Minnesota Workers' Comp Benefits
What benefits should you claim after a workplace accident?
If you are injured at the workplace, then you are entitled to several benefits under your employer's worker's compensation insurance company. We all know how tedious and frustrating it can be working with any insurance company, and this is often the case when it comes to worker compensation insurance as well. Although your employer is required by law to have workers ' comp insurance and thus cover certain expenses, it can be a nightmare getting the amount of money you deserve for your accident. This is why it is so critical to contact a Minnesota workers compensation lawyer to help you get the money you need to continue on when out of work.
What are you entitled to under Minnesota law?
Under the state of Minnesota, workers' compensation is required to pay the following:
- A percentage of your lost wages. This will depend on the company and the insurance.
- Medical expenses related to the treatment of your work injury
- Spouse and dependant benefits if you die from a work related injury
- Vocational rehabilitation services if the injury you have sustained means you cannot work at your previous position
- Permanent impairment benefits
- Additional expenses incurred
Workers compensation can be a lifesaver for those injured on the job, but there are a number of expenses that the insurance company may try to exclude from their payment. Often workers ' comp does not compensate for the emotional damage suffered by a serious injury. Furthermore, there could be additional expenses such as transportation costs (if you cannot drive), childcare expenses for the children (if you cannot take care of them) and the cost of expensive medications. These are only a few of the additional expenses you may have during workers ' compensation leave.
One of the biggest problems surrounding worker's compensation in Minnesota is that it can be hard to prove. In order to receive worker's compensation you need to prove the following:
- That the injury occurred at work or that the disease or illness you are suffering is job related
- That the injured worker is an employee (not an independent contractor) of the company.
It is important to keep all documentation of your employment history and to document any accident that has occurred on the workplace. The best way to ensure you are fully compensated under the Minnesota workers' compensation law is to document everything and anything. The next best thing is to contact a Minnesota workers' comp attorney from our firm to protect your rights and to fight for every type of compensation possible.
Another complication under the Minnesota law is that the amount of money you are awarded will depend on many different laws, specific to Minnesota as well as the insurance provider. Most workers do not want the stress, confusion and difficulty of learning the system which is why many take advantage of our legal representation to address these crucial issues. Heimerl & Lammers can help you sift through the Minnesota workers compensation laws and ensure that you are getting the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Minnesota workers' compensation lawyer to discuss your benefits and what you could actually expect if your claim was handled professionally.