Although workers’ compensation is available to millions of employees throughout the U.S., many people are unaware of how to make a claim or exactly what they can claim for. Surprisingly, it isn’t just employees who are unfamiliar with the workers’ comp system; many business owners and employers are unsure of what type of incidents can give rise to a claim for workers’ comp.
To find out when MN’s Workers Compensation lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk can help employees to take legal action, take a look at these four common examples of workers’ compensation claims now:
1. Machinery Accidents
When employees are using heavy equipment or machinery, there are numerous hazards to be aware of. If the equipment malfunctions or safety procedures aren’t followed, for example, serious accidents can occur. As manufacturing, mining and agriculture are core industries in Minnesota, there are a significant number of these types of accidents each year. However, you don’t have to suffer the consequences alone.
If you’ve been involved in a machinery-related accident at work, personal injury lawyers could help you to obtain the workers’ comp you deserve.
2. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
A repetitive strain injury typically occurs over time and is associated with work that requires repeated movements. People working on a production line or even someone using a computer for long periods of time could experience repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Although RSIs don’t occur because of a one-off accident, this doesn’t prevent you from claiming workers’ compensation for them. Providing you can show that your work caused or contributed to the injury, you could be eligible to receive compensation.
3. Slips, Trips and Falls
You can slip or fall over anywhere, including at your workplace. Even though the incident may not be directly related to the type of work you do, the fact that it occurred while you were performing your duties is enough for it to be classified as a workplace accident. As slips, trips and falls are so common, they’re one of the leading causes of workers’ comp claims.
Of course, the severity of the incident and your injuries will determine how much workers’ comp you’re eligible to receive and how long you’ll receive payments for.
4. Occupational Illnesses
As well as claiming compensation for injuries that you’ve sustained due to your work, you can also obtain workers’ compensation for illnesses that have been caused or exacerbated by your job. If you’ve been exposed to poor working conditions and have become unwell because of it, for example, you could be eligible to make a claim for compensation.
Making a Workers’ Comp Claim
Although millions of employees are eligible to receive workers’ compensation, making a claim isn’t as easy as it should be. In fact, it only takes a miniscule error on your paperwork for your claim to be rejected.
By seeking assistance from a personal injury law firm, however, you can ensure that your claim satisfies the regulatory requirements and increase the likelihood of it being processed and approved swiftly.
