In Minnesota, the vast majority of employers are required by law to purchase workers’ compensation insurance or become self-insured. Workers’ compensation insurance proves benefits to workers who get injured or sick at work. That includes injuries that are caused or worsened by work or the workplace, including injuries resulting from an accident, gradual injuries, and occupational illnesses. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid regardless of any fault on the part of the employer or the worker.
At least, that’s the way it’s supposed to work. Unfortunately, the process can be very complicated, stressful, and even adversarial at times. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Robert Wilson & Associates help Plymouth workers through the difficult days after a workplace accident. Our lawyers know how challenging it can be to get by financially when you are injured and out of work. We will fight hard to get you the workers’ comp benefits you need and are entitled to.
If you were injured at work, contact Robert Wilson & Associates today at (612) 334-3444 for a confidential consultation.
Minnesota Workplace Accident Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data nationwide on the number of workplace accidents reported by private industry employers. According to BLS data from 2020, Minnesota workers experienced:
- 66,900 total nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses
- 5 cases per 100 full-time workers, which is greater than the national rate of 2.7
- 40,500 severe accidents, requiring days away from work, job transfer, or job restriction
- Higher incident rate in the education and health services industry, construction industry, and local government
What To Do After a Workplace Accident
If you get injured at work, Robert Wilson & Associates can help you through the complicated workers’ compensation process. Here are the key steps to take following a workplace accident:
- Report your injury to your employer immediately. If you suffer an injury that requires emergency care, seek medical attention first, and then contact your employer as soon as possible. Failure to report your injury in a timely manner could jeopardize your right to benefits.
- Your employer will complete a First Report of Injury form. After learning of a lost-time claim, your employer has 10 days to report it to their insurance company. The insurer will file a copy with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry (MDLI).
- Receive a medical evaluation from a physician of your choice. There are certain circumstances in which your employer can require you to see a designated health care provider. If this happens, consult with your attorney about your legal options.
- Receive your workers’ compensation benefits. Hopefully at this point you will begin to receive your benefits. If your employer’s insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal to the MDLI. Your attorney can assist you with your appeal.
Types of Benefits Available to Injured Workers
If you were injured at work, workers’ compensation benefits may be available for the following:
- Medical treatment or supplies related to your injury that are “reasonable and necessary”
- Vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your job because of your injury
- Wage-loss benefits
Depending on the severity and permanency of the injury or illness, wage-loss benefits are categorized as follows:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If you are unable to work while you’re recovering from your injuries, you may be eligible to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a certain maximum set by the state. There is a 3-day waiting period for TTD benefits, and you will not receive payments for those 3 days unless you are unable to work for at least 10 days.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – If you can work part-time or under certain restrictions while recovering from your injuries, you may be able to receive TPD benefits if your wages would be reduced due to this change. TPD payments will make up two-thirds of the difference your average weekly wage pre-accident and the reduced wage.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If your injuries will result in a permanent loss of function of a body part, you may be eligible for PPD benefits. Your doctor will determine the extent of your partial disability and assign you a percentage impairment rating. This percentage will be applied to the partial disability schedule set by the state to determine your amount of PPD benefits.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – If your injuries prevent you from ever returning to gainful employment, you may be eligible for two-thirds your average weekly wage up to a certain maximum set by the state until you reach age 67.
Why Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Your work is a critical part of your life. It allows you to support you and your family, including your basic needs, the things you enjoy, and the goals you have for your future. When you get injured or ill at work, it impacts your physical and mental health, your finances, your family, and much more.
With so much at stake, you need someone you can trust who will fight for you to receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. You cannot simply leave it up to your boss, their insurance company, and the bureaucrats to do what’s best for you.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Robert Wilson & Associates will advocate for your rights and interests at every twist and turn in the process. With more than 26 years of experience representing Plymouth injured workers, we know what it takes to get you the benefits you need to fully recover. That way, you can focus on healing and adjusting to your new way of life. Contact us today.
Types of Workplace Accidents We Handle
Robert Wilson & Associates handles a range of workplace accidents involving workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Construction accidents
- Manufacturing accident
- Transportation accident
- Toxic substance exposure
- Repetitive motion injury
- Back injury
- Head or brain injury
Contact a Plymouth Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today for Help with Your Claim
If you were injured or became ill on the job in Plymouth, you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who knows the law, the process, and the grit it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim. Contact Robert Wilson & Associates today at (612) 334-3444 for a confidential consultation about your workplace accident claim.