Minnesotans are tenacious – they can drive through some of the most hazardous weather conditions without a second thought. But when it comes to injuries or illnesses in the workplace, even they are not immune.
State law mandates that practically all employers have workers’ compensation or obtain approval for self-insurance to covers such work-related illnesses and injuries. Each state has different requirements for Worker’s Comp. Here we examine the procedures for filing Worker’s Compensation after a construction site injury.
Here are some of the crucial points of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation laws, with critical timeframes and benefits:
Deadlines
To ensure you receive maximum benefits, inform your employer as soon as possible. Within 14 days of the date the injury occurred is best. Cases with notice later than 14 days can still be pursued.
There is also a 3-year timeframe for determining and recovering compensation if the employer has reported the injury to the Department of Labor and Industry. If not, you have 6 years to bring your claim. There are exceptions to these rules as well, so you will want to consult at attorney.
Benefits
Medical care costs that are covered:
- medical treatment that is “reasonable and necessary “
- supplies required in the treatment the injury
- travel expenses associated with the injury/illness
Loss of wages:
A portion of your regular wages lost due during disability is covered
- temporary or permanent disability
- total or partial disability
Vocational rehab
- Training and services:
- If you are not able to return to your former job or employer
- In the event you require special accommodations to perform your current job
- In the event your surviving spouse requires training to become self-sufficient
- Job placement services including resume writing
Survivor benefits:
- Burial costs are paid
- Surviving spouse and dependents are compensated
Who is covered under Workers’ Comp?
Almost all Minnesota employers are mandated to provide this insurance or equal coverage for:
- As few as one part-time employee
- Non-citizens and minors (independent contractors may not be automatically covered
Workers’ compensation insurance also covers injuries that may be accelerated by, aggravated by, or caused by current employment activities. Even if you performed certain activities for other employers that may have initiated the injury, your last employer is considered liable for that injury.
If you experience a construction injury…
…seek immediate medical attention, then report the incident to your supervisor within 14 days allotted to avoid losing your benefits. Your employer is required to submit the first report of injury/illness within 10 days to their insurance company. The insurance company will either start your payments or deny your claim.
What to do if you run into a problem with your claim
Dealing with your workplace injury or illness can be very stressful; it can also create substantial financial stress. Workers’ comp benefits can ease some of that stress.
The Harvey & Carpenter Law Firm has 50 years of experience collectively—we want to help you with your legal problems. We focus in Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability claims and are here to advise you in all aspects of your claim. We will be with you every step of the way and will guide you through each step to help you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
If you have experienced a construction-related accident or injury, contact our skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Harvey & Carpenter to discuss your injury, including:
- Bridge accidents
- Burn injuries
- Crane accidents
- Crush injuries
- Electrical injuries
- Explosion accidents
- Falling objects
- Injuries from defective/unsafe equipment
- Ironworker accidents
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Trench or wall collapse injuries
- Welding accidents
Repetitive Stress Injuries
A lot of repetitive motion is involved in construction work. Repetitive stress/strain injuries (RSI) can be caused by such repetitive activities as:
- Bending
- Grasping
- Jackhammering
- Lifting
- Painting
- Pulling
- Twisting
If you have been diagnosed with such as bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis or any other repetitive strain injury, contact our law firm
Harvey & Carpenter offers a free initial consultation. We are located in Mankato, MN, and schedule a consultation that works with your schedule. If unable to come to our office, we can schedule a consultation in your home or at the hospital. Give the law offices Harvey & Carpenter a call today.
