Most Minnesota employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that your medical bills are paid in the event that you are hurt while on the job. It also allows you to recoup a percentage of your lost wages while recovering from a concussion, broken bone or muscle strain.
Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries
An icy sidewalk, cracked floor or loose handrail can result in a slip, trip or fall while on the job. Depending on how you land, you could experience a broken hand, back pain or a concussion in such an incident. The severity of your injuries may increase if you fall from heights or aren’t wearing protective equipment when such an accident happens.
Working too hard can increase your injury risk
It can be tempting to show up to work despite having a sore back, shoulder or wrist. However, it may be in your best interest to take a shift off, ask for light duty or ask for tools that might make completing a task easier on your body. Otherwise, you run the risk of tearing a muscle, straining a tendon or incurring other injuries that may require surgery to fix.
Workplace violence can be hazardous to your health
A fight with a colleague could result in serious injuries, but it’s important to note that you might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in such a scenario. This is because a scuffle with a colleague is generally not considered to be within the scope of your employment.
If you are injured on the job, it’s critical to report the incident to your employer, seek treatment and file a workers’ compensation claim in a timely manner. It may also be in your best interest to contact an attorney who has experience with these types of matters.