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.
1. 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. Regardless 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.
2. Seek medical care or treatment.
We would expect that this would be a very obvious and self-explanatory recommendation, especially when dealing with work-related injuries. This is not always the case. While in most cases, cuts and bruises will heal on their own but more significant soft tissue or even traumatic injuries won’t. An injured worker should seek medical care or treatment to evaluate the severity of the injuries. Not only is seeking medical care and treatment important to determine the extent of the injuries, it also allows opportunity for the injury to be documented and memorialized in the medical records. This is important. In some cases, documents get lost, witnesses are no longer available, and employers deny injuries even occurred. By documenting it in a medical note, it allows for others to know that it happened.
3. Speak with an Attorney.
There is no such thing as a silly question. In most cases, this is your first and only work-related injury. Most of the documents and forms that are presented to you are new and can be a lot to try and understand. There are people out there who can assist you in answering your questions. Our attorneys can help you and provide you the legal advice you need.
Since 1981, the Law Office of Thomas Mottaz and the lawyers have been protecting injured people on the job. Our experienced knowledgeable staff can answer all of your legal questions, provide you assistance when the employer and insurer are only looking out for their interests. Call us now at 855-354-2667. It is a free call with free advice
4. 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.
To speak with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers, call 855-354-2667, or fill out our free consultation form.
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(855) 354-2667
3340 Northdale Blvd. NW, #140
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Phone: (763) 421-8226
Fax: (763) 421-8362
TESTIMONIALS
“I was injured on Dec 17th 1980 on the job 12500 volts and David Kempston took on the job for me along with the Mottaz team’ I feel they put 100% into the case with out cutting any corners And I believe they are one of the best Attorney groups out there It was an experience and a great ending All though the pain will never go away they got the best settlement they could for me and so I thank the team at the office of the Mottaz Attorney’s THEY ARE THE BEST Thank You David Kempston for a job well done.”
[/shvc_testimonial][shvc_testimonial fontcolor=”#828282″ bgcolor=”#f6f6f6″ bordercolor=”#c8c8c8″ name=”Linda and Joe A.” title=”Client”]“Mr. Sisk took our case a few years ago not long after my wife was in a serious accident. Her employer’s insurance took insolvency and the employer was resolved to be no help at all. Despite the extremely out of the ordinary nature of our case, and regardless of impediments and hurdles, he has relentlessly fought for what was right on our behalf and been very successful doing so. Still today he continues to stand for us and what rightfully should be done. I simply can’t thank him enough. In troubled times this is the guy you want in your corner.”
[/shvc_testimonial][shvc_testimonial fontcolor=”#828282″ bgcolor=”#f6f6f6″ bordercolor=”#c8c8c8″ name=”Michael Z.” title=”Client”]“Jerry was very responsive to all my questions, concerns and showed compassion in this very difficult time of my life. He took time by email, phone and in person to help me understand the process, the time frame, and all the possibilities. Persevering in the duration of all the doctor visits, working with my employer, and my work related injury was not easy. Jerry handled all of it from our initial meeting to the final resolution with confidence, encouragement, and high integrity. I would strongly recommend Jerry to my family, my friends, and all of my acquaintances. I would without a doubt trust Jerry in the future, if a situation would occur that needed legal representation. I appreciate all he did in helping me get my life back on track and making a positive difference in my life.”
[/shvc_testimonial][shvc_testimonial fontcolor=”#828282″ bgcolor=”#f6f6f6″ bordercolor=”#c8c8c8″ name=”Robert H.” title=”Client”]“Since injuring my back in 1978 I had multiple issues and problems with the employer and insurer. This led to many disputes over the years. Having been told to live with pain for the rest of my life, I reached a point when I could no longer continue working. At that time I hired David Kempston and he took on my case and worked out for me a settlement that I was very comfortable with. He was always attentive to my calls and responded quickly when I would whine about things which he would assure me it would all come together. He was right and I am so grateful for his hard work. He goes the extra mile for me as a client, and is the type of person you could leave your wallet and checkbook with and no it is safe. Again, I am extremely grateful for David Kempston’s work and highly recommend him to someone who has a work injury and needs the finest representation. If you want to hire somebody with excellent work ethics hire David Kempston.”
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