How to Get Work Injury Compensation In Minnesota

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Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Explained

Workers’ compensation is a crucial safety net for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job to not lose out on pay. In Minnesota, workers’ compensation provides financial assistance to injured employees, helping them cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with their on-the-job injuries. The state of Minnesota has specific requirements that must be met in order for an employee to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Here, Mottaz and Sisk Injury and Work Comp Law breaks down Minnesota workers’ compensation qualification requirements to get paid for your injury, workers’ compensation rules and regulations, types of work-related injuries covered, benefits and payment options, and the role of a Minneapolis and Duluth work injury attorney in the process of your work comp claim.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp in Minnesota?

Most  employees in Minnesota are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary workers, as well as some independent contractors. However, certain categories of workers may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These include:

• Federal employees, who are covered under a separate federal workers’ compensation program
• Some agricultural workers, depending on the size of the farm and the number of employees
• Volunteers, although certain exceptions may apply
• Sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers, who can choose to include or exclude themselves from coverage
• Family members living in the same household as the employer, unless specifically included in the insurance policy

It is important to note that the specific circumstances of a worker’s employment and injury can impact their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, an employee may be disqualified from receiving benefits if they were injured while engaging in horseplay, willfully disobeying safety rules, or committing a criminal act.

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Rules and Regulations

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is responsible for overseeing the state’s workers’ compensation system. The DLI sets the rules and regulations governing workers’ compensation in Minnesota, ensuring that both employees and employers are protected under the law.

Some of the key MN workers’ compensation rules and regulations include:

• Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance or be approved as self-insured. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties.
• Employers must provide employees with immediate medical treatment if they are injured on the job. Employees have the right to choose their own healthcare provider.
• Injured employees must notify their employer of their injury as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the injury occurs.
• Employers must report work-related injuries to their insurer within 10 days of receiving notice from the employee.
• If an employee is unable to work due to their injury, they may be eligible to receive wage-loss benefits. These benefits are calculated based on a percentage of the employee’s average weekly wage.

Requirements for Work Comp Qualification in Minnesota

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota, an employee must meet several requirements:

• Employment relationship: The employee must be working for an employer who is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, or be approved as self-insured. Independent contractors and certain categories of workers may not be eligible for benefits.
• Work-related injury or illness: The injury or illness must have occurred in the course and scope of the employee’s employment. This means that the injury must have taken place while the employee was performing work-related duties or activities.
• Notice of injury: The employee must provide their employer with notice of their injury as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the injury occurs. Failing to provide timely notice may result in the denial of workers’ compensation benefits.
• Medical documentation: Injured employees must obtain medical documentation of their injury or illness from a healthcare provider. This documentation should include the nature and extent of the injury, any recommended treatment, and any work restrictions that may be necessary.
• Cooperation with the claims process: Employees seeking workers’ compensation benefits must cooperate with their employer, the employer’s insurer, and any other relevant parties during the claims process. This may include providing requested information, attending medical appointments, and participating in vocational rehabilitation services if necessary.

Types of Work-Related Injuries Covered by Minnesota Workers’ Compensation

Minnesota workers’ compensation covers a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. Some common examples include:

• Traumatic injuries, such as fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations
• Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis
• Occupational diseases, such as lung diseases caused by exposure to hazardous substances
• Mental injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or psychological conditions resulting from a work-related physical injury
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions, if the work environment significantly contributes to the worsening of the condition

It is important to note that not all work-related injuries or illnesses are automatically covered by workers’ compensation. The specific facts and circumstances surrounding the injury or illness will ultimately determine whether it is covered under Minnesota workers’ compensation laws.

Benefits and Payment for Work Compensation in Minnesota

Injured employees who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota may be eligible to receive a variety of benefits, depending on the nature and severity of their injuries. These benefits may include:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments.
• Wage-loss benefits: Injured employees who are unable to work due to their injuries may be eligible to receive wage-loss benefits. These benefits are typically calculated based on a percentage of the employee’s average weekly wage, subject to certain minimums and maximums.
• Vocational rehabilitation services: Employees who are unable to return to their pre-injury job may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, such as job training, job placement assistance, or education.
• Permanent disability benefits: Employees who suffer permanent impairment or loss of function as a result of their work-related injury may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are typically paid in addition to any wage-loss benefits the employee may be receiving.
• Death benefits: In the unfortunate event that an employee dies as a result of their work-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents may be eligible for death benefits, which can help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support.

How a Minneapolis and Duluth Work Injury Attorney Can Help

Any mishap in handling of your could cause serious delays or lack of coverage for your work injury claim. A successful and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

At Mottaz and Sisk, we treat every client like family and work every single day to assist in:

• Evaluating the employee’s eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits and identifying any potential issues that could impact their claim
• Gathering and organizing medical documentation and other evidence to support the employee’s claim
• Communicating with the employer, the employer’s insurer, and any other relevant parties on the employee’s behalf
• Ensuring that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met, to avoid any delays or denials of benefits
• Representing the employee in any disputes or appeals that may arise during the claims process

Free Case Evaluation from Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Minnesota

If you have been injured at work please contact us here or call 763-421-8226 for a free case evaluation from experienced Mottaz and Sisk attorneys. Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve for your injury at work. We are here for you.