One mistake in your workers’ compensation claim can cost you thousands in lost benefits. Many injured workers in Minnesota unknowingly make critical errors that result in claim denials, reduced Dbenefits, or lengthy legal battles. The good news: these mistakes are preventable.
At Robert Wilson & Associates, we’ve helped injured workers throughout Minneapolis and Minnesota recover the maximum benefits they deserve. Over our 30+ years in practice, we’ve seen how preventable errors derail legitimate claims. This guide outlines six critical mistakes to avoid, and how an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Minneapolis, MN can protect your rights.
Not Reporting Your Injury Immediately
The first and most costly mistake is delaying your injury report. In Minnesota, you must report a workplace injury promptly to your employer. While there’s no single “magic number,” most claims require notification within 30 days of the injury. Delays beyond this window can result in claim denial or significantly reduced benefits.
Why does timing matter? Insurance companies use delays as evidence that your injury wasn’t serious or that it didn’t occur at work. They may argue you’re fabricating the claim or that your condition developed outside the workplace. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, timely reporting is critical to protecting your claim. The Minnesota workers’ compensation system has strict procedural requirements that begin the moment you report your injury.
What you should do:
- Report your injury to your supervisor or employer immediately—ideally on the same day it occurs
- Provide written notice when possible
- Document the date, time, location, and exact circumstances of your injury
- If your employer has an incident report form, complete it thoroughly and keep a copy for your records
- Notify your employer even if you initially think the injury is minor
Skipping Medical Treatment or Delaying Care
Your medical records form the foundation of your workers’ compensation claim. Without prompt, documented medical care, insurance companies have grounds to deny your claim or argue your injuries aren’t work-related.
Many injured workers make the mistake of “toughing it out” or waiting to see if symptoms improve. This gap in treatment becomes ammunition for insurers. They’ll argue that if your injury was serious, you would have sought immediate care. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the importance of immediate medical documentation for workplace injuries. Seeking prompt medical treatment establishes a clear record linking your condition to the workplace incident.
What you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately after your injury, even if symptoms seem minor
- Inform your healthcare provider that your injury occurred at work
- Be specific about how the injury happened and what body parts are affected
- Attend all scheduled medical appointments without exception
- If you must miss an appointment, reschedule promptly and document the reason
Failing to Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Recommendations
Once you’ve begun treatment, following your doctor’s recommendations is non-negotiable. This includes attending physical therapy, taking prescribed medications, undergoing recommended imaging or testing, and following activity restrictions.
Insurance adjusters review your medical records carefully. If they see that you’ve skipped appointments, ignored treatment recommendations, or refused prescribed care, they’ll use this against you. They may argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed or that you’re not genuinely trying to recover.
What you should do:
- Follow every treatment recommendation your doctor provides
- If you have concerns about a recommended treatment, discuss them with your doctor rather than refusing care
- If financial or logistical barriers prevent compliance, communicate this to your healthcare provider and your attorney
- Document any reasons you cannot comply with treatment
- Keep detailed records of all medical advice received and your compliance with that advice
Exaggerating or Downplaying Your Injuries
Honesty is essential in workers’ compensation claims. Exaggerating your symptoms or injuries can destroy your credibility and result in claim denial. Conversely, downplaying your condition may result in insufficient benefits that don’t cover your actual losses.
Insurance companies investigate claims thoroughly. They may hire private investigators to observe you or interview witnesses. If your statements to doctors or insurers don’t match your actions, your entire claim becomes suspect. This is why working with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial to maintaining consistency throughout your case. Our Minneapolis workers’ compensation attorneys understand how to present your case accurately and persuasively.
What you should do:
- Describe your symptoms and limitations accurately to all medical providers
- Be consistent in your descriptions across all conversations with doctors, insurers, and your attorney
- Avoid social media posts about your condition, activities, or recovery
- Don’t post photos or videos that could be misinterpreted as contradicting your injury claims
- If you’re uncertain how to describe your condition, ask your doctor for guidance
Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Representation
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to minimize claim payouts. When they request a recorded statement from you, they’re gathering evidence—not helping you. Many injured workers don’t realize that statements made to insurance companies can be used against them.
Without legal representation present, you may inadvertently say something that weakens your claim. You might minimize your symptoms, mention a pre-existing condition, or describe your injury in a way that gives the insurer ammunition to deny benefits. This is one of the most common reasons claims are denied or underpaid. Understanding your workers’ compensation rights before speaking with insurers is critical.
What you should do:
- Never agree to a recorded statement without your attorney present
- If an adjuster requests a statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer
- You have the right to refuse recorded statements
- Have your attorney review any written statements before you provide them
- Understand your rights before communicating with insurance companies
Handling Your Claim Without Legal Assistance
Perhaps the most significant mistake injured workers make is attempting to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Minnesota workers’ compensation law is complex, with strict procedural requirements, filing deadlines, and technical rules that vary depending on your injury type and employer.
Without legal representation, you risk missing critical deadlines, filing incomplete paperwork, or accepting settlement offers that don’t reflect your true losses. Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants often accept lower settlements or miss opportunities to appeal denials. Understanding what happens at a workers’ compensation hearing can help you prepare for the process ahead.
Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney levels the playing field. Attorneys understand Minnesota law, know how to maximize your benefits, and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Robert Wilson & Associates has recovered millions for injured workers—including a roofer who lost his leg and received over $600,000 in benefits plus ongoing wage replacement, and a nurse injured while lifting a patient who received a $94,000 settlement. View our case results to see how we’ve helped injured workers recover maximum compensation.
What you should do:
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after your injury
- At Robert Wilson & Associates, we handle claims on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you
- We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options
- Our team of four experienced attorneys has recovered millions for injured workers throughout Minnesota
Don’t Let Preventable Mistakes Cost You Your Benefits
If you’ve been injured at work in Minnesota, you have rights. The workers’ compensation system exists to protect you, but navigating it requires knowledge and experience.
Robert Wilson & Associates has been helping injured workers since 1991. We’re one of Minnesota’s largest workers’ compensation law firms, with four experienced attorneys dedicated to maximizing your benefits. We’ve recovered millions for clients through settlements, hearings, and appeals—including cases involving workplace injuries ranging from construction accidents to office injuries to toxic substance exposure.
Our team understands the complexities of Minnesota workers’ compensation law and knows how to fight for the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a claim denial, a low settlement offer, or simply need guidance on avoiding costly mistakes, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (612) 334-3444 to learn more about how we can help you recover the maximum benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to report a workplace injury in Minnesota?
Minnesota law requires that you report a workplace injury to your employer as soon as practicable. While there’s no specific number of days mandated by statute, most claims require notification within 30 days of the injury. Delays beyond this window can jeopardize your claim. The sooner you report, the stronger your claim. If you’ve already delayed reporting, contact an attorney immediately—there may still be options available to you. Learn more about what to do after a workplace injury.
What happens if I miss the workers’ compensation filing deadline in Minnesota?
If you miss the deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota, your claim may be denied. The statute of limitations for filing a claim is generally within three years of the injury, but there are exceptions and complexities depending on your specific situation. Additionally, there are shorter deadlines for certain procedural steps within the claims process. If you’ve missed a deadline, contact an attorney immediately. In some cases, there are legal remedies available, but time is critical. Understanding how long workers’ comp lasts can help you plan your recovery timeline.
How are workers’ compensation benefits calculated in Minnesota?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota typically include medical treatment coverage and wage replacement benefits. Wage replacement is calculated based on your average weekly wage at the time of injury. The amount is generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by Minnesota law. These limits change annually. If your injury results in permanent disability, you may receive additional permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. An attorney can help you understand what benefits you’re entitled to based on your specific injury and circumstances. For more details, see how much does workers’ comp pay.