Work injuries can leave a lasting impact beyond physical wounds. While the body may heal, the mind can bear scars in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. Beyond noticing certain signs of this problem, looking more into workers’ compensation can also happen in the time after an injury at work. Flashbacks One problem is having flashbacks or nightmares about the accident. It is like the mind goes back to that scary moment, even when it is not happening. These thoughts can make it hard to sleep well and usually cause serious anxiety. Avoidance behaviors People with PTSD ..read more

Delivery services constitute a major industry employing many drivers across the country. It goes without saying that these drivers play a central role in ensuring that packages reach their destinations on time. However, the nature of their job exposes them to various risks, including the possibility of collisions on the road. When accidents occur, delivery drivers may wonder whether they can claim workers’ compensation. Understanding workers’ compensation Workers’ compensation provides financial assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It typically covers medical ..read more

The nursing profession is a demanding field that requires constant attention to patient care. The fast-paced nature of the work puts nurses at risk of slips, trips and falls that lead to workers’ compensation claims. Understanding the most common causes of these injuries can help healthcare workers and administrators take steps to mitigate those risks. Wet or slippery floors Spilled liquids and water on the floor from cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can lead to slip hazards that cause serious injuries. Nurses often move at a rapid pace to meet patient needs and attend to emergencies, so the ..read more

Day in and day out, health care workers confront challenges that to many of us remain unimaginable. Whether a doctor, nurse, technician, dietician or maintenance employee, these workers may face a variety of hazards ranging from serious back injury and exposure to hazardous materials to disease or even violence. And during the COVID-19 pandemic many of these frontline health care workers sustained exposure to this virus that proved fatal to more than 1 million Americans —  many of them hospital patients. Viruses, chemicals and violence Any worker in a health care facility may face the fol ..read more

Even if you have been healthy so far in your life, you undoubtedly know how difficult it can be to find a doctor you trust. You are certainly not alone. In fact, only 15% of Americans claim to have high confidence in the medical professionals they see. In some states, injured workers have no choice but to visit a doctor their employer chooses. Fortunately, that is not the case in Minnesota. That is, you can seek diagnosis and treatment for your work-related injury from any doctor you choose. Your employer may mislead you If your employer does not understand Minnesota’s workers’ compensation la ..read more

Since employers in Minnesota are obligated to pay for workers’ compensation insurance, most workplace injuries are compensable. However, not all work-related injuries are caused by a single accident that can be reported right away. How do you seek compensation for workplace injuries that became worse over time? And what about occupational diseases that were the result of years of exposure to unhealthy work conditions? Inform your employer and seek medical treatment as soon as possible In an ideal world, you will immediately tell your employer about your injury. The sooner you report a work-rel ..read more

Many people in Minnesota work in the home health care field. These people typically do a lot of driving to meet and care for their patients. To stay safe while traveling, here are important safety tips for home health care workers and their employers. Safety rules employers should have in place There are several ways employers can reduce health care worker injuries. One way to do this is by choosing fleet vehicles with the best possible crash ratings. It’s also important to strictly enforce mandatory seatbelt policies. Employers should also implement extensive safety programs to ensure that ea ..read more

Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions. However, there is a constant safety concern for nurses since these professionals are exposed to serious risks that could be life-threatening. Here are some reminders to help keep Minnesota nurses safe and to avoid going through the workers’ compensation process. Hand washing Nurses often file workers’ compensation claims if they become ill on the job due to exposure to germs or toxins. It is crucial for nurses to wash their hands often to prevent the spread of illness. Nurses should clean their hands after interacting with each patient or after ..read more

The winter brings extremely cold temperatures and dangerous weather conditions, especially if you live in Minnesota. There are many careers in which employees have to work in these conditions, including landscaping, construction and even health care. It is important for you to stay safe when working outdoors. Wear the right clothes When outdoors in the cold, keep yourself as warm as possible. Bring a change of clothes in your car if you are to get wet. Be sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm such as: Waterproof boots Gloves and thick socks Jackets Hand and foot warmers Winter hats or i ..read more

As much as scientists around the world have studied brain injuries the last several years, there is still so much we do not know. The way the human brain reacts to trauma is still a mystery in many ways. This is especially true regarding the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Still, what researchers have discovered suggests that head injuries sustained during your working years can affect your health in your senior years. For example, repeated concussions as a teen or young adult seem to lead to chronic traumatic encephalogy (CTE). This usually occurs to athletes and others who ..read more