Some jobs come with significant risks of injury, such ones in the construction sector and those involving hazardous materials. That said, no matter what work an employee performs, the potential for an injury exists. Minnesota employees may have serious concerns about how they could cover their expenses if unable to work because of harm suffered on the job. These employees may find relief by applying for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation programs
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that the employer obtains and pays the premiums on to cover an employee’s injury claims. When an employee suffers an injury on the job, they can apply for benefits that they may receive until they are able to return to work. However, independent contractors would not be eligible to file for worker’s comp, but they could sue for injuries resulting from the negligence of another party.
An employee must report the injury to their employer promptly. The next step would involve a medical evaluation to support the claim. The claims processing would start, and the employee awaits a decision. If approved, the employee collects benefits.
Further details about workers’ comp
Worker’s compensation benefits could also cover permanent disabilities and even pay death benefits to worker’s eligible survivors. In some cases, those receiving benefits may sue a third party if they contributed any fault to the accident. However, workers’ compensation claims typically eliminate the ability to sue an employer outside a narrow scope, such as deliberate injuries.
If a dispute arises when an employee seeks workers’ compensation, the claim might be denied. That does not necessarily mean the claimant will never receive benefits, as there is an appeals process that may result in a favorable decision. Sometimes, bad faith workers’ compensation denials could lead to a lawsuit. Employees may address their situation based on facts relevant to their case.
