A work-related injury can be any condition caused, aggravated, or accelerated by employment activities. This includes traumatic injuries, repetitive type injuries, occupational diseases and qualifying mental injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The employee needs to show only that the employment activities were a substantial contributing factor to the disability and/or need for medical care.
Minnesota is a no-fault state. This means that an employee does not need to prove negligence on the part of the employer to recover workers’ compensation benefits. This also means that an employer cannot use an employee’s negligence or fault to deny benefits. Therefore, no matter who is at fault, an employee may be eligible for benefits so long as their injuries are not a result of a select few exceptions. These exceptions include injuries sustained during the commission of a crime, injuries caused by being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or injuries intentionally inflicted upon oneself.
If you have been injured while on the job, it is critical to connect with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights under Minnesota law. At Harvey & Carpenter, our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. For a free consultation, contact Harvey & Carpenter at (507) 779-7529.
