Teachers and Workers’ Compensation Claims
Teaching isn’t often viewed as a dangerous occupation, but if you suffered injuries on the job, you know that it’s not without its risks. Whether your injury occurred in the classroom, on a field trip, or in the school gymnasium, Fields Law Firm is here for you.
At Fields Law Firm, our Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyers are here to help all injured workers throughout the state, including teachers, professors, and other educators. Get trusted advice about your injury and be confident in your next steps.
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Client Success Story
A woman working as a paraprofessional injured her left foot while walking up a flight of dilapidated stairs at a local school. At first, the Workers’ Compensation insurance company paid for all her medical bills, including a surgery, and lost wages. However, when her foot began to bother her years later, the Workers’ Compensation insurer told her that they would not pay for any additional medical treatment because her file was closed.
The woman turned to Fields Law Firm for help. We explained that the insurance company could not unilaterally “close” her file completely. We helped our client bring a claim for an updated MRI, which the insurer ultimately had to pay for. The results of the MRI led her doctors to recommend additional treatment. In the end, we helped the woman secure a lump sum of money from the insurance company that she could use toward future medical expenses for her foot.
What are some common injuries for teachers?
Teachers may be at risk of suffering injuries from:
- Long Periods of Standing
Many teachers are required to stand in front of their classrooms for hours every day. Over time, this can put stress on feet, legs, and joints, and may cause injuries and chronic pain to develop. - Field Trips
Class field trips can be fun and educational, but they present new risks that teachers don’t encounter during regular workdays, such as bus accidents and hazardous or strenuous activities that can lead to injuries. - Physical Activities
Whether you’re a physical education teacher, sports coach, or just in the school playground at recess, you may be at risk of getting injured by students or equipment during games, activities, and athletic events. - Carpal Tunnel
Long hours in front of a computer designing lesson plans, grading papers, and entering grades can lead to the development of painful carpal tunnel injuries.
From the Classroom to the Playground: Work Injuries for School Employees
Work injuries are most often associated with physically-demanding occupations such as construction workers and nurses, not teachers or bus drivers. However, in a report published by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, the education and health service sector ranked third in total injury and illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
SFM Risk Solutions, a third-party administrator of Workers’ Compensation claims, presented results of an extensive research on work injuries for school employees at the National Occupational Research Agenda Symposium at the University of Minnesota recently. This study collected data from 130 independent school districts over the course of six years.
Of the nearly 10,000 claims that were reviewed, the study found that student-related injuries made up approximately 25% of injuries reported among school employees. The study also noted custodians, food services employees, and transportation workers were at a 700% or greater increased risk of injury than licensed staff.
Of the student-related injuries, the study also reviewed the chances the staff would miss time at work due to their injuries:
Injured by a student acting out: 6%
Injuries due to assisting and transferring students: 12.6%
Injured while playing with students during recess: 17.7%
What’s next after your injury?
The biggest question many educators have after their on-the-job injuries is what they should do next. If you were injured while working for a school district, whether as a chaperone or bus driver, custodian, teacher, or other school employee, you may have a workers’ compensation claim.
Our Minnesota Workers’ Compensation law firm understands that you may be hesitant to speak to a lawyer – especially if you’re worried about your principal, administrators, or school board finding out. That’s why we keep all communication private and confidential, so you don’t have to worry about your future or your job. Contact us today and let us help you understand your legal options, so you can move forward with your life.
