Some workplace injuries in Minnesota require only a few days of rest before you’re ready to go back to work. Other injuries are severe enough to leave you temporarily or permanently disabled. If you can’t go back to work, regular workers’ compensation isn’t going to cut it.
What happens if a work injury disables you?
Before you file for workers’ compensation, you should know that there are two different types of disability: temporary and permanent. If you have a temporary disability, you might be able to collect workers’ compensation and eventually go back to work. But if you’re permanently disabled, you’ll need something more drastic.
For a permanent disability claim, your doctor will have to declare that you’ve reached your maximum medical improvement. In other words, you’ve healed as much as you can, and your condition won’t change after further treatments. Depending on the severity of your injuries, this could mean that you’ll never be able to work again. You might also have to undergo expensive treatments for the rest of your life.
Workers’ compensation is supposed to cover the cost of your treatments, but most insurance companies are reluctant to pay out large settlements. You might need to talk to an attorney for help filing a lawsuit against the insurance company.
Do you need an attorney when you file for workers’ compensation?
Legally, you don’t need an attorney when you file a workers’ compensation claim. However, an attorney may help prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you. Most insurance companies don’t want to pay out the maximum settlement because they’re in this business to make money, not spend it. An attorney may help you fight for the compensation that you deserve so that it’s easier to pay your medical bills and other growing expenses.
