What happens to workers who are so injured they must change jobs?

Job-related medical issues range from blisters and minor contusions to brain injuries and mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder. Workers in Minnesota can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits after an injury on the job or when their doctor diagnoses them with a health issue that directly relates to their current employment.

Many workers only need short-term benefits to cover their healthcare costs when they first get hurt and possibly a short-term leave of absence while they recover from an injury or await necessary medical treatment. In a very small portion of workers’ compensation claims, the affected employee may have to permanently change professions because their injury limits their ability to perform key job functions.

Workers can request permanent partial disability benefits

If someone’s health issues will forever limit their earning potential, workers’ compensation can help cover some of their lost wages. Permanent partial disability benefits reflect the change in someone’s earning potential and the lingering symptoms that result from a severe injury or a work-acquired medical condition.

When a medical issue from work, like a repetitive stress injury, forces someone to stop performing certain job functions, they may need to switch jobs. Workers can receive ongoing payments related to their drop in earning potential.

Workers can receive ongoing medical coverage

The health coverage provided through workers’ compensation is very useful for injured workers in part because it does not pass any expenses on to them. Typically, benefits begin to taper off when workers achieve maximum medical improvement and become eligible to return to work.

However, if they have lasting symptoms that require ongoing therapy or pain management, they can potentially continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits for as long as their symptoms persist. Workers can also restart their medical benefits if their condition worsens in the future.

Those who understand that any change in earning potential or employment function may qualify them for special benefits can reduce the losses they incur because of a job-related health issue. Seeking legal guidance to learn more about Minnesota workers’ compensation coverage is a smart move for those currently coping with a debilitating work-related injury.