If you’ve been injured at work in Minnesota, you need to understand the deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim. The time you have to file depends on several factors, including whether your employer reported the injury. Missing these deadlines can cost you benefits you deserve. This guide explains the key timelines and what you need to do to protect your rights.
Understanding Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation Deadlines
When you get hurt at work, there are two different deadlines you need to know about. The first is reporting your injury to your employer. The second is filing a formal workers’ compensation claim for benefits. Many injured workers confuse these two steps, which can lead to missed deadlines and lost benefits.
Minnesota law gives you a specific amount of time to take action after a workplace injury. The exact deadline depends on whether your employer filed a First Report of Injury (FROI). Understanding which deadline applies to your situation is critical because the consequences of missing these deadlines can be severe.
The 30-Day Reporting Requirement
Under Minnesota Statute § 176.141, your reporting timeline is critical. While you generally have up to 180 days to report an injury, you should aim to notify your employer within 14 days. Reporting within this first window ensures your benefits cannot be denied due to ‘late notice.’ If you wait between 15 and 30 days, the insurer may attempt to deny benefits if they can prove the delay harmed their investigation. This is not the same as filing a formal claim—it’s simply telling your employer that you were hurt at work. Think of reporting as the first step in the workers’ compensation process.
In some cases, you may have up to 180 days to report your injury, but 30 days is the standard requirement under Minnesota Statute § 176.141. If you miss the 30-day window, you could lose your right to benefits. The only exception is if your employer already knew about the injury through other means.
How to report your injury properly:
- Tell your supervisor or manager in person or in writing
- Keep a copy of any written report you submit
- Document the date and time you reported the injury
Reporting your injury starts the clock on your workers’ compensation benefits. Even if you feel fine at first, report any workplace injury immediately. Some injuries develop symptoms over time, and reporting early protects your rights.
The 3-Year Filing Deadline (When FROI Is Filed)
If your employer filed a First Report of Injury, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim. This is the most common scenario in Minnesota workplace injuries.
If a First Report of Injury (FROI) is filed, the three-year statute of limitations begins on the date the report was filed with the Department of Labor and Industry, not necessarily the date of the injury itself. If no report was filed, the clock extends to six years from the date of the injury.
This three-year deadline is called the statute of limitations. It’s a hard deadline—once it passes, you generally cannot file a claim for benefits. The statute of limitations applies whether you continue working or stop working due to your injury. The clock starts on the injury date, not when you stopped working.
The 6-Year Filing Deadline (When No FROI Is Filed)
If your employer did not file a First Report of Injury, you have six years from the date of your injury to file a claim. This extended timeline gives you more time, but it’s still a firm deadline that you cannot ignore.
This scenario is less common, but it can happen if your employer failed to report the injury or if the injury was not immediately obvious. Some employers delay filing reports, hoping the injury will resolve on its own. If no First Report of Injury was filed, you can file the claim yourself or work with an attorney to file it on your behalf.
Understanding which deadline applies to your situation is essential. If you’re unsure whether a First Report of Injury was filed, contact Robert Wilson & Associates for guidance. We can help you determine your deadline and take action before time runs out.
Why Choose Robert Wilson & Associates
At Robert Wilson & Associates, we have been fighting for injured workers across Minnesota since 1991. Our founder, Robert E. Wilson, has been representing injured people for over 40 years, bringing a deep legacy of legal expertise to every case we handle. Robert E. Wilson is honored in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants. This prestigious peer-reviewed recognition, which the firm has held since 2025, underscores his reputation as a top-tier advocate for injured workers in Minneapolis. Our other attorneys bring decades of combined experience, including knowledge in union worker representation and mediation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if you recover benefits. We also offer free consultations so you can understand your options without any obligation. Our collaborative team approach means you work with experienced attorneys who listen to your concerns and work for the benefits you deserve.
Important Exceptions and Special Circumstances
While the three-year and six-year deadlines are the general rules, Minnesota law includes several important exceptions that may apply to your situation.
If you have an occupational disease—an illness caused by your work over time—the deadline may be different. The “discovery rule” may apply, which means the clock starts when you discover the disease, not when you were first exposed. This is important for conditions like repetitive motion injuries or exposure-related illnesses that develop gradually.
If you already receive workers’ compensation benefits in any form, there may be additional options for filing supplemental or reopened claims. Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your specific situation and what claims may be available to you.
If your employer knew about your injury but you didn’t formally report it, you may still have rights. An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific situation and determine if exceptions apply to your case.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline
Missing the reporting deadline can result in a delay in receiving benefits. Your employer may deny your claim, though you may still have options depending on the circumstances. Some employers use missed reporting deadlines as an excuse to deny legitimate claims.
Missing the filing deadline is more serious. Once the three-year or six-year deadline passes, you generally cannot file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This means you lose access to medical treatment coverage, wage replacement benefits, and disability benefits. The financial impact can be devastating if you’re unable to work due to your injury.
However, don’t lose hope if you think you’ve missed a deadline. Exceptions exist, and an attorney can review your case to determine if you still have options. Time is critical, so contact Robert Wilson & Associates as soon as possible if you’re concerned about missing a deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a First Report of Injury (FROI)?
A First Report of Injury is an official document filed by your employer or their insurance company with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. It notifies the state that a workplace injury occurred. This report triggers the workers’ compensation process and starts the three-year filing deadline. You can request a copy of the FROI from your employer or their insurance company.
Can I file a claim if my employer didn’t report the injury?
Yes. If your employer failed to file a First Report of Injury, you have six years from the injury date to file a claim. You can file the claim yourself or work with an attorney to file it on your behalf. Don’t assume your employer will file the report—take action to protect your rights.
Does the 3-year deadline start from the injury date or when I stopped working?
The three-year deadline starts from the date of the injury, not from when you stopped working. This is an important distinction because it means the clock is ticking even if you continue working while injured. Your injury date is what matters for the statute of limitations.
What if I didn’t know I had a work-related injury until later?
For occupational diseases and injuries that develop over time, Minnesota’s discovery rule may apply. This means the deadline may start when you discover the injury, not when you were first exposed. An attorney can help determine if this applies to your situation and protect your rights.
Can I still file if I’ve already missed the deadline?
In some cases, yes. Exceptions exist for certain circumstances, such as when benefits are already being paid or when your employer knew about the injury. Contact Robert Wilson & Associates immediately to discuss your specific situation. Don’t assume your case is lost without speaking to an experienced attorney.
Do I need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim?
You can file a claim on your own, but having an attorney on your side significantly improves your chances of receiving full benefits. Insurance companies often deny claims or offer less than injured workers deserve. An attorney levels the playing field and ensures you understand your rights and options.
Take Action Now
The deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota are strict. You have 30 days to report your injury to your employer and either three or six years to file a formal claim, depending on whether a First Report of Injury was filed.
Don’t wait. Contact (612) 334-3444 today for a free consultation with Robert Wilson & Associates. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Our experienced team will review your case and explain your options.
Your rights matter. Let us help you get the benefits you deserve.