Do You Live With Chronic Pain From A Repetitive Trauma Injury?
Injuries caused by accidents on the job can cause serious pain and require significant medical attention. But what about gradual onset injuries? Many workers suffer serious physical injuries or illnesses because of repetitive motions or exposure to harmful substances at work. These, too, can be covered by workers’ compensation, but too many injured workers fail to bring their injuries to light.
If your daily work activities contribute to significant and chronic pain, you may be entitled to seek workers’ compensation. Get the information you need to recover a full and fair compensation package.
Contact David H. Bailly at 952-232-1053 or 800-250-3799 toll free to discuss your case in detail with an experienced Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer. Mr. Bailly offers a free case assessment specifically so you can get answers to your questions and understand what options you might have.
Providing Evidence That Your Injury Was Caused By Work
Proving that your repetitious employment activities are a substantial contributing cause of your injury or pain can be difficult without experienced help. You will need substantial medical evidence as well as a thorough record of your activities at work. While it may seem overwhelming, you may have options for obtaining help for chronic or repetitive trauma injuries.
Attorney David H. Bailly has handled more than 3,500 workers’ comp claims for clients across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. He takes special interest in helping those with day-to-day repetitive trauma injuries explore their options for obtaining workers’ compensation.
Protecting Your Rights To Compensation For Repetitive Trauma Injuries
Insurance companies often cite pre-existing conditions as a reason to deny workers’ compensation or to discontinue benefits after some time, even if symptoms persist. If your problems persist, however, you may be able to appeal the denied claim. Mr. Bailly can review your medical history, test results and other evidence to help you identify:
- What specific work activities seem to cause pain or aggravate your symptoms the most
- The frequency and duration of these activities
- Whether your current work-related activities have aggravated a pre-existing condition or a condition you didn’t know you had
Even if you have a pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to benefits if your job duties permanently aggravate or accelerate your condition or you have developed a completely new condition despite any pre-existing conditions.
Based on his extensive experience with workers’ compensation, Mr. Bailly understands the medical aspects of such claims and knows many prominent physicians and surgeons who specialize in repetitive injuries such as low back and spinal injuries, hand and wrist injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome), shoulder injuries, knee injuries and others. He will do the research needed to help you build a strong claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repetitive Trauma Injuries
Here are answers to common questions about repetitive trauma injuries and workers’ compensation in Minnesota:
What steps should I take if I suspect a repetitive trauma injury at work?
If you suspect your work activities are causing or contributing to your pain and symptoms, these important steps can protect your rights:
- Report your suspected injury to your employer immediately upon connecting your symptoms to your work activities, as Minnesota law requires timely notification
- Seek medical attention from a health care provider who can evaluate your symptoms and determine if work activities may be contributing to your condition
- Document everything related to your injury, including when symptoms first appeared, which work activities trigger pain and how the condition affects daily life
- Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments and any time missed from work due to symptoms
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney who understands repetitive trauma cases to protect your rights
Be honest and thorough when describing job duties and how symptoms have developed over time to your health care providers and legal counsel.
What is an independent medical examination (IME), and why is it important in a repetitive trauma injury case?
An independent medical examination is an evaluation conducted by a physician chosen by the insurance company to assess your injury and work-related limitations. The insurance company may request an IME to obtain a second opinion about your condition, treatment needs or ability to return to work.
In repetitive trauma cases, IMEs become particularly important because these injuries often involve ongoing symptoms that may not show obvious physical signs during examination. The examining physician will review your medical records, conduct a physical examination and provide an opinion about whether your condition is work-related.
While called “independent,” the insurance company selects and pays the examining physician. Their opinion may differ from your treating doctor’s assessment, potentially affecting your benefits.
Can I return to work while receiving workers’ compensation for repetitive trauma?
Yes, you may be able to return to work in a modified capacity while receiving workers’ compensation benefits for repetitive trauma injuries. Many employers can provide light duty assignments or modify job responsibilities to accommodate physical limitations.
Working with restrictions while receiving partial disability benefits allows you to maintain income while recovering. Your treating physician will determine what work activities you can safely perform and any limitations that should be observed.
Alleviate The Financial Stress Of Your Injury
Contact Mr. Bailly online or by calling 952-232-1053 or 800-250-3799 to schedule a free initial consultation. He serves clients from his Eden Prairie office in Hennepin County, near Minneapolis.