The laws governing the rights of an injured worker, motorist, or customer are specific the each of the 50 states, differing from those of the other states in many important respects. As a law firm specializing in bodily injury claims and workers compensation law located in Duluth, MN, Falsani, Balmer, Peterson & Balmer are unique…
Increase in fatal work injuries in Minnesota in 2019
The State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has reported an increase in fatal work injuries for the year 2019. The statistics on such events were gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics with the U. S. Department of Labor as part of the annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The jobs recording the…
Beginning a new job and the risk of an injury
On the one hand, starting a new job is often very exciting and opens up new opportunities. At the same time, this also presents challenges for many people, from stress and sleep loss to adjusting to new schedules. For many reasons, beginning a new job is difficult and even potentially dangerous, in some instances. Many…
The link between firefighting and cancer
Most modern professions are dangerous in some way or another, but today’s firefighters face especially hazardous work environments that place them at risk for a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. If you count yourself among those who make your living working as a firefighter, it is important that you understand how your profession…
How damaging are repetitive stress injuries?
Minnesota workers like you often do the same tasks every day. Maybe you are a secretary who spends time answering phone calls or typing. Perhaps you are a teacher who grades papers and writes things by hand. Maybe you are a warehouse worker who lifts heavy boxes all day. Any worker has the potential to…
Identifying a toxic workplace
Some industries prove more stressful than others. While stress is not necessarily a work hazard, it may become one. Toxic workplaces are a hotbed for the development of mental and physical issues that sideline employees. Our professionals have put together a way to help identify the signs of a toxic workplace. Faulty communication When management…
What is worker fatigue and why should you care?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, fatigue is the body’s way of signaling to the brain that it is time to slow down and rest. Unfortunately, many Americans fail to heed the body’s warnings and continue to work long hours, take on irregular and extended shifts and operate on little sleep. If you…
Workplace noise and hearing loss
Exposure to dangerous noise levels in the workplace may cause hearing loss for workers in Minnesota and elsewhere. Due to the tools they use on the job, the environments they work in, or a combination of these and other factors, people in a range of industries may be exposed to potentially damaging noise levels at…
Does workers’ comp cover workplace violence injuries?
At the Mayo Medical Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, a Minnesota resident suffered multiple stab wounds while she was working in the employees’ cafeteria during the morning shift. As reported by KROC-AM News-Talk radio, her estranged husband, who was also employed by the hospital, came into the crowded cafeteria with a knife and…
Can I get vocational rehabilitation through workers’ compensation?
The benefits you can get through workers’ compensation should help you to heal and manage your medical condition. Sometimes, your benefits will also help you to rehabilitate so that you can return to work. If you need vocational rehabilitation, workers’ compensation should offer you this option, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry….