Anoka Workers’ Compensation Accident Attorneys

Expert Legal Support for Anoka Work-Related Injuries

Minnesota law requires all employers to provide benefits to their employees for work-related injuries, either through workers’ compensation insurance or self-insurance.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

Workers' compensation laws in Minnesota are designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Most employees in Minnesota are covered by workers' compensation, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Independent contractors are typically not covered.

All employers must carry workers' compensation insurance or be self-insured to cover their employees.

The four basic types of benefits provided include:

• Compensation for wage loss
• Medical benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Compensation for the loss of use of a part of the body

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Proving the employer’s negligence is not necessary to receive benefits.

Whether a work injury is the responsibility of the employer, or a coworker or contractor caused the injury, a full evaluation of the case is critical in determining if additional claims beyond the limited workers’ compensation benefits from the employer are needed.

Payments in workers’ compensation accidents help with some expenses, but do not cover all losses if you are seriously injured on the job. In most cases, it is beneficial for the employer to work to help us and you and pursue all claims, ensuring that you are taken care of, and your losses are fully compensated.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Anoka

Filing a workers' compensation claim involves several key steps to ensure that you receive the benefits you're entitled to. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury immediately or as soon as you realize it's work-related. Provide a written report detailing how, when, and where the injury occurred.
2. Seek Medical Treatment: Visit a healthcare provider promptly to assess and document your injury. Ensure the provider is approved by your employer’s workers' compensation insurance carrier.
3. Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of the incident, including medical reports, treatment plans, and any communication with your employer. Document witness statements if available.
4. File a Claim with Your Employer: Complete the First Report of Injury (FROI) form provided by your employer. Submit the filled form to your employer as soon as possible.
5. Employer’s Responsibility: Your employer must submit the FROI to their workers' compensation insurance carrier within 10 days of being notified. They should also provide you with information about their workers' compensation insurance.
6. Insurer’s Response: The insurance carrier will review the claim and notify you of their decision in writing. If accepted, you will be informed about the benefits you will receive.
7. Receive Benefits: If the claim is accepted, you will receive coverage for necessary medical treatment and compensation for lost wages if you're unable to work.
8. Appeal if Necessary: If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal by submitting a Claim Petition with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). This will initiate a hearing before a workers' compensation judge.
9. Consult an Attorney: Consider hiring a workers' compensation attorney if you encounter issues with your claim or need assistance with the appeals process.
10. Stay Informed: Maintain communication with your employer and the insurance carrier regarding your treatment and any changes in your condition. Ensure all paperwork is correctly filed to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

There are exceptions to the rules about workers’ compensation. Some employers are exempt. Let an experienced workers’ compensation attorney inform you about your benefits.

When injured on the job, keep the following:

• All claim-related documents, such as letters, medical bills, forms, and benefit checks
• The First Report of Injury form, if one is produced
• A journal your mileage to medical visits, vocational rehab services, job-search visits, and associated parking fees
• Notes of phone conversations relevant to your injury

For any paperwork or forms you send to the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Workers’ Compensation Division, write your name, Social Security number or worker identification (WID) number, date of injury, employer, and insurance company at the top of each page.

Inform your employer on your recovery and when you plan to return to work.

Comprehensive Coverage: What Anoka Workers' Compensation Includes

Your employer’s insurance company pays the benefits, or your employer pays them directly if self-insured.

Regardless, benefits are paid for the following:

• Reasonable and necessary medical care related to the injury
• A portion of the wages you lost because of the injury
• Permanent damage to a body function
• Payment to dependents if a victim dies because of a work injury
• Retraining if you are unable to return to the job or the employer you had before your injury
• Mileage expense to medical treatment and/or certain vocational rehabilitation activities

An individual qualifies for workers’ compensation for a variety of situations. A skilled lawyer will offer legal guidance if you have suffered a serious injury at work. The skilled workers’ compensation attorneys of Bolt Law Firm successfully handle work-related accident claims beyond what basic workers’ compensation allows.

Was Your Claim Denied?

Workers' compensation claims can be denied for various reasons. Here are some common factors that can lead to a denial:

• Late Reporting: Claims can be denied if the injury is not reported to the employer within the required 14-day period. Delayed reporting can raise doubts about the claim’s validity and its work-related nature.
• Lack of Evidence: A claim may be denied if there is insufficient documentation, such as missing medical records or incident reports. Proper evidence is essential to prove the injury is work-related and to support the claim.
• Pre-existing Conditions: If the injury is linked to a pre-existing condition rather than a new work-related incident, the claim may be denied. The insurer may argue that the injury resulted from a prior condition rather than job duties.
• Employer Disputes: Claims might be denied if the employer disputes the occurrence or work-related nature of the injury. Discrepancies between the employer’s account and the employee’s can lead to denial.
• Failure to Seek Prompt Medical Treatment: Claims can be denied if the employee does not seek medical care soon after the injury. A delay in treatment can suggest that the injury is less severe or not related to work.
• Intoxication or Drug Use: If the injury happened while the employee was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the claim may be denied. Intoxication can be seen as a factor contributing to the injury.
• Violation of Company Policies: Claims might be denied if the injury occurred while the employee was violating company safety policies. Non-compliance with safety protocols can be used to argue that the injury was not work-related.
• Fraud or Misrepresentation: Claims can be denied if there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation, such as exaggerating the injury’s severity. Dishonest practices can lead to denial and legal consequences.
• Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation: Some injuries or illnesses may not be covered if they don’t meet the criteria for compensability. Claims that do not fit legal definitions of work-related injuries can be denied.
• Lack of Medical Necessity: If the insurer deems that the medical treatment is not necessary for the injury, they may deny coverage for those services. Disputes over the appropriateness of treatment can result in denial of benefits.

If a claim is denied, the employee can file a Claim Petition with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to request a hearing before a workers' compensation judge. The DLI offers mediation services to resolve disputes informally. If mediation is unsuccessful, a formal hearing will be conducted by a workers' compensation judge. Our team is prepared to protect your rights and best interests inside and outside the courtroom.

Contact us at (763) 292-2102 for a free initial consultation to determine if your unique situation qualifies. We help our clients understand the workers’ compensation process and fight for what they deserve.