Being injured on the job can be a stressful and complicated experience. In many cases, you have the right to receive compensation from your employer for accident-related wage loss and health care, but navigating the system is not easy. Hiring a Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer can cut through the noise and confusion of presenting an effective claim for benefits. Your attorney can help ensure your claim is filed on time and that you have the best evidence to assert your rights.
At the Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers’ Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka, we provide award-winning advocacy for injured workers. We have handled hundreds of cases and are here to provide you with clarity and support during this challenging time.
Injuries at Work Come in Many Forms
Whether you work in an office, work on a construction site, or drive a delivery truck, work can result in injuries. People suffer a variety of workplace injuries, including the following:
- Acute injuries, such as slip and falls, joint or muscle tears, or cuts and burns;
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or desiccated discs; and
- Occupational diseases from exposure to hazardous materials (like toxic chemical exposure).
If you suffer any of the above-listed types of injuries in the course of your work, you are likely covered by Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws. Now, let’s go over the types of benefits you can receive in such a claim.
Understanding Minnesota Workers’ Compensation
Minnesota law provides workers’ compensation benefits to employees injured on the job. These benefits are the exclusive remedy for employees injured at work.
On the negative side, you cannot sue your employer in court for workplace injuries. And workers’ compensation only covers economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. It does not cover noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
However, on the positive side, with workers’ comp you don’t have to go to court because your employer is strictly liable for workplace injuries—meaning you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent to get compensation. Also, an injured employee can recover workers’ compensation benefits even if they are partially at fault for their injuries.
After you suffer an injury at work, you must immediately notify your employer in writing. After receiving notification, your employer will likely be liable for providing you with the following benefits.
Medical Benefits
An employer must provide coverage for reasonably necessary treatment to address your workplace injuries. This treatment can include the following:
- Doctor visits,
- Medical equipment,
- Medicine,
- Mental health care,
- Chiropractic care,
- Dental services,
- Hospital care,
- Surgical care,
- Glasses,
- Nursing services,
- Christian Science treatment, and
- Prosthetics.
When your doctor recommends surgery to relieve the symptoms of your injury, your employer may ask you to submit to a second opinion evaluation. However, your employer cannot force you to undergo a surgery that a physician recommends.
Wage Loss Benefits
After sustaining a workplace injury, you might miss work while you recover. Workers’ compensation normally covers wage losses.
The wage loss benefits you can receive under workers’ compensation include:
- Temporary Total Disability. This benefit applies when an injury completely prevents you from working. Compensation is typically 66.67% of your weekly wage at the time of the injury.
- Temporary Partial Disability. This benefit comes into play when you can return to work, but you have to take a different job that pays less than you made before the injury. Compensation is 66.67% of the difference between your pre-injury weekly wage and your current earnings.
- Permanent Total Disability. This benefit applies if you are permanently unable to work. Compensation is 66.67% of the daily wage at the time of the injury and may last until you turn 72.
- Permanent Partial Disability. This benefit applies when you can still work but have a permanent impairment that diminishes your earning capacity. Depending on your level of injury, your permanent disability may entitle you to hundreds of thousands of dollars in wage benefits.
Unfortunately, not all employers and insurers are willing to disperse the wage loss benefits employees deserve without a fight. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney from Arechigo & Stokka can help ensure that you are paid every cent your injury warrants.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you suffer an injury that permanently prevents you from working, you might qualify for vocational rehabilitation. Such a program aims to give you the skills to perform an alternate job that restores you to the economic status you had before the injury. And if your spouse died in a work accident, you might be entitled to vocational rehabilitation to help you become self-sustaining.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation?
Many injured workers wonder, Do I need a lawyer for workers’ compensation? While you can file a claim on your own, having a workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable.
The Laws Are Complex
Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and you might have to attend a hearing to assert your right to benefits or aggressively negotiate for an adequate benefit settlement. A knowledgeable lawyer understands the intricacies of these laws and can ensure your rights are protected.
Staying on Top of Your Employer’s Legal Obligations Can Be Crucial
Your attorney can make sure that you receive proper payments on time. They can also help ensure that your employer doesn’t improperly interfere with your claim.
Appealing Denied Claims
Sometimes, your claim gets denied after seeking compensation at a hearing. If the judge denies the claim, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision.
Your Peace of Mind Is Important
Dealing with an injury can be both emotionally and physically painful. It is normal to feel stress when trying to navigate the system. A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can relax and focus on your recovery.
Our legal team has decades of experience and can help your workers’ compensation claim run as smoothly as possible.
Questions to Ask Your Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When choosing a workers’ compensation attorney, asking the right questions at your initial meeting is essential. Here are a few examples of what you might ask:
- How much experience do you have with workers’ compensation cases?
- What are my rights under Minnesota law?
- Have you handled cases like mine?
- What are the potential challenges in my case?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
- How are your fees structured?
Asking these questions can help you choose a lawyer who is knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to your case.
We Can Secure the Best Outcome for You
A qualified Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. The Criminal Defense Attorney & Workers’ Compensation Law Offices of Arechigo & Stokka are here to help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation. We have extensive experience and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. Contact us today by phone at (651) 222-6603 or filling out our secure contact form to discuss your case.