Understanding Work Compensation in Minnesota

When you sustain an injury at work, such as a knee injury, coping with the situation might seem overwhelming. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation benefits aim to protect employees who have been injured due to their job-related activities. This encompasses injuries resulting from specific incidents, continuous work activities, or occupational ailments.

Being injured at work can create legal challenges. We are here to help support you and ensure you are entitled to the correct worker’s compensation benefits under your employer. Don’t wait to begin the legal process. Call Mottaz & Sisk Injury and Work Compensation Lawyers at 763-421-8226 for help with your case today. 

construction work injury

Qualifying for Work Compensation

To be eligible for work compensation in Minnesota, you must be recognized as an employee under the law. You have a right to workers’ compensation for conditions that have either been caused or exacerbated by a work injury or activity. It’s essential to understand that these benefits are provided regardless of whether the employer or the employee is at fault. Thus, neither demonstrating negligence on your employer’s part nor having your own negligence used against you is necessary to avail of these benefits.

What to Do When You Sustain a Knee Injury at Work

In the event of a knee injury at work, it is imperative to take certain steps:

  • Inform your employer about the injury without delay, as Minnesota Workers’ Compensation law mandates reporting within 30 days.
  • Seek medical attention to assess the gravity of your injury.
  • Contemplate consulting an attorney experienced in work injuries. This professional can help steer you through the legal intricacies of workers’ compensation and offer valuable legal counsel.

Types of Work Compensation Benefits

In Minnesota, workers’ compensation grants several kinds of benefits to injured employees:

Wage Replacement Benefits: 

This category encompasses Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), & Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. TTD benefits apply if you are not able to work due to your injury or if you are released to work with constraints but can’t find suitable employment. TPD compensates for partial wage loss if you are earning less than before the injury. PTD benefits come into play if your physical disability prevents you from obtaining stable employment.

Functional Impairment or Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits:

These benefits compensate for the loss of use or function of a body part. The sum & duration hinge on the disability rating.

Medical Benefits: 

Employers and insurers are obliged to pay for “reasonable & necessary” medical treatments that aid in curing or alleviating your work injury. This includes a wide array of medical care options.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: 

Aiming to help you return to prior employment or a similar occupation, these benefits can include direct job placement, training, or formal re-education.

Dependency Benefits: 

In the unfortunate instance of a work-related fatality, the deceased employee’s family is entitled to dependency benefits.

Will Work Compensation Cover Your Knee Injury Until Fully Healed?

Given the assortment of benefits available, workers’ compensation in Minnesota will likely cover you until your knee injury is fully healed. Specifically:

Medical Benefits: 

Should address the expenses of your medical care related to the knee injury.

Wage Replacement Benefits: If you’re unable to work due to your knee injury, you could qualify for either TTD or TPD benefits. In case of a permanent disability preventing stable employment, PTD benefits may apply.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: 

Should your knee injury hinder your performance in your previous role, these benefits can facilitate your return or transition to a related field.

However, the precise coverage hinges on numerous factors including the nature of your injury, its effect on your capacity to work, and the specifics of your employment and workers’ compensation plan.

In the past, many workers found solace in the workers’ compensation system. In the future, it will remain a pivotal support for injured employees. If you have particular queries or apprehensions about your circumstances, it’s wise to confer with a legal attorney versed in workers’ compensation. They can offer counsel tailored to your unique situation and help guide you through the claims process.

Please note that it’s not unusual for the system to have caveats, and nothing should be taken for granted. It’s prudent to remain proactive in understanding and pursuing your rights under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act.

Choosing the Correct Worker’s Compensation Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota 

The best attorney for you can vary based on your specific needs and situation. Remember to do your research and read best attorney reviews. 

We’re here for you in your time of need. Reach out to Mottaz & Sisk Injury and Work Compensation Lawyers at 763-421-8226 for help with your case today.