📚 Workers’ Compensation Resources

Everything Injured Employees in Minnesota Need to Know

At Lemmon & Tanasychuk, we believe that knowledge is power — especially when you’re injured, out of work, and facing a system that can feel stacked against you. This page provides clear answers and essential tools to help you understand your rights and navigate Minnesota’s workers’ compensation process with confidence.

💼 What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation to employees injured on the job — regardless of fault. In Minnesota, this system is administered by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

⚠️ Your First Steps After an Injury

  1. Report Your Injury Immediately
    You must notify your employer within 14 days â€” the sooner, the better.
  2. Get Medical Attention
    Always seek treatment and tell the provider your injury is work-related.
  3. Document Everything
    Keep records of how the injury happened, who witnessed it, and your symptoms.

🏥 What Medical Care Am I Entitled To?

You’re entitled to:

  • Doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, and medications
  • Mileage reimbursement for medical travel
  • Second opinions and referrals

👉 You may choose your own doctor, and you can change doctors within the first 60 days of treatment.

đź’µ Wage Loss Benefits

You may qualify for:

  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD) â€“ if you can’t work at all
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) â€“ if you’re working fewer hours or earning less
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) â€“ if you suffer permanent impairment
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD) â€“ if you’re unable to return to gainful work

🛠️ Return to Work & Vocational Services

If you can’t return to your previous job:

  • You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, retraining, or placement services
  • You’ll be assigned a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) to assist — you may choose your own or request a change

❌ What If My Claim Is Denied?

You have the right to:

  • Appeal a denial
  • Request a hearing or mediation
  • Seek legal representation to protect your rights

Common reasons for denial include:

  • Late injury reporting
  • Allegations of pre-existing conditions
  • Disputes over whether the injury happened at work

🕵️ Know the Tactics Insurers Use

Be aware of:

  • Surveillance: You may be watched or recorded
  • IME (Independent Medical Exam): This is not your doctor and may be biased
  • Delayed treatment approvals: Always follow up and request written explanations

🧾 Helpful Forms and Links

🧠 FAQs

Q: Do I have to prove it was my employer’s fault?
No. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system.

Q: Can I be fired for filing a claim?
No. That would be retaliation, which is illegal.

Q: What if I already had a bad back?
Aggravations of pre-existing conditions are still compensable.

Q: Should I talk to a lawyer?
Absolutely — especially if your benefits were denied, delayed, or stopped.

⚖️ How We Help

We’ve represented injured workers across Minnesota for decades. Whether you’re just starting a claim or deep into a dispute, we offer:

  • Free consultations
  • No fees unless we win
  • Clear, honest answers

đź“ž Call us at 651-287-1370 or request a free case review today.

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Statutes:

Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and Office of Administrative Hearings:
Minn. Rules:

Medical Information:

Benefits: