When you have an on-the-job injury it can be anything from a cut, strain, fracture, etc. For most employees when they have a work-related injury, they don’t know what to do. It can become a very complicated and stressful situation. Consequently, it is a good idea to know what your injured worker’s rights are under Minnesota Workers’ Compensation law. Here are a few helpful tips.
Report your injury to your employer
It is very important to report your injury immediately to your employer. Many employers have their own guidelines and rules about reporting work-related injuries. You should make sure to check with human resources or your employee handbook about the appropriate procedure. In respective of your company’s own policies, under Minnesota Workers’ Compensation law, you are required to report your injury within 30 days of the injury. Only in limited circumstances are you allowed to report your injury beyond 30 days. If you had a work-related injury but failed to report it within 30 days, you may want to discuss the matter with a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation lawyer to go over your options. There are exceptions to the reporting requirement that are very fact specific and an attorney may be better suited to discuss it with you.
Seek medical care or treatment
Ask questions
Be prepared
We always like to believe that people and insurance companies will always do the right thing. Again, that is not always the case. In workers’ compensation, things can turn bad really quickly. In other words, an insurance company that has been paying bills and wage loss benefits can suddenly stop paying. It is important to have an understanding of what benefits are available to you and what your legal options are in getting those benefits. When an insurance company stops paying medical bills or benefits most of the time it’s not because they should be. Therefore, you should have a basic understanding of what benefits are available to you, and whether you may be potentially entitled to those benefits. In most cases, it is good to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to again go over your options.
The above is not a complete list of things that you should or should not be doing. Again, you should seek guidance and advice through a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation lawyer or through the State of Minnesota. If you wish to discuss your case, please feel free to contact the Law Office of Thomas D. Mottaz as we are experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys willing to meet with you at no charge.