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In Minnesota, workers’ compensation insurance covers most work-related injuries and illnesses employees suffer on the job.

However, there are some situations where workers’ compensation benefits may not be available.

If you were recently injured at work and have questions, contact the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka to learn more about your options and rights under Minnesota law. 

What Does Workers’ Compensation Not Cover?

Generally, workers’ compensation will not cover injuries or illnesses that are not work-related.

Suppose an employee is injured or becomes ill outside of work or due to an activity that is not part of their job duties. In that case, they will likely be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Specific types of issues not covered by workers’ compensation include:

  • Self-inflicted injuries or illnesses. These are often referred to as intentional acts. In other words, if an employee deliberately injures themselves or causes their illness, they might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Injuries or illnesses that result from the employee’s illegal activity. If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their criminal activity, they will likely be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Injuries or illnesses that result from the employee’s intoxication. If an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury or illness, they might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Injuries or illnesses that result from horseplay or other reckless behavior. If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their horseplay or reckless behavior, they might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you have questions about whether workers’ compensation insurance covers a particular injury or illness in Minnesota, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Arechigo & Stokka.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What 4 Types of Issues Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Four situations that are not covered by workers’ compensation in Minnesota include illegal activity, intoxication, horseplay, and self-inflicted injuries. 

What Is Not Considered a Work-Related Injury?

In Minnesota, a work-related injury arises out of and in the course of employment.

In other words, to be covered by workers’ compensation insurance, the injury must have occurred while you were performing your job duties. Also, the injury must be directly related to your work. 

Typical situations of injuries that are not considered work-related include:

  • If you slip and fall on a wet floor in the break room, but your job duties do not involve using the break room, the injury might not be considered work-related.
  • If you are injured while on a break or engaging in personal activities, the injury might not be considered work-related (e.g., running errands on your lunch break).

It’s important to note that these are just a couple out of thousands of possible examples. 

We Listen

Determining whether an injury is work-related can be complex and depends on your specific circumstances.

We are attorneys John Arechigo and Josh Stokka, and we founded our firm on the primary principle of listening to our clients.

We want to know all of the unique circumstances of your case, and we want to know what goals you wish to achieve.

Then, we will devise a strategy that has the highest potential of achieving those goals. So if you have questions or need representation, we are here to help.

We take great pride in providing you with the personal attention you deserve. Call us today!

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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