
An accident can take just a second, but its impact can last a lifetime. The moment it happens, everything changes. A fractured wrist on a warehouse floor. A slipped disc from years behind the wheel. A torn rotator cuff after lifting one box too many. The accident might seem minor at first. But by the following day, the pain mounts. And so do your questions. How do I pay my bills while I recover? Who covers my medical care? Do I need a lawyer for workers’ compensation? And if so, which Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer is the best?
If you live in Rochester, MN and face these questions, it’s time to speak with a Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer who understands Minnesota law and how to fight for what you’re owed.
At Arechigo & Stokka, we don’t wait for employers or insurance carriers to play fair. We work to build strong, evidence-driven cases from day one and don’t flinch when it’s time to push back in court.
What Does a Rochester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to be straightforward. If you’re hurt at work, you report it, file a claim, and receive benefits while you recover. But when paperwork is ignored, benefits are denied, or a doctor handpicked by your employer insists you’re ready to return when you’re not, the system stops working for you.
A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help:
- File a complete claim before the deadline;
- Make sure your medical records, wage loss, and injury documentation are fully supported;
- Represent you in hearings with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry;
- Protect your right to wage-loss benefits, vocational rehabilitation, or permanent disability compensation; and
- Push back when insurers deny claims without proper cause.
Whether your injury is new or your claim has stalled, a skilled attorney at Arechigo & Stokka can fight to shift the balance in your favor.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota?
Injured workers often believe their employer or insurer will take care of a workers’ compensation claim. However, Minnesota’s workers’ comp insurers usually have one goal: limiting payouts. They may question your injury’s severity, argue it wasn’t job-related, or try to send you back to work before you’re ready.
For that reason, it’s in your best interest to consult with a lawyer if:
- Your claim is denied or underpaid,
- Your benefits are delayed beyond two weeks,
- You’re pressured to return to your duties before you are physically ready,
- You’re face an Independent Medical Examination (IME) that contradicts your doctor’s recommendations, or
- You suffer a permanent disability or need long-term care.
An attorney fights to ensure the law works for you, not just your employer. And the sooner you hire one, the more leverage you’ll have.
Questions to Ask Your Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Before You Hire Them
Not all attorneys are created equal, and in a workers’ comp case, experience matters. Before you commit, ask questions that can shed light on how well an attorney can represent you.
Here are some of the most important questions to ask your workers’ compensation lawyer:
- How many workers’ compensation cases have you handled in Minnesota?
- Have you taken cases to trial before the Office of Administrative Hearings?
- What is your success rate with denied claims?
- Do you have experience dealing with long-term or permanent disability claims?
- Will you personally handle my case or pass it to someone else?
These questions help you gauge whether the lawyer truly knows Minnesota law—and whether they will fight for every dollar you deserve.
What Kind of Benefits Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help Me Get?
If your claim is approved, Minnesota law entitles you to a range of benefits, depending on the nature and severity of your injury. These may include:
- Medical care—including surgery, rehab, medication, and mileage reimbursement;
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD)—wage replacement if you cannot work at all;
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)—financial support if you can return to work but earn less;
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)—a lump sum for permanent impairment;
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD)—ongoing compensation if you can never return to work; and
- Vocational rehabilitation—if you need retraining or assistance returning to employment.
Each benefit has deadlines and eligibility requirements. A misstep in documentation or timing can cost you. That’s why having a Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer on your side matters.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Minnesota?
No. Under Minnesota law, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a valid workers’ compensation claim. If you are fired, demoted, or harassed because you exercised your rights, you may have grounds for a retaliation lawsuit and could be entitled to additional damages.
However, proving retaliation is not easy. You’ll need solid documentation, strong legal arguments, and swift action. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney at Arechigo & Stokka can help you gather the evidence required and fight to hold your employer accountable. Hiring a lawyer does not just make the process easier—it makes your claim stronger.
Contact Arechigo & Stokka and Choose a Rochester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Who’s Ready for Trial
Insurance companies know when a law firm settles every case. They also know when a firm is not afraid to fight. At Arechigo & Stokka, we have handled hundreds of workers’ compensation cases and have more than 20 years of courtroom experience across Minnesota. Our advocates have received recognition as Minnesota Lawyer Attorney of the Year, achieved the Avvo Client’s Choice Award, and earned workers’ trust throughout Rochester and beyond.
You do not get a rotating team of case managers when you hire us. You get real lawyers who will handle your case with urgency and care from start to finish. We are proud to be a small, focused firm with deep roots in Minnesota. That means you speak directly with the people fighting for you. No layers. No phone trees. Just honest answers, fearless advocacy, and a team that knows how to fight to win when it counts.
Contact our office or call us at (651) 222-6603 to schedule a free consultation today.
Resources
Minnesota Workers’ Comp: General Information, Benefits. Link
Minnesota Action For Civil Damages for Obstructing Employee Seeking Benefits. Link.