If you’ve been injured on the job in Minneapolis, Minnesota, you may be entitled to money from worker’s compensation to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. In some cases, you may be entitled to money to support your dependents and also compensation for any mileage you had to drive in order to receive medical care and rehabilitation.
If you’ve been injured at work, it is important to get proper medical care immediately. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry provides important information to injured workers about worker’s compensation.
After your accident, it is important to gather as much information as you can. Report your injury to your employer immediately. Keep on hand the date your injury took place, your insurance claim number, the insurance company name, the name of your claims adjuster, and his or her phone number. In some cases, you may be required to use a managed care plan and provided doctors. Keep this information in a safe place as well.
While many worker’s compensation claims are settled without any difficulties, some individuals face challenges. If you feel that the amount of money being offered to you is incorrect, there are some key steps you can take. Call your claims adjuster and let him or her know that there is a problem. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a call. If a phone call doesn’t work, it may be prudent to call an Alternative Dispute Resolution specialist at the Department of Labor and Industry. Explain your concerns. Make sure that you take notes of the time, date, and facts discussed in these calls. In some cases, mediation may be able to resolve your concerns. Finally, if you are having trouble with a claim, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help.
The most common steps after a workplace injury are the following:
- The injury is reported to your employer.
- Your employer reports the injury to his or her insurance.
- If you are out of work for three days, your employer reports the injury to the Department of Labor.
- Your employer provides you with copies of the insurance claim report.
- The insurance adjuster investigates your claim.
It is important to keep your employer updated about your health as the claim is being processed.
Under Minnesota law, employers of a certain size are required to have worker’s compensation insurance. If your employer does not have this insurance, the employer is required to show that he or she can pay for any injury sustained by an employee. If you work for a small business that is not required under the law to have worker’s compensation insurance, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages through civil courts. In this case, it may be beneficial to have the representation of a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a practice focused on helping its clients make worker’s compensation claims. The firm can help you get the fullest compensation allowable under the law, and ensure that you have full access to all the disability, retraining, and wage benefits you deserve.