job has the potential for an accident. There are many different kinds of orthopedic injuries that can happen in the workplace. Orthopedic injuries involve damage to the musculoskeletal system and are often caused by repetitive motion, overexertion, slips and falls, or traumatic accidents. These injuries can be acute (sudden) or chronic (developing over time due to strain or overuse).

What Qualifies as an Orthopedic Injury for Workers’ Compensation Claims?

An orthopedic injury is what doctors call a condition that involves damage to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, affecting movement and function. For an injury to qualify for workers’ compensation in Minnesota, it must be caused by either a workplace accident or repetitive stress.

To be eligible for compensation, you must have an injury that is directly connected to your job duties and prove it, and you must file a claim containing the right documentation within a specific timeframe.

How Can I Tell if My Orthopedic Injury Is Work-Related?

Figuring out if your orthopedic injury is work-related can be difficult, but it’s crucial if you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim. If the injury developed because of work activities or duties, it’s likely work-related. This can include accidents or sudden injuries caused by falls, lifting heavy objects, or a vehicle collision.

Additionally, orthopedic injuries can result from repetitive stress caused by performing the same tasks every day, like typing, lifting, or bending. To determine if the injury is work-related, a doctor can assess the cause and offer a diagnosis.

Common Work-Related Orthopedic Injuries Include:

Here are some of the different kinds of orthopedic injuries that afflict millions of Americans every year:

Overexertion Injuries

Every job has the potential for overexertion. You should never push yourself too far. The consequences on your physical health could be serious. Knowing your limits is important. Overexertion occurs when you work yourself past your physical limitations, resulting in sudden injuries or even chronic conditions. Different types of overexertion injuries include:

Back Injuries: Lifting improperly can result in serious injuries to the back and spine, particularly to the spinal cord. These injuries can manifest in slipped discs, severe sprains, chronic pain, and persistent mobility issues.
Joint Injuries: Overexertion can put severe strains on the joints, ligaments, and nerves. All it takes is one wrong movement to cause irreparable damage to your joints that you may end up dealing with for the rest of your life.
Shoulder Injuries: Persistent physical actions can cause serious damage to your shoulders. This damage can manifest in rotator cuff injuries, dislocations, muscle strains, and more. Shoulder injuries are largely the result of overhead lifting without preparation. Be careful when engaging in heavy lifting.

Fall Injuries

It does not take much for a bad fall to cause severe damage to your body. Every workplace in the country invites the possibility of a fall. It is always wise to be aware of your surroundings and do what you can to avoid suffering a bad fall. Some of the more serious orthopedic injuries you could suffer from a serious fall include:

Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury is one of the most life-changing and severe injuries you can suffer. They are not uncommon after a fall, especially if you land in a way that damages your spine. A complete spinal cord injury can result in permanent paralysis and ongoing medical care for the rest of your life.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The injuries you will receive in a fall are entirely dependent on how you land. If you land hard, you could easily break or fracture a bone.
Strains/Sprains: One of the most common injuries after a fall is a serious strain or sprain as a result of trying to catch yourself. Landing hard on your wrists can result in severe sprains or even a fracture.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries are often the result of constant small motions you may not even realize are hurting you. Simple actions such as typing on a computer, using tools on a daily basis, or consistently lifting objects of a similar size can all result in serious repetitive stress injuries, such as:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of constant pressure on the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, and bouts of pain around the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It can affect your productivity, and you may need surgery to correct an extreme case.
Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs between your bones and soft tissue, which are called bursae, become inflamed as a result of prolonged pressure and repetitive motion. This can cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the affected location.

How Do Orthopedic Injuries Impact Your Ability to Work?

Orthopedic injuries often require medical imaging, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery. Depending on the severity, they can prevent you from performing your regular
job duties or returning to work altogether.
You may need job retraining, light-duty accommodations, or even permanent
disability benefits.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an Orthopedic Injury?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an orthopedic injury in Minnesota requires several key steps. First, the injury should be reported to your employer as soon as possible. This is important to make sure your claim is processed correctly.

After notifying your employer, get medical attention from an approved doctor who can assess your injury. The doctor’s evaluation will be important when establishing the severity of the injury and whether it’s work-related or not.

Next, your employer should give you a form called the First Report of Injury (FROI). This form documents the incident and must be submitted to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will evaluate it and determine if it’s accepted or denied.

What Benefits Can I Receive for an Orthopedic Injury Under Workers’ Compensation?

If your workers’ compensation claim for an orthopedic injury is approved, you could be entitled to several benefits in Minnesota, including:

Medical benefits
Temporary disability benefits
Permanent disability benefits
Vocational rehabilitation
Death benefits

Each of these benefits is designed to offer you the financial support you need on your road to recovery while you heal from your orthopedic injury.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve suffered an orthopedic injury while on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are essential for your recovery and financial well-being. With over 50 years of combined experience, Atkinson Gerber is committed to guiding you through every step of the workers’ compensation claims process, from filing your claim to receiving your benefits.

Don’t let the bureaucratic system stand in your way. Contact us at 651-333-3636 for experienced legal assistance. We’re here to help you recover and get back on your feet.

Your aggressive handling of this work comp case was first rate. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past but appreciated the personal attention you provided me in this matter. Thank you!

- Cathy M.

Finally, I found the attorney that works for the injured worker, after two previous attorneys’ work for us seemed inadequate. Tom and his staff have the commitment to take it to trial if necessary rather than the other attorneys’ inertia and reluctance to do so. He has the integrity that you rarely find in the work comp arena anymore. Your involvement in my case resulted in returning us to some sense of dignity in this battle. I thought that with the multiple near-fatal catastrophic injuries I sustained that the opposing side would do the right thing. Don’t deceive yourself with this notion. You must have the right attorney by your side. With all the overwhelming tasks to complete while recovering, I thought I needed an attorney that was located near me. Again, I was wrong as they accommodated us however we needed it. Please don’t choose a work comp attorney based on location no matter how tempting that may be. Tom and staff thank you for making us believe in justice again.

- Scott H.

I just want to say a big “thank you” for representing me in my Social Security case. Without your help, I know that I would not have been successful. I am very fortunate that you represented me because you have the experience and knowledge that obtained the favorable ruling

- Dana D.

I received my settlement check this weekend and I want to thank you and all of your staff for taking on this case and pursuing it to a positive conclusion. These proceedings were not without their share of frustration but I always felt confident in my representation and your efforts to best represent me. I don’t believe I could do what you do- I would be too tempted to reach across the table and strangle the opposing counsel. I am very pleased with the outcome and am glad it is over.

- Gary S.

Tom and Marci were a tremendous help in that you made it so easy for someone like me who was stressed out about it all, especially with all the little things. I would have had a hard time relaxing enough to deal with everything effectively if you had not been so helpful. I also thought that Tom was very effective in the courtroom and had the facts of my case organized well and was informed so that he could tell where the judge wanted to go with his questions and was able to present the facts in a way that helped my case be viewed favorably by the judge. I was very pleased with the results. Thank you.

- Dan N.

You kicked butt. I am so happy with my results and I couldn’t have done it without you

- Teresa H.

Listen up every employee who has suffered a work comp injury in this state! If you think you don’t need a lawyer because everything is going fine, the adjuster is nice, and the QRC they assigned you seems to have your interest at heart; you are WRONG! The longer you wait to hire a lawyer the more disadvantaged you become. Tom Atkinson and his staff are aggressive and experienced workers’ compensation experts. Tom got me more than I ever thought I would get and NEVER charged a fee until he obtained benefits on my behalf. Thank you Tom, Marci, Gene and Cassie; I couldn’t have done it without you on my side.

- Thomas Hoaby

Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. I’m so proud to have you as my lawyer as you are absolutely wonderful at your job… Not to mention hilarious:) Whatever the outcome of today, I truly appreciate all you have done for me.

- Stacey B.

The day I met Tom, was the day I knew I would get all I needed from the Work Comp. company. For me, it was never about getting a big settlement. I only wanted what my doctor was recommending. Tom supported my decision not to settle, and took it all the way to a hearing to get me what I needed. It seems as though every step of the way has been a battle, but never once have I had any doubts in his ability to succeed. In the end, I got the surgery I needed and Tom still ended up getting me a bigger settlement than they offered in the beginning. Tom and his staff are a wonderful, caring group of people, and I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.

- Sandy

Tom and his team are the top tier in the worker compensation field as I experienced the professionalism personally. I was injured at work and after two other well publicized and awarded attorneys failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, Tom and his team proved how a dedicated, genuine, caring, honest team can get the better than expected results for a client.

- DR

Dana and her staff are the most professional and outstanding lawyer I have ever dealt with and I would highly recommend anybody that would need a lawyer contact her. They made me feel more like a friend or family. When dealing with them and made the whole process, go smoothly as possible. There’s not enough words to describe the gratitude I feel for her and her staff. Thank you for a job well done. I would highly recommend her at her staff to anybody that would need legal assistance.

- Les A.

Dana has been incredibly helpful in representing me. She made the entire process easy, addressing any issues with professionalism and care. Her team was equally wonderful, providing excellent support throughout. I highly recommend Dana and her team to anyone seeking assistance with workers’ compensation.

- Attas

Amazing Workman’s Comp attorneys. Tom did everything he said he would. His paralegal team and staff are amazing too and very quick to get back to you. Fought for me until the very end. Will recommend this team to anyone having Workman’s Comp issues.

- Taylor K.

Words can not express how amazing Dana and the family at Atkinson Gerber Law are! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Dana and Morgan where prompt, knowledgeable and so so kind. I can not recommend them enough if you or a loved one ever needs legal help. Getting injured is stressful but with this phenomenal team in your corner, it really helps ease some stress. I can’t thank them enough!

- Amber N.

Despite that my case ended about 10 months ago, I actually went back to place this review because Tom and his team did so well and help me through a very, very difficult time in my life. I want to thank the entire staff for all their help.