Every state in the country has its own way of managing workers’ compensation claims. In Minnesota, the program is managed by the state Department of Labor and Industry. The DLI website notes that all employers, with just a few exceptions, are required by law to carry private workers’ compensation insurance or to be approved as self-insured to provide coverage for injured workers when needed.
Benefits for workplace injuries or an occupational disease can include help with medical treatment, job rehabilitation and compensation for lost earnings and even for the loss of use of certain parts of the body. Medical benefits may relate to hospitalizations, procedures, chiropractic and even mental health services. The goal of any medical expense should to be treat or cure a problem.
When a workplace accident happens, your employer is required to file a First Report of Injury. This starts the process of seeking workers’ compensation benefits. You will then be required to submit to an Independent Medical Examination by a provider chosen by your employer or your employer’s insurer. This step is designed to confirm the nature of your injury or illness and approve it for a workers’ compensation claim. If a claim is denied, there are three things that you can do starting with contacting the insurance adjuster directly. If that does not resolve the issue, mediation can be sought through the DLI. Finally, final appeals can be filed using an Employee’s Claim Petition Form.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about workers compensation procedures in Minnesota.