Many injured workers breathe a sigh of relief when the insurance company starts paying. But in Minnesota, an insurer that starts paying benefits can still change its mind for a period of time. For injuries on or after October 1, 2026, that period just got longer.
What Changed
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) September/October 2026 COMPACT newsletter, a statutory change applies to dates of injury on or after October 1, 2026. It expands the time an employer or insurer has to change its liability decision after accepting a claim from 60 days to 90 days.
DLI updated its electronic reporting rules to match. This lets insurers file a “full denial” transaction during that 90-day window even after they have begun paying.
How the Acceptance and Denial Process Works
When you report a work injury, the insurer must investigate and decide whether it accepts “primary liability.” That means deciding whether the injury is work-related and covered. The insurer usually has to begin paying or deny the claim within a short period after learning of the injury.
Insurers sometimes begin paying while they continue to investigate. Minnesota law allows this without locking them in. During the investigation window, now 90 days for newer injuries, the insurer can still issue a denial. Payments made during that time do not automatically mean the claim is permanently accepted.
Why This Matters to You
The longer window gives insurers more time to:
- Gather your past medical records looking for prior injuries or conditions
- Interview your supervisor and coworkers
- Review surveillance or social media
- Send you to an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor they choose
- Look for inconsistencies in how your injury was reported
None of this means your claim will be denied. But it does mean the first three months after your injury are critical.
How to Protect Your Claim During the First 90 Days
Report the injury in writing. Tell your supervisor right away and follow your employer’s reporting process. Keep a copy.
Be consistent. Give the same clear description of how you were hurt to your employer, your doctor, and the insurer. Small differences can be used to question your claim.
Tell your doctor it happened at work. Make sure your medical records clearly say the injury happened on the job and describe how.
Follow medical advice. Go to your appointments, follow your work restrictions, and keep copies of restriction slips.
Be careful with recorded statements. You may be asked to give a recorded statement to the adjuster. It is wise to talk to an attorney first.
Watch what you post. Insurers do look at social media.
Keep a file. Save letters, emails, pay stubs, and mileage records for medical trips.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
A denial is not the end. Many denied claims are later paid after a claim petition is filed with the Court of Administrative Hearings (CAH) or the dispute goes to mediation. Strong medical support, often a written opinion from your treating doctor connecting your condition to your work, is usually the key. If you are denied, you may also still be able to get vocational help through DLI’s Vocational Rehabilitation Unit while your case is pending.
Get Advice Early
The best time to talk with a workers’ compensation attorney is before a problem develops. Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law offers free consultations from our offices in Coon Rapids, Shakopee, St. Cloud, and Woodbury. We work on a contingency fee and do not bill clients for costs. Call 763-421-8226 or contact us.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is unique, and results may vary. Consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.
