Unfortunately, many workers suffer painful hernias that make them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. While you might not be familiar with what a hernia is and the symptoms it could cause, learning more could help you or someone you know.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ pushes its way through tissue or muscle inside the body, instead of staying in its normal place. Naturally, this condition often causes pain and other issues inside the body. There are a few different kinds of hernias, such as inguinal or hiatal.
An inguinal hernia is located in the groin, often when intestines push through muscle or tissue because of a tear in it. They are one of the most common kinds of hernias. Hiatal hernias are located near the chest cavity, often when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. They can cause GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) or heartburn.
Why Are Hernias Common in the Workplace?
Workers can get hernias while doing their jobs in many different ways. Someone who is involved in a serious workplace accident, such as suffering a fall or being crushed by a machine, could have hernias due to organs being crushed inside the body. In addition, an employee could get a hernia from lifting or pushing very heavy objects repeatedly. Hernias also could happen when another person falls on top of you or you have a buildup of air pressure inside your lungs. People in different kinds of professions have hernias – from sports players to construction workers to musicians.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Hernia from Work
You might notice a lump on your stomach or in your groin area that does not go away, or you might feel pain when you cough, move around, or lift objects. These could be signs of a hernia. Regardless of whether you think the hernia happened at work, you should see a doctor very soon. You may need surgery and medical treatment.
If you suspect that the hernia is work-related, then you can seek workers’ compensation benefits to pay for your medical treatment. The benefits also could partially compensate you for any time that you have to take off work. Report the hernia to your employer as soon as possible after it occurs to start the process of seeking benefits.
Need help getting workers’ compensation for your injury? Joe Osterbauer, Esq. and the Osterbauer Law Firm stand up for injured Minnesota workers’ rights. Joe’s 27 years of workers’ compensation experience and his team’s speedy service combine to get clients the results they need. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joe’s office at (612) 334-3434.
