When you picture a standard workers’ compensation claim, you probably think of someone getting their hand caught in a machine or dropping heavy equipment on their foot. Broken bones and stitches are typically the fallout for these injuries, but workers’ compensation offers protections for a wider variety of injuries. As we’ve discussed in a previous blog, it’s possible to collect injury compensation for other types of injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Another type of injury that doesn’t always get talked about due to its somewhat sensitive nature is an injury that leads to sexual dysfunction. If your injuries have caused physical damage to your reproductive organs, or if the injury has caused an inability to maintain an erection, you would have recourse under Minnesota law. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at workplace injuries that lead to sexual dysfunction and your compensation options.
Work Injury Causing Sexual Dysfunction
If you suffer a significant injury to your groin area, it’s certainly possible that your sexual function will be forever altered. If this happens, you’ll be eligible to seek permanent partial disability based on the specifics of your injuries. However, Minnesota law states that the loss of sexual function must be tied to a real physical injury, as “psychogenic impotence” equates to a zero percent disability rating.
You can get a full look at all the ways you may be eligible to collect PPD benefits for injuries that affect your groin and sexual organs by heading over to this disability rating page, but we’ll cover some of the basic PPD ratings below:
In regards to the penis, the following disability ratings will be applied based on these impairments;
10 Percent PPD Rating – There is an objectively demonstrated organic dysfunction and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with penile function, and sexual function is possible but there is difficulty with erection, ejaculation, or sensation.
15 Percent PPD Rating – There is an objectively demonstrated organic dysfunction and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with penile function, and erection is possible but ejaculation and sensation are absent.
20 Percent PPD Rating – There is an objectively demonstrated organic dysfunction and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with penile function, and there is complete absence of erection, ejaculation, and sensation.
Similarly, for injuries to the vulva and vagina, the following disability ratings will be applied based on these impairments:
10 Percent PPD Rating – Signs or symptoms of organic vulvar or vaginal dysfunction or disorder are present and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with sexual function, and there is impaired sensation but penile containment is possible.
15 Percent PPD Rating – Signs or symptoms of organic vulvar or vaginal dysfunction or disorder are present and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with sexual function, and penile containment is possible, and there is a complete loss of sensation or significant dyspareunia is present.
20 Percent PPD Rating – Signs or symptoms of organic vulvar or vaginal dysfunction or disorder are present and there is anatomic loss or alteration, or there is an objectively demonstrated neurological lesion known to interfere with sexual function, and there is impaired sexual function, and penile containment is not possible.
It’s also worth noting that there are plenty of other private areas that are eligible for compensation based on the extent of your injuries, including but not limited to: the testicles, uterus, sperm ducts, prostate, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
If you’ve suffered damage or are experiencing dysfunction with any of these areas, connect with a personal injury lawyer. We know that these types of injuries can be physically and mentally draining, and we want to get you the compensation you deserve. You’ll also want to have your injuries assessed and documented by a medical professional in order to prove their existence, their extent and their connection to your work duties. We’ll then work to build your case based on the facts and ensure you get every penny you’re entitled to receive.
We understand this is a sensitive subject, but you deserve compensation and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about bringing up these injuries to your doctor or your lawyer. They can have a real impact on your quality of life, and these injuries need to be considered when filing for injury benefits.
For more information about work injuries that cause sexual dysfunction, connect with Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.
