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A Minnesota Work Comp QRC is a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant.

The general purpose of “rehabilitation” and the reason behind providing a Minnesota work comp QRC to an injured employee is to assist injured workers in returning to their former employment or to some other employment.  If the injured employee is precluded from returning to his/her previous job, the Minnesota work comp QRC assists the employee in returning to work in a modified position.  The QRC may also assists injured employees in acquiring new job skills through training or retraining.

When an employee is injured at work, that injured employee has a right to a QRC consultation under Minnesota workers’ compensation law.  After the initial consultation, the Minnesota work comp QRC  will determine whether the injured employee is a “qualified employee.”  A “qualified employee” is defined by Minnesota workers’ compensation law as:

an employee who, because of the effects of a work-injury or disease, whether or not combined with the effects of a prior injury or disability:

A.  is permanently precluded or is likely to be permanently precluded from engaging in the employee’s usual and customary occupation or from engaging in the job the individual held at the time of the injury.

B.  cannot reasonably be expected to return to suitable employment with the date of injury employer, and

C.  can reasonably be expected to return to suitable gainful employment through the provision of rehabilitation services considering the treating physician’s opinion of the employee’s work ability.

There has been a dispute regarding what constitutes “permanently precluded” from engaging in the employee’s customary occupation.

Courts have held that an injured employee need only be “presently” precluded from engaging in previous work duties to meet the criteria of a “qualified employee.”

An employer may object to an employee obtaining a Minnesota work comp QRC.  At that time, it is important to obtain a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you.   A Minnesota work comp QRC can be very important to an injured employee’s ability to return to work as well as other issues that can effect wage loss benefits and medical benefits.  Our Minnesota workers comp lawyer will make sure you receive the assistance of a Minnesota work comp QRC.

QRC FAQs

What are Common Problems with a QRC?

Some injured workers experience problems with their QRC.  Typically these problems stem from the fact that the QRC actually works for the insurance company.  Their job, “on paper” is to help you though the process.  However, the longer you are in the process, the more their employer (the insurance company) needs to pay.  As a result, there are times when a QRC may push an injured worker too hard or try to speed them through the recovery process.  Common complaints about a QRC that some injured workers have experienced include:  

  • It feels like the QRC is trying to close your case too quickly
  • The QRC is pushing you to return to a level or work that you are not ready for
  • The QRC has questioned your injury or minimized the severity of the injury
  • The QRC is always taking the insurance company’s side
  • The QRC is trying to get your doctor to approve you for work without restrictions

Can You Replace a QRC?

QRC WORK COMP FAQ

There is a 60 day window after the QRC is initially assigned where you can accept or reject the QRC.  Within the first 60 days, you do NOT need a reason to select your own QRC.  However, most people do not know what a QRC is, much less how to find one that is a good fit for their particular injury.  This is another way that having a workers’ compensation lawyer handling your case is beneficial to you.  At Arechigo & Stokka in St. Paul, we have an extensive network of excellent QRCs that we can refer you to. 

WORKER REHABILITATION SAINT PAUL FAQ

What Should I Do If I Have a Problem with my QRC?

Outside of the initial 60 days after they are assigned, the easiest method to resolve an issue with your QRC is likely to work with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer.  At Arechigo & Stokka, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your work injury and related recovery either over the phone or in our St. Paul law office. 

WORKER REHABILITATION SAINT PAUL MN FAQ

Is It Expensive to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer? 

It costs you nothing to hire Arechigo & Stokka to handle your work comp case.  Our fee is paid as a percentage of the total overall recovery we secure on your behalf.  This means that if we are unable to secure a settlement for you, you pay nothing.  Contact us today to take the first step towards a financial and physical recovery from your work-related injury.

Author Photo Joshua R. Stokka

Josh has been representing injured workers for over 10 years. Josh was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. Mr. Stokka alson received his law degree from the Hamline University School of Law. During law school, Josh clerked at a Minnesota law firm specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation. Prior to practicing in the area of workers’ compensation, Josh clerked for a judge in the 7th Judicial District in Minnesota. This valuable experience gave him insight into how judges think, do their jobs behind the scene, and how to frame a case in order to obtain a favorable result.  Now, he focuses 100% of his practice on defending injured workers in Minnesota.

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