Personal care assistants, or PCAs, provide support to people with disabilities or medical conditions, helping with essential daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility.
As you work to improve the quality of life for your clients, you face unique physical demands and safety challenges that can lead to serious injuries. While you are performing this vital role, Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system protects your interests in the event of a workplace accident.
A knowledgeable Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, ensure your rights are upheld, and fight for the full benefits you’re entitled to receive.
As a PCA, your job involves repetitive lifting, transferring patients, and performing physically demanding tasks in sometimes unpredictable environments. These activities create significant risk for both acute injuries and chronic conditions that develop over time. Many PCAs continue working despite pain, prioritizing their clients’ needs over their own health.
Common injuries include:
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system provides essential financial protection when you are injured on the job. The program covers your medical treatment costs, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, and rehabilitation services. Additionally, you may receive wage replacement benefits while you recover, typically calculated at two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the injury.
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous duties, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services to help you transition to suitable employment. For more severe injuries resulting in permanent disability, you could receive ongoing disability benefits based on the level of your impairment. These benefits provide valuable support during your recovery and can help you maintain financial stability.
Many PCAs face difficulties when filing workers’ comp claims, especially those working for multiple clients or through different agencies. To improve your chances of claim approval:
When you are injured on the job, working with a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney can increase your chances of receiving full benefits. Your attorney will handle communications with insurance companies, gather necessary medical evidence, and negotiate for benefits that fully address the short and long-term impact of the injury on your life. They can also advocate for your interests if your claim is denied or disputed.
Many PCAs hesitate to hire legal representation, worrying about costs. However, workers’ compensation attorneys often work on a contingency basis, meaning they only collect payment if you receive benefits.
Personal care assistants face significant physical demands and workplace hazards while providing essential services. If you’ve been injured while performing your duties, you have rights under Minnesota workers’ compensation laws.
At Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer, we help personal care assistants navigate the complex claims process so that they can recover the benefits they deserve. Contact us at (877) 630–7338 for a free evaluation of your case and learn how we can support your rights.
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