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Lifting injuries are one of the top hazards for many workers, including retail workers, delivery drivers, factory workers and warehouse employees. Even workers who lift with care and follow proper lifting techniques can find themselves hurt because of overexertion or repetitive strain. If you have suffered an on-the-job lifting injury, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
At The Law Office of Gretchen Hall in St. Paul, we have more than 20 years of experience pursuing workers’ compensation claims for injured employees in the Twin Cities metro and throughout Minnesota. Whether you recently suffered a lifting injury at work or you have already tried to collect benefits and been given the runaround, you can count on our attorney to take action.
Work lifting injuries come in many forms. Some happen immediately, while others are the result of cumulative trauma and worsen over time. Among the most common are:
Additionally, lifting injuries can result in long-term nerve and musculoskeletal conditions like tendonitis or osteoarthritis. Then there is the issue of injuries caused by dropping objects while lifting, which can cause severe injuries to feet and hands, such as broken foot bones or broken hand bones.
While the term lifting injuries is used most commonly, these injuries also encompass those suffered carrying heavy objects, as well as pushing or pulling heavy objects. Together, these may be referred to as manual material handling injuries.
While all work injury claims run the risk of being denied by insurance companies who would rather avoid paying an injured worker, there are specific issues that make lifting injury claims ripe for denials.
In cases of cumulative trauma or repetitive strain, the insurance company or insured employer may argue that the injury was the result of activities outside of the workplace. Even in cases involving an immediate lifting injury, they may argue that there was a pre-existing injury, or look for some other issue with which they can make the denial. Thankfully, an experienced attorney can fight a denied claim.
Treatment will vary depending on the nature of the lifting injury. However, it is common for a serious lifting injury to require surgery and physical therapy.
These injuries can be tricky because returning to work before they are completely healed will typically result in re-injury. This is at odds with the insurance company, which will want you to return to work as soon as possible. Our goal is to protect you by getting all the workers’ compensation benefits you need and fighting to prevent you from being sent back to work before you have finished healing.
Call 651-426-2570 or contact our firm online to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer.