If you work in one of Minnesota’s many labor-intensive industries, you probably know that your job is not risk-free. Still, it’s important to know how to manage when an injury takes you off work, as you may face increasing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future.
At Atkinson Gerber, we focus exclusively on workers’ compensation law. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we’ve helped countless Minnesotans in high-risk professions fight for the benefits they deserve. Whether you’re on a construction site, behind the wheel of a delivery truck, or caring for patients in a hospital, your safety matters, and your recovery shouldn’t be left to chance.
Contact Atkinson Gerber today on our website or call us at 651-390-9219 for a free consultation.
Most jobs across the state and nation come with some form of risk. While many industries have relatively low risk, others have a higher chance of serious injury and long-term disability.
In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, there were 78,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported statewide in a single year, many of which were OSHA-recordable and potentially eligible for workers’ compensation.
Some common injury-prone industries in Minnesota include:
Many of these industries involve using dangerous equipment. Others involve frequent interaction with people, roadways, and safety concerns, such as animals.
Each industry has its own set of risks, but many of the same types of injuries happen repeatedly on different job sites. By knowing these injuries, workers can recognize the symptoms early and take steps to protect their health and legal rights. Below are some of the most common injuries:
Herniated discs, sprains, and chronic back pain can result from repetitive lifting, twisting motions, and awkward body positions. These injuries are common in construction, healthcare, warehouse, and delivery jobs.
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, or working from heights can cause slips, trips, and falls, leading to fractures, concussions, or spinal injuries. Such injuries are common in healthcare, food service, and construction work.
Concussions or traumatic brain injuries can happen when workers fall from ladders or scaffolds. These also occur when workers experience equipment failures or impacts from falling objects. They are common in construction and warehouse work.
Workplaces can expose employees to dangerous substances and loud environments. This threatens workers with risks such as skin burns and hearing loss, among other health problems. These injuries are often seen in food processing and industrial cleaning jobs.
Occupational settings like healthcare facilities and agricultural fields expose workers to infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and long-term effects from hazardous substances.
When you’re injured at work, you may be entitled to benefits that can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation services, and more. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system exists to help you recover from an injury, but it’s not always easy to get what you’re owed. Our attorneys at Atkinson Gerber can pursue all the benefits to which you’re entitled.
You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to question whether you’re getting the benefits you deserve. If you’ve been injured on the job, especially in a high-risk industry, call Atkinson Gerber today at 651-390-9219 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.