Workers Compensation in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Minnesota state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Minnesota industries with the most injuries are trade, transportation, and utilities. In addition, the health services and construction industries also have high injury rates. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, most reported injuries are sprains, strains, and tears. The majority of these injuries occur in the back or spine. The most frequent cause of all work-related injuries in Minneapolis-St. Paul is overexertion, usually from lifting. Injuries from falls and contact with objects or equipment are also common. While many work-related injuries are minor, almost half result in missed or restricted work.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, all employers in Minnesota are required to carry workers compensation insurance. However, there are some limited exceptions for domestic, casual, and agricultural workers. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment will be covered, including psychological treatment. In addition, transportation costs can also be reimbursed. Minneapolis-St. Paul employees who miss at least 3 days of work are eligible to receive disability compensation for loss of wages.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Employees in Minneapolis-St. Paul must report work-related injuries to their employer within 14 days. Your employer will file the insurance claim. The insurance company then has 14 days to accept or deny the claim.
Timeline and Other Information
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, disability compensation is based on ⅔ of your average weekly wage. However, this amount is limited to $1166 per week. Temporary disability payments will continue until you are able to return to work, for up to 130 weeks. Permanent disability compensation is dependent on the nature and severity of the injury.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Minneapolis-St. Paul workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
