Experiencing a burn injury at work can be both physically painful and emotionally devastating. Beyond the immediate pain, you may have concerns about your financial stability and how the recovery process will impact you.
One of the most pressing questions is whether you can receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
This guide outlines Minnesota’s workers’ comp laws, steps to secure compensation, and answers frequently asked questions about burn injury at work claims.
If you were burned at work in Minnesota, please contact our firm to speak with a knowledgeable St. Paul workers’ comp lawyer.
Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Laws
Employees who get sick or injured while performing their job duties in Minnesota can receive workers’ compensation benefits. The state’s workers compensation system includes these key elements:
- No-fault system. Minnesota is a no-fault state. You can apply for benefits without providing evidence that your employer caused your injuries.
- Benefits coverage. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical expenses, wage loss, vocational rehabilitation, and compensation for permanent injuries.
- Employer’s responsibilities. Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance and promptly report workplace injuries to their insurer.
- Employee’s responsibilities. Employees must report their injuries to their employer within 14 days and cooperate with the claims process. Failing to report within this timeframe can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
Even though the system is designed to be user-friendly, understanding your rights and responsibilities can be challenging.
Your Rights and Obligations
Workers’ compensation provides substantial rights and responsibilities if you’ve been burned at work, including the following.
Right to Medical Care
You’re entitled to necessary medical treatment for your burn injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
Right to Wage Loss Benefits
If your burn injury prevents you from working, you might be eligible for temporary total or partial disability benefits. The goal of such benefits is to replace a portion of your lost wages.
Right to Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If you have severe burn injuries that result in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits, which compensate for lost earning capacity.
Obligation to Report the Injury
Promptly reporting your burn injury to your employer is essential. In Minnesota, you have 14 days to report the injury before you risk losing access to benefits.
Obligation to Cooperate
You must cooperate with your employer and the insurance company during the claims process.
Cooperating includes providing medical records and other information as needed, attending appointments, and participating in vocational rehabilitation if necessary.
Types of Burn Injuries Eligible for Compensation
Burn injuries vary widely, from minor first-degree burns to severe fourth-degree burns. Here’s a brief overview of the types of burns that may qualify for workers’ compensation:
- First-degree burns. These relatively minor burns affect only the skin’s outer layer. However, such burns can still cause redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns. This burn level affects the skin’s outer and underlying layers. They can cause swelling, blistering, and severe pain.
- Third-degree burns. This burn level destroys both layers of the skin and may affect deeper tissues. Due to the depth of third-degree burns, you might suffer from white or charred skin and numbness due to nerve damage.
- Fourth-degree burns. These very serious burns penetrate the skin’s outer layers and the underlying and deeper tissues, sometimes even affecting the muscles and bones. Since the nerve endings have been destroyed, there is no feeling in the burned area.
Typically, burn injuries sustained during work hours are covered by workers’ comp. This includes burns from fires, hot liquids, chemicals, or electrical equipment. However, the specifics of your case will determine your eligibility.
Burn Injury Compensation Payouts
The amount of compensation for burn injuries in Minnesota varies greatly depending on the extent of the injury and how it impacts your life. Compensation may include coverage for medical bills, lost income, and expenses related to rehabilitation.
Every case is unique, and specific circumstances can significantly impact your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits for suffering a burn at work.
Compensation depends on many factors. If you’re uncertain about your rights or require help with a workers’ compensation claim, our skilled St. Paul workplace injury lawyers can assist you.
Steps to Take After a Burn Injury at Work
Taking swift and appropriate action is essential if you sustain a burn injury at work. Let’s discuss some steps you should follow.
Seek Medical Attention
Promptly seek medical treatment to assess and treat your burn properly. Document all medical visits and treatments, and be sure to carefully preserve all medical bills and invoices.
Report the Injury
Inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible. You must report your injury within 14 days in Minnesota to ensure your eligibility for worker’s compensation.
Document the Incident
Keep detailed records, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses. If possible, take photos of your injury.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Make sure all necessary paperwork is submitted to your employer within the timeframe so your claim is not delayed. After you submit a workers’ compensation claim to your employer, your employer must then notify their insurance company.
Proving Your Burn Injury Claim
To successfully claim workers’ compensation benefits for a burn injury, you typically need to establish the following:
- The injury occurred at your workplace,
- The injury arose out of your employment, and
- The injury resulted in medical treatment or wage loss.
You must seek medical attention promptly and follow all recommended treatment plans to ensure your claim is valid.
Gather medical records, witness statements, and photos of the burn injury or accident scene. Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can assist you with the claims process and safeguard your rights.
Common Challenges in Burn Injury Claims
You must file a claim if you want to recover your losses after you suffer a burn at work. Compensation is intended to help injured workers, but the claims process can be complicated.
The insurer can contest or deny your claim, leading to delays and anxiety. Other challenges include:
- Determining the extent of your disability. Insurers routinely attempt to downplay the extent of your disability. Although assessing the long-term impact of a burn injury can be challenging, it is important to get an accurate assessment so you get the proper compensation.
- Calculating wage loss benefits. It is fairly easy to ascertain how much you’ve lost in wages based on the amount of time you miss from work. However, accurately determining loss to future earning capacity after a burn injury can be more complex and benefits from the help of an attorney.
- Obtaining necessary medical treatment. Insurance companies may limit or deny authorization for specific medical treatments.
These challenges can significantly impact your ability to recover and rebuild your life. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of injured workers.
That’s why it is necessary to have a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney by your side.
At Arechigo & Stokka, Your Recovery is our Priority
Recuperating from a burn injury at work and applying for workers’ compensation requires an experienced St. Paul workers’ compensation lawyer.
The Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka are here to safeguard your rights, optimize your benefits, and lead you through the claims process.
With a track record of over 15 years, our firm has successfully assisted injured workers in St. Paul and neighboring areas in securing the compensation they rightfully deserve.
We are committed to defending your rights and are knowledgeable of the complexities surrounding Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws.
Contact us today, and let us help you rebuild your life.
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