The spine is one of the most remarkable systems in the human body and is divided into three main areas: the neck (cervical spine), the mid-back (thoracic spine), and the lower back (lumbar spine). The system is designed for strength and flexibility, but it remains vulnerable, especially in physically demanding jobs.
When you sustain back and neck injuries at work, the effects can be painful, debilitating, and life-changing in unfortunate ways. As such, a work accident lawyer in Minnesota is always ready to help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
The Most Common Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries range in severity but often lead to various complications. Here are some of the most common types.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains happen when muscles or ligaments are stretched or torn. Whiplash, for instance, is a form of neck strain you experience when you make sudden stops or jolts.
Fractures
A fractured vertebra is a serious injury that causes intense pain and reduced mobility. It may even require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Herniated Discs
Discs act like cushions between your spinal bones. When herniated or “slipped,” they press on nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries are recurrent in high-risk industries like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, emergency response, and security. What usually causes them?
- Slips and Falls: A wet floor or uneven surface may make someone slip and land awkwardly. Falls from ladders or platforms can also come with blows to the back or head.
- Overexertion: Lifting, pulling, or pushing something too heavy or without proper form can cause muscles or spinal structures to give out.
- Repetitive Motions: Repeating the same motion for hours and days wears down the spine’s structures.
Are You Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Yes, you are entitled to benefits if you hurt your back and neck while performing your duties. In Minnesota, the law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation to support injured employees without the need to prove fault.
Wage-Loss Benefits
If your injury brings temporary total, temporary partial, permanent total, or permanent partial disability, you may get coverage for lost wages while recovering.
Medical Benefits
All reasonable and necessary treatment for your injury should be paid for, including doctor visits, surgery, and medications. Should you need devices like crutches or wheelchairs, you will also receive them.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Some injuries make it impossible for employees to return to their previous jobs. In such cases, workers’ compensation covers retraining or placement services to help them return to the workforce in a new role.
The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
How do you claim workers’ compensation benefits? Let’s summarize the process in three steps.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
After an accident or when you begin to feel the effects of an occupational injury, have yourself checked by a doctor. If you cannot do it yourself, have someone you trust record your diagnosis and other relevant information.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
Report your injury to your employer within 14 days of the incident. Once notified, it becomes their responsibility to complete a First Report of Injury (FROI) form and submit it to their insurance provider.
Step 3: Receive Benefits
Your employer’s insurance provider will evaluate your claim, accept it, and start providing you with benefits.
Ideally, the claims process should be straightforward. In reality, employees face delays and denials from insurance companies. If they deny your claim, know that you have the right to appeal, which makes legal support from job injury attorneys in Minnesota crucial.
The Roles of Job Injury Attorneys in Minnesota
The workers’ compensation system can be elaborate, no matter how clearly the employee’s situation warrants assistance. Here is how a work accident lawyer in Minnesota can help:
- Assess Claims: Your attorney will evaluate whether your claim is valid and how much you may be qualified to receive.
- Gather Evidence: They collect medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build your case.
- Negotiate Settlements: Lawyers communicate with employers and insurance companies, ensuring settlement offers reflect the true value of your injury.
- Represent Clients: Attorneys will advocate for you at hearings and appeals when claims are denied or disputed.
- Protect Your Rights: Regardless of your case’s complexity, your legal team will hold responsible parties accountable under the law.
Get in Touch With Your Work Accident Lawyer in Minnesota
Your back and neck support everything you do on the job and in life. When these vital areas get injured, the workers’ compensation system must protect you.
At Osterbauer Law Firm, we have seen firsthand how workplace mishaps affect lives. Our legal services help employees recover and move forward, and we are eager to do the same for you.
Call Osterbauer Law Firm at (612) 334-3434 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our experienced job injury attorneys in Minnesota are here for the most successful outcomes possible.