Minnesota Correctional Officers And Workers’ Compensation Claims

Correctional officers throughout Minnesota work a physically demanding and dangerous job, and their employment can take a toll on their physical and mental health. These high stress jobs can lead to a variety of injuries, and it’s important to remember that you have rights in the event you are injured while working as a correctional officer. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the most common injury claims among Minnesota correctional officers, and we explain how we can help you get the compensation you deserve in the wake of an on-the-job injury.

Correctional Officer Work Injuries

Correctional officers face many threats to their physical and mental health every single day. Some of the most common types of injury claims we help file for these employees include:

Repetitive Stress/Wear and Tear Injuries – Life as a correctional officer is more physically demanding than most people realize. You’re oftentimes on your feet for hours on end, standing and moving on firm surfaces that are hard on your back, knees and hips. Correctional officers oftentimes work longer shifts and have fewer breaks due to the nature of their job and because of staffing shortages, which only amplifies the physical toll of their job on their bodies.

Acute Injuries – Correctional officers also face real threats to their health from inmates. Not only are inmate attacks a possibility, but working to restrain an inmate who is having a violent episode can lead to strains, sprains and fractures. There’s also the possibility of traumatic injuries when navigating stairs or breaking up fights between inmates.

PTSD and Psychological Injuries – Many correctional officers also bear a heavy psychological burden. Being involved in or witnessing violent confrontations can weigh heavy on the mind, as can things like violence against co-workers or inmate suicides. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, mood swings or other mental health issues that are affecting your ability to function, you may be eligible for a PTSD-related claim. PTSD is a compensable work claim in Minnesota, so long as it is officially diagnosed by a medical professional and they believe your symptoms are tied to your work experience.

You work to protect others and keep the peace in your line of work, but you also need to take care of yourself when your physical or mental health suffers because of the demands of your job. It can be hard to know where to turn in a time like this, which is why Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm are here to help. We can build your claim and help you get the medical care you need while you sit back and focus on your health and your family. Let our dedicated team of legal professionals put your needs first and ensure you get the benefits you rightfully deserve.

So if you’ve recently been injured at work or you’re noticing the onset of chronic symptoms and you believe they may be tied to your work as a correctional officer, know that you have options. Remember, injury lawyers only get a small percentage of the awards they win for their clients, so it’s not going to cost you money to see if you may have a valid claim. The more money we get for our clients, the more money we take home ourselves, so we have a vested interest in getting our clients the biggest payday possible.

For more information about your injury claim rights as a correctional officer in Minnesota, reach out to the dedicated team of professionals at Margolis Law Firm. Give our team a call today at (952) 230-2700.