The most common work injuries are neck and back injuries. Others are repetitive strain injuries, head injuries, lifting injuries, brain injuries, spinal damage, workers suffer from: fall related injuries, broken bones and fractures, burns as well as injuries caused by exposure to chemicals or toxic substances. Sometimes injuries are sudden other times they occur gradually over time as a result of their day to day work activities. These gradual traumas also called “Gillette” injuries can also be covered by Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws.
Most employers in Minnesota are required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance in place to protect their employees. However, even if your employer doesn't have Workers’ Compensation insurance, benefits may still be available to you through the Minnesota Special Compensation Fund.  These benefits include wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, retraining benefits, and death and dependency benefits. It is very important to have an experienced attorney on your side; someone who understands how all of these benefits work together—an attorney who will maximize what you get.