Cumulative Minute Trauma And Gillette Injuries

In Minnesota, workplace injuries eligible for compensation do not need to occur from direct trauma, such as falling off a ladder. Minnesota courts recognize injuries which develop gradually over time, such as those due to overuse of a ligament, joint or muscle. These repetitive stress injuries are referred to as Gillette injuries after a specific court case.

In Gillette V. Harold, Inc., the employee, Ms. Gillette, sued Harold Department Stores, her employer, over a degenerative toe injury that arose gradually after years of standing on her feet in her duties as a salesperson. The term “Gillette injury” is now used to describe any personal injury that comes on gradually as a result of repetitive or cumulative minute trauma on the job.

Help For All Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries

At Meshbesher Law Firm, we have significant experience handling all manner of repetitive stress injuries. If your repetitive motion injury stems stemming from work-related movement or minute trauma, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most well-known repetitive stress injuries that occur on the job. It often is seen in employees doing intensive data entry or manufacturing jobs involving repetitive hand movements. The end result is swollen ligaments in the forearms which cause pressure on the median nerve. Compression of this nerve can cause sensations of numbness and loss of strength in the hands.

Rotator cuff tears are another frequent repetitive use injury. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles including the subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor and supraspinatus that connect your arm to your shoulder stabilize the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear can present as weakness or pain in the shoulder. Employees in the construction and automotive repair trades will frequently experience shoulder injuries due to long-term overhead work.

Other types of common Gillette injuries include:

• Tennis elbow or tendonitis
• Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Various nerve disorders

Learn About Benefits Eligibility During A Free Consultation

If you have suffered a repetitive use or “Gillette” work-related injury while working in Minnesota, our attorneys can help you secure workers’ compensation benefits. If you need to apply for benefits, or you have already applied and been denied, we will help you get the benefits you are entitled to.

We offer free consultations and a case evaluation so that you can learn about your benefits and your rights. To arrange yours, call our office in Minneapolis at 612-349-5215 or send us an email today.