Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Patterson Dahlberg
Serious work-related injuries can impact an individual’s ability to return to their place of employment and significantly impact their abilities and quality of life. While common, some work injuries can be extraordinarily serious and result in amputations. The Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law was designed to provide benefits and protections to employees who were hurt in a work-related accident, and those who are suffering from work-related illnesses.
Every year, thousands of workers sustain significant injuries on the job. While some injuries will involve strained muscles or broken bones, others are more severe. Many injuries that are extreme can result in amputation. While many individuals have had their injuries corrected through surgery, this is not a possibility for everyone. Unfortunately, many individuals are left permanently disabled.
The most common types of amputation injuries are full or partial amputations of the fingers and toes. There are also injuries that will result in the amputation of hands, arms, and legs, and feet.
Although nothing could ever replace the loss of one of your limbs, the workers’ compensation laws in Minnesota can ensure that you will receive the medical treatments and care you will need, as well as coverage for the wages you will lose during your time away from work. Filing a claim for workers’ compensation can be a frustrating and confusing time for anyone, and the process can place a serious strain on your finances.
So, if you have been injured in a Minnesota workplace accident, it is crucial that you obtain the services of an experienced workers’ compensation legal team who will prioritize your interests.
At-Risk Industries
While there are many industries that have job-related tasks that can be extremely dangerous, amputations can occur more in particular types of work environments. Many amputations will occur in the manufacturing industry and the construction industry. Over 2/3 of workplace amputation injuries will occur at a jobsite in one of those industries. Employees who work closely with heavy equipment and machinery are more at risk of suffering an injury that will result in amputation.
Some of the most dangerous types of machinery that are used in the manufacturing industry are as follows:
- Conveyors
- Power presses
- Circular and band saws
- Forklifts
- Milling machines
- Trash compactors
- Meat grinders
- Food presses and slices
- Falling debris
Individuals who work with heavy machinery are at a great risk not just because the everyday operations are dangerous, but also because there are risks and hazards in the preparation process, maintenance process, and the setup process. The chances of amputation injuries taking place can be reduced if the proper measures and training measures are put into place.
The Impact of the Injuries
As mentioned earlier, corrective surgery has been an option for many individuals who have amputations, but everyone will not be able to have corrective surgery for their injuries. However, many who do receive corrective surgery may still suffer from limited movements. Individuals who have amputations are more likely to experience the following:
- Phantom limb pain
- Infections
- Anxiety and depression
- PTSD
- Cardiovascular events
Treating the amputation and the conditions that may follow can become increasingly overwhelming and it can place a bigger strain on your finances. Generally, amputation injuries will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Workers who have suffered amputations will often have serious disabilities and trouble returning to work, and this can result in a significant loss of wages. Many will never be able to return to work in some cases.
While it may seem obvious that Minnesota workers who have suffered from significant injuries that resulted in an amputation could be entitled to benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could find that an individual is eligible for additional benefits, including the following:
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Vehicle and/or home modification benefits
Workers’ Rights
Every worker has a right to a safe and hazard-free work environment, access to protective equipment, access to training and other resources, and the right to receive information related to OSHA and its standards. Workers should also be free to request records about job-related work injuries and illnesses. Workers should also feel safe reporting any unsafe areas or equipments in the workplace.
Any worker who believe his or her employer is not following the standards that have been set by OSHA can file a complaint requesting an inspection of the workplace. OSHA will not reveal the identity of who filed the complaint. If a worker is threatened with a demotion or termination for filing a complaint with OSHA or filing a workers’ compensation claim, the employer has committed an illegal action.
If anyone thinks retaliation has taken place for filing a complaint or opening a claim, another complaint can be filed with OSHA, but this complaint must be filed within a 30-day time frame.
Workers’ Compensation
In Minnesota, employers are required to have insurance that will cover workplace accidents. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Minnesota that will give benefits to injured workers. In return, this means that an employee will no longer have the right to sue the employer. The Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law will provide loss benefits to amputees, but the benefits one can receive will be based on the type of amputation that was suffered by the worker.
It is important that workers follow the statute of limitations in workers’ compensation cases and personal injury cases. In Minnesota, workers will have to alert their employers of their injury before 180 days have passed. A workers’ compensation claim will have to be filed within three years of when the first report of injury. The standard time limit for a personal injury claim in Minnesota is two years.
We understanding how life-changing an amputation injury can be to a worker, and how difficult it can make one’s life, especially if one is not able to secure employment to pay for the medical expenses. If you would like to know if you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits after your injury, please contact Patterson Dahlberg Injury Lawyers today to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will evaluate your case.