Physical Injuries

Workplace injuries can have significant consequences for employees, leading to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disabilities. Injuries that occur on the job often result in workers’ compensation claims, while some may also give rise to personal injury claims if caused by third-party negligence. Workplace injuries can be classified into two main categories: specific injuries and repetitive use injuries (also known as Gillette injuries). Understanding the differences between these categories and the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for employees seeking compensation and benefits.

Specific Injuries vs. Repetitive Use (Gillette) Injuries

A specific injury occurs as a result of a single, identifiable incident. These injuries often happen suddenly and are usually documented at the time they occur. Examples include:

Slipping on a wet floor and fracturing a wrist
Being struck by a falling object and sustaining a head injury
Suffering a herniated disc from lifting a heavy object incorrectly
A construction worker falling from scaffolding and breaking a leg

Specific injuries are typically easier to prove in workers’ compensation claims because they have a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Repetitive Use (Gillette) Injuries

A repetitive use injury develops over time due to continuous strain or wear-and-tear on a specific body part. These injuries are also referred to as Gillette injuries, named after a Minnesota Supreme Court case that established compensability for injuries resulting from repeated work-related stress. Examples include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged computer use or assembly line work
Chronic lower back pain from years of lifting heavy objects
Tendinitis in the shoulder from repetitive overhead movements
Degenerative knee injuries from prolonged standing or kneeling

Because these injuries develop gradually, proving causation in workers’ compensation claims can be more challenging. Medical documentation and work history play a significant role in establishing the link between work activities and the injury.

Common Types of Physical Injuries

Work-related injuries can affect various parts of the body, particularly the musculoskeletal system. Below are some of the most common orthopedic injuries covered by workers’ compensation claims.

Neck and Back Injuries

Herniated discs – Often caused by lifting, twisting, or sudden impact
Strains and sprains – Resulting from overexertion or improper lifting techniques
Spinal fractures – Occurring in high-impact accidents such as falls or vehicle collisions
Chronic lower back pain – Linked to repetitive lifting or prolonged sitting with poor ergonomics

Rotator cuff tears – Common in repetitive overhead movements and sudden trauma
Frozen shoulder – Stiffness and pain that develop from prolonged immobility
Labral tears – Often caused by repetitive stress or direct trauma to the shoulder joint

Hip labral tears – Common in jobs that require frequent twisting or pivoting motions
Hip bursitis – Inflammation due to repetitive stress or prolonged standing
Fractures – Resulting from falls or high-impact accidents

Meniscus tears – Often caused by twisting or direct impact
ACL/MCL injuries – Common in physically demanding jobs requiring sudden movements
Patellar tendinitis – Associated with repetitive bending, kneeling, or jumping

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – Caused by repetitive arm movements
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – Associated with excessive wrist flexion
Elbow bursitis – Often resulting from frequent pressure on the elbow

Wrist and Hand Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome – Compression of the median nerve due to repetitive hand motions
Tendinitis – Often caused by continuous gripping, typing, or machine operation
Fractures and dislocations – Common in falls or machinery accidents

Ankle and Foot Injuries

Sprains and strains – Often caused by slips, trips, or falls
Plantar fasciitis – Common in workers who stand for long hours
Fractures – Resulting from heavy objects falling or high-impact trauma

Sprains and strains – Often caused by slips, trips, or falls
Plantar fasciitis – Common in workers who stand for long hours
Fractures – Resulting from heavy objects falling or high-impact trauma

Additional Benefits for First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty

First responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, face unique occupational hazards. Due to the risks associated with their jobs, they may be entitled to additional benefits beyond standard workers’ compensation.

PERA/MSRS Disability Benefits

Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) provide disability benefits for first responders injured in the line of duty.
Injured workers may qualify for duty disability benefits, which provide income replacement if they are unable to continue working in their profession.

Healthcare Continuation Benefits

Injured first responders may be entitled to continued healthcare benefits if they are unable to work due to a duty-related injury.
Under Minnesota law, police officers and firefighters disabled due to work-related injuries may qualify for continued employer-provided health insurance coverage.

Death and Dependency Benefits

If a first responder dies due to a work-related injury, their dependents (such as a spouse or children) may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits.
Additional benefits may be available through the Department of Public Safety, including financial support for surviving family members.

Workplace injuries, whether sudden or developed over time, can have life-altering consequences for employees. Workers’ compensation exists to help injured employees recover by covering medical expenses and lost wages. Understanding the distinctions between specific injuries and repetitive use injuries (Gillette injuries) is essential for navigating claims. Additionally, first responders injured in the line of duty are entitled to enhanced benefits, recognizing the unique risks they face in serving the public. Employees who sustain work-related injuries should seek legal and medical guidance to ensure they receive the compensation and benefits they deserve.

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