Bosch Law FirmBosch Law Firm St Paul Workers' Compensation Law Firm2024-03-14T05:41:25Zhttps://www.bosch-law.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1101323/2020/01/cropped-BoschLawFirmLTD_512x512_Favicon_JAN2020-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515832024-01-25T20:19:07Z2024-01-25T20:19:07ZCommute-related injuries
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Twin Cities' daily commute times average 25 minutes. If the employer provides transportation to and from work, injuries sustained during the commute may be eligible for workers' compensation. This applies to company-owned vehicles.
Traveling for work
If an employee sustains an injury while traveling for work purposes, the injury may qualify for workers' compensation. This can include injuries suffered in hotels, airports or other locations while on a work-related trip.
Training and workshops
Injuries sustained during training sessions, workshops or other job-related educational activities may be work-related and eligible for workers' compensation.
Errands for the employer
If an employee is running an errand for the employer, workers' compensation may cover injuries sustained during these activities.
On-call situations
Employees who are on-call and required to be available for work during specific periods may be eligible for workers' compensation if an injury happens while responding to a work-related situation during on-call hours.
Workers' compensation protects employees from loss of income and medical bills when injured while engaging in any activities that are work-related.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515732023-11-16T02:41:50Z2023-11-16T02:41:50Z1. Librarian
The peaceful atmosphere of a library may not immediately bring to mind thoughts of danger, but for librarians, unseen risks are still present. Constantly shelving and retrieving heavy volumes, librarians face ergonomic challenges that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, slips and falls while navigating crowded aisles pose a significant threat.
2. Farmer
Agriculture, often romanticized for its connection to nature, conceals surprising dangers. Farmers, while nurturing crops and livestock, grapple with hazardous equipment.
These include tractors and combines. The risk of machinery accidents, exposure to pesticides and the physical toll of repetitive tasks show the unexpectedly dangerous nature of this profession.
3. Dentist
There are currently 202,536 dentists in the United States as of 2022. Dentists, with their focus on oral health, face occupational hazards that extend beyond dental procedures.
The extensive use of repetitive motions, such as drilling and scaling, puts them at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, exposure to harmful substances, like mercury from dental amalgams, adds an unexpected layer of danger to their job.
4. Musician
The world of music may seem like a refuge from physical dangers, but musicians also have unique health risks. Prolonged exposure to loud volumes during performances and rehearsals puts them at risk of hearing loss. Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can harm instrumentalists and even prevent them from playing.
5. Office worker
The typical office environment might not scream danger, but the sedentary nature of desk jobs creates health risks that often go unnoticed. Prolonged sitting contributes to a host of health problems, including cardiovascular issues. Typing for extended periods without proper ergonomics can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
These examples illuminate the often-overlooked dangers lurking in seemingly safe professions. It is important to address these hidden risks to ensure the well-being of individuals across diverse occupations. This understanding can lead to better workplace safety measures.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515672023-09-18T20:58:10Z2023-09-18T20:58:10ZInitial reporting
The workers' compensation process begins with reporting your workplace injury to your employer. Once your employer is aware of the incident, they are responsible for initiating the claims process. The company's workers' compensation insurance carrier will then conduct a review to assess the validity of your claim.
Medical evaluation
After the approval of your claim, you will need to undergo a medical evaluation to determine the extent of your injury or illness. This evaluation determines the type and amount of benefits you are eligible to receive. The timeframe for this step can vary depending on the availability of medical appointments and the complexity of your case.
Notification
After the insurance provider calculates your benefits, you will receive a notification of approval. The insurer will provide you with details of the amount and frequency of payments. You can expect to start receiving benefits shortly after this notification, usually within a few weeks. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Data shows that workers' compensation settlements in the U.S. typically range between $2,000 and $40,000. Many individuals start receiving their benefits within two or three weeks of the injury if they follow all proper procedures.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515572023-08-15T01:50:48Z2023-08-15T01:50:48ZOverexertion and muscle strains
Overexertion injuries are common in occupations that require frequent heavy lifting. Unsafe lifts and overuse can lead to muscle and ligament injuries, such as strains and sprains. Soft tissue injuries, including tendonitis and bursitis, can occur. Back injuries are common among workers in many different industries. You can also damage your neck, shoulders and hips through overexertion.
Accidents and impact injuries
Contact with equipment and other objects causes many workplace injuries for blue-collar employees. These accidents can result in cuts, bruises and bone fractures. Injuries that affect the head, eyes and spine can be especially damaging. Falling objects can lead to severe crushing injuries on worksites. It is important to use protective gear, including a hard hat, when walking through hazardous areas.
Slips, trips and falls
Injuries caused by falls, trips and slips are common in all workplaces, including blue-collar jobs. You could seriously hurt yourself by tripping over a cable, slipping on a wet floor or falling from a ladder. Workers in construction, maintenance and cleaning roles are particularly susceptible to falls from heights, which can result in severe injuries. Employers should keep worksites free of debris that can contribute to accidents and provide safety gear and training for all workers.
Workplace injuries can be costly, stressful and painful. Understanding the safety risks and injuries associated with blue-collar work is important.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515552023-08-09T18:42:57Z2023-08-14T18:42:31Z2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in 2021. While an injured employee has the right to file a workers’ compensation, it often comes with many questions. Some of those questions revolve around how age may impact a claim.
1. How can age affect work-related injuries?
While it depends on the person, younger and older workers often face different work-related injuries. A worker under 45 likely has lower odds of getting injured and can usually recover quicker. As humans age, biology plays a key role in injuries and healing. Workers over 50 may face a higher risk of permanent injury due to a number of factors.
2. Does age factor into the benefits received?
Although age should not factor in getting workers’ compensation benefits, the insurance industry focuses on making money. Older workers tend to take longer to recover and may have started to develop pre-existing conditions, which can make it difficult to prove the work caused the injury. For people nearing retirement age, sustaining a workplace injury may lead to additional complications in getting a claim approved.
3. Will retiring impact workers’ compensation benefits?
In some instances, an employer or the insurance company may provide a plethora of reasons why an older injured person should just retire. Considering that many work-related injuries lead to severe, long-term challenges, doing so may mean taking a lower settlement that does not cover the true costs of the injuries. Deciding to retire may also provide evidence that a loss of income happened due to retirement and not an injury.
Any workplace injury has the potential for severe consequences. Whether young or adult, victims have the right to receive compensation.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515162023-07-07T20:42:41Z2023-07-07T20:42:41Z2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in 2021. When an injury means the inability to return to work, people often have questions about what to do next.
1. File a workers’ compensation claim
Along with notifying a supervisor of the incident and seeking medical assistance, workers have the right to file a claim. If a person does not start the process quickly, it may mean not receiving compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
2. Stay in contact with the employer
Although a person should not reveal all the details of the situation, staying in contact with the employer regarding medical progress remains a good idea. This not only shows a person’s dedication to getting back to work, but it also helps an employer prepare for a person’s return to work. In many cases, a person will need to perform light duty once back on the job. Communicating with employers allows them to make the necessary accommodations.
3. Wait for the doctor’s approval to return to work
Even if a person seemingly feels better, always follow the doctor’s orders. Going back to work too soon may hinder recovery or lead to re-injury. Depending on the workload, an unhealed injury may lead to performing work differently and sustaining a new injury.
Dealing with a workplace injury comes with many issues, including financial, physical and emotional. If urged to return to soon, consider seeking legal advice.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=515122023-06-05T14:50:27Z2023-06-05T14:50:27ZImportance and Subject Matter of Independent Medical Examinations
The importance of IME’s and their role in the worker's compensation process cannot be understated. Knowing how the examinations work and what type of information is provided to the physicians can help to challenge the unfavorable reports. IME’s commonly address the following issues relevant to a workers’ compensation claim: (1) whether an injury was sustained; (2) if so, the nature and extent of the injury; (3) whether the medical treatment an injured worker has received has been reasonable, necessary and causally related to the work injury; (4) whether the employee has attained maximum medical improvement (“MMI”); (5) whether the employee has sustained any permanent partial disability; (6) whether the employee requires any further medical treatment or work restrictions.
Possibility of Multiple IME’s
IME’s are not always "one and done." Disputes with employers/insurers’ may require multiple IME’s to address different injuries/conditions. Additionally, IME’s can be repeated by the same doctor in the future if a reexamination is reasonable. The opinions set forth in an IME report often dictate an employer/insurer’s defense position and whether they will approve, deny or discontinue certain medical, indemnity and/or wage loss benefits. An unfavorable IME can result in, among other things, a denial of certain medical treatment, such as surgery, a dispute over vocational rehabilitation benefits, and an attempted discontinuance of wage loss benefits.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=514992023-05-19T18:28:29Z2023-05-19T18:28:29Zstate’s definition of work-related injuries includes gradual injuries or injuries that are aggravated or accelerated by work tasks. Proactively pursuing a workers’ compensation claim is always smarter than waiting and hoping you’ll receive benefits. This includes when you have delayed-onset symptoms.
Work injuries and illnesses can emerge gradually
Minnesota law recognizes occupational diseases such as asbestosis and carpel tunnel syndrome as falling under workers’ compensation law. These diseases tend to get worse over time when you’re continually exposed to the hazards that cause them. Other types of injuries may seem mild at first but gradually create more and more pain and limitation.
Don’t play tough when you are hurt at work. Go to the ER if the injury is severe. If you see a physician in a non-emergency setting, be clear you are there to have your symptoms evaluated for a work injury. If symptoms emerge later that you believe are related to your work injury, have them evaluated separately.
Additionally, seek help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that you document your injury symptoms properly, and file your case within the two-year statute of limitations. The attorney also can discuss strategies for including a delayed-onset symptom in an active workers’ comp case.
Get medical attention for all work injury symptoms
Don’t delay your medical appointment for a new symptom – your employer or their insurer may more easily argue that your injury or illness isn’t related to your job. Prompt medical evaluation is always your best defense against having your workers’ compensation claim denied.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=514922023-04-07T17:19:22Z2023-04-07T17:19:22Zgenerally, yes. The state workers' comp law requires employers (meaning, any person or entity that hires other people to perform services in exchange for payment) to purchase workers' compensation insurance or become self-insured for their employees. An employee in this context generally means anybody performing services for another, regardless of age or citizenship status. This applies whether the employer has hundreds of full-time employees or a single part-time worker on staff.
Exceptions to the rule
However, the law contains certain exemptions from the workers' comp requirement. For example, a sole proprietorship does not have to cover employees if those workers are the owner's spouse, children or parents. And partners in a partnership do not need to cover themselves or any immediate family members working for the business. Other small businesses may not need coverage for every employee if they employ a small enough workforce.
Fighting for your rightful workplace injury benefits
These exemptions are fairly narrow. If you work for somebody else in St. Paul or anywhere else in the Twin Cities, chances are good that your employer has workers' comp coverage. But that does not mean your employer will automatically approve your workers' comp claim when you get injured on the job. You might need legal help to fight for the benefits you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.bosch-law.com/?p=514862023-03-20T18:51:11Z2023-03-16T21:38:41Zworkers' compensation is there for St. Paul's workforce if they sustain a job-related injury or illness. If approved, you could receive substantial and vital financial compensation without having to prove that your employer was negligently responsible.
Three types of workers' comp benefits for Minnesotans
Wage-loss benefits. This is probably what most people think of when they think about workers' comp: benefits to help make up for the wages you lose while you are recovering and unable to work. Depending on how severe your injury is and how long you expect it to last, you could qualify for benefits based on a temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent total disability or permanent partial disability.
Medical benefits. Most people need a lot of treatment after a work injury. The cost of surgery, physical therapy and doctor's visits can be astronomical. Injured workers who qualify for workers' comp are entitled to have "reasonable and necessary" medical care paid for.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits. If you suffered a permanent disability, you might not be able to perform your old job duties anymore. You might then qualify for vocational rehabilitation to help train you to perform work that pays a similar amount to your old job.
Exactly what you qualify for depends on how well you make your case in your application, or your appeal if necessary. The more legal guidance you have, the more compensation you are likely to receive.]]>