Saint Paul Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Work injuries can be devastating for employees and their families as medical bills and other expenses mount while the victim is unable to work. During this difficult time, hiring an experienced Saint Paul workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you can be an important step to ensure that your rights as an injured worker are being protected.

The trusted lawyers at TSR Injury Law have been helping work injury victims in Minnesota recover workers’ compensation benefits for over two decades. Partner Chuck Slane was able to obtain a $1.9 million settlement for a victim who suffered a serious burn injury at work while installing a loading dock door. Chuck is also on the Board of Governors for the Minnesota Association for Justice.

At TSR Injury Law, we offer a free review of your claim and charge no fees unless we recover benefits. Contact us anytime if you have any questions about your workers’ comp claim.

Call our Saint Paul workers’ compensation attorneys at (612) TSR-TIME.

How Do I Know if I May be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Minnesota law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits if an employee suffers from a workplace injury. Most employees are covered, including part-time workers.

However, certain types of employees are excluded from coverage:

  • Employees who earn less than $1,000 in a three-month period
  • Those who work remotely
  • Farm laborers
  • Employees who are family members of the employer
  • Business owners (sole proprietors, owners of LLCs)

The workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees who suffer an injury in a workplace accident or develop an occupational disease (a chronic medical issue that develops over time and not from one specific accident). You may also be eligible for benefits if a preexisting injury was aggravated by your work activities.

There are many factors our attorneys may need to consider when trying to determine if you could be eligible for benefits. It costs you nothing to review your situation with our licensed attorneys.

Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a free online form.

What if I Was Injured Offsite?

If you were injured at an offsite location while performing a work-related activity, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

For example, you may be eligible if you:

  • Slipped and fell in the company parking lot
  • Were injured in a motor vehicle accident while running work-related errands
  • Sustained an injury while traveling for work-related purposes

There could be many different scenarios where an offsite injury may be covered by the workers’ compensation system. As these can be complex situations, it can be highly beneficial to review the issue with an experienced attorney.

Our St. Paul workers’ compensation attorneys welcome the chance to discuss your situation. The consultation is free.

What Types of Benefits Can I Recover?

The workers’ compensation system provides two main types of benefits: payment of medical bills from the injury and a portion of lost income when you are unable to work, or unable to work in the same capacity as before. Death benefits may also be available if the worker dies as a result of his or her injuries.

Medical Expenses

Injured workers may be eligible for payment of reasonable and necessary medical bills throughout treatment, such as:

  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Surgery costs
  • Transportation costs to and from appointments
  • Treatment from specialists
  • Prescription medications
  • Assistive medical devices
  • Physical therapy

Lost Income

This could also be referred to as disability benefits. Workers may be eligible for payment for a portion of wages lost while they are unable to work.

  • Temporary Partial Disability – These benefits are for workers who are temporarily disabled but still able to do some amount of work, often for fewer hours or in a lower-paying position. If they qualify for benefits, they can receive two-thirds of the difference between their average weekly salary before the injury and what they are currently being paid.
  • Temporary Total Disability – This form of compensation may be available if you are completely unable to return to work during your recovery. This benefit provides two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly pay until he or she can return to work.
  • Permanent Partial Disability – Work injuries could cause a permanent loss of function, such as hearing loss or amputation of a body part. The worker can go back to work but is permanently limited by the disability. The amount of compensation is based on the percentage of disability.
  • Permanent Total Disability – If your doctor determines that your injury is permanent and so severe that you cannot return to work, you may be able to receive these benefits for the rest of your life. Victims who qualify for these benefits will usually receive two-thirds of their gross weekly salary.
  • Death Benefits – If the victim was fatally injured, surviving dependents may be able to receive four times the victim’s annual income, which is paid out in monthly installments, along with coverage for funeral and burial costs.

If you have questions about workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota, schedule a free consultation with the Saint Paul worker’s compensation attorneys at TSR Injury Law.

Call (612) TSR-TIME today.

Reporting a Work Injury

It is best to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible – the longer you wait, the easier it may be for your employer to deny your claim. If you develop a disease or chronic medical issue because of work activities and not from one accident, notify your employer as soon as a doctor tells you your injury was caused by your job.

If you notify your employer of your injury within 14 days, your employer cannot deny your claim for late notice. However, if you tell your employer between 15 and 30 days after the injury, your employer can deny your claim if it can prove it was harmed by the delay.

If you wait more than 30 days, it is much easier for your employer to deny your claim. For example, when an employer is notified between 31 and 180 days of the injury, the employer can deny your claim unless the delay in reporting is because of:

  • Fraud, misrepresentation or deceit on the part of your employer
  • Your own mistake, ignorance of the law or an inability to provide notice

After 180 days, you cannot receive benefits unless you were physically or mentally incapacitated.

What to Do if Your Claim is Denied

If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. The first step is to file an Employee’s Claim Petition. When you file the petition, you must attach a doctor’s report supporting your pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits.

You may be able to resolve the situation in an administrative conference with a mediator, depending on the issues that are in dispute. The mediator’s decision is often binding, but you can appeal by filing a Request for a Formal Hearing. If the case is more complicated, it may proceed right to a hearing after you file the petition.

This is a complex process with many steps, and it can be very helpful to have an experienced attorney helping to build a robust case. The St. Paul workers’ compensation lawyers at TSR Injury Law have represented many injured workers and understand how to build a strong case to try to overturn a denied claim. We can represent you at hearings and bring in witnesses if necessary, including expert witnesses.

If you were injured at work call TSR Injury Law today at (612) TSR-TIME.

Types of Work Accidents and Injuries

Some common workplace accidents include:

  • Slip and fall accidents – Workers could slip on wet or damaged floors, trip over a piece of equipment or fall from a ladder or scaffold or any other high platform.
  • Machinery accidents – Workers who must use heavy machinery at the workplace are at risk for serious injury. For example, if a machine malfunctions or is not properly maintained, an accident could happen and cause devastating injuries.
  • Motor vehicle accidents – Employees who must drive as a part of their job, such as commercial truck drivers or delivery drivers, are frequently at risk of getting into an accident that could cause severe injuries.
  • Falling object accidents – Sometimes a random falling object such as a heavy piece of machinery, building material or debris can cause a serious injury at the work site.

These and other types of accidents are known to cause various types of injuries including:

  • Muscle sprains and strains
  • Torn ligaments
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Concussions
  • Bone fractures
  • Severe burns
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Loss of limbs
  • Paralysis

A workers’ compensation claim may also be filed over an occupational disease. Examples may include:

  • Lung disease
  • Lead poisoning
  • Pneumonia
  • Various forms of cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Neurological disorders

If you or a loved one suffered from one or more of these injuries or illnesses as a result of your work environment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Filing a Third-Party Claim After a Work Injury

The workers’ compensation system is a trade-off – in exchange for not suing your employer, you may receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Workers are generally prohibited from suing their employers.

However, sometimes lawsuits can be filed against third parties that were liable for a work injury. For example, if a truck driver was injured because of a defective part on the truck, the driver may have a claim against the manufacturer of the truck or the part.

TSR Injury Law was able to obtain favorable compensation for the wife of a garbage truck driver who died because of a defective container on the truck. Partner Chuck Slane was able to file two third party claims – one against the company that altered the lid on the container and another against the truck manufacturer because of the defective safety switch on the closing mechanism on the container.

Our Saint Paul workers’ compensation attorneys are prepared to review your situation in detail to determine if you may have a third-party claim. Examples of third-party claims may include:

  • Lawsuits against general contractors or subcontractors managing a work site
  • Lawsuits against drivers who were negligent and caused you to be injured in a crash
  • Lawsuits against product manufacturers when a product defect leads to a work injury

Set Up Your Free Consultation with a St. Paul Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim, or it has already been denied, you should consider contacting a licensed lawyer.

At TSR Injury Law, we have a dedicated team of legal professionals who are prepared to answer any questions you may have about your workplace injury. There is no risk in calling us and you are not obligated to let us represent you. There are no upfront fees and we only receive payment if we obtain benefits for your claim.

In more than 20 years representing Minnesota injury victims, we have recovered $300 million in compensation.

Our office is located in Minneapolis at 7760 France Ave South, Suite 820, which is only an 18-minute drive from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Call TSR Injury Law today at (612) TSR-TIME or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Minneapolis Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workplace accidents can leave an employees with debilitating injuries, overwhelming medical bills and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, we encourage you to contact a Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyer to better understand your potential legal options.

At TSR Injury Law, we have decades of legal experience assisting our clients in obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits they need to aid in their recovery. This includes a $1.9 million dollar settlement obtained by partner Chuck Slane for a man who suffered a serious burn injury while installing a loading dock door, where his employer was found to be solely responsible for violating numerous OSHA rules. Chuck is also an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

We offer a free, initial consultation with a workers compensation lawyer and we provide our services on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront legal costs to you. We only get paid if we help you obtain benefits for your claim and are available 24/7 over the phone or online.

Call (612) TSR-TIME to set up your free consultation or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

Am I Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

In Minnesota, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the event that an employee is injured on the job. Even if a business has one employee who works part-time, the employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance.

There are minimal exceptions to this rule, such as employees who work in private homes and make less than $1,000 in a three-month period. Other exceptions include some cases where the employee is a family member of the business owner, certain farming employees and certain members of LLCs (limited liability company).

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to receive workers’ compensation benefits, it may be beneficial to contact a knowledgeable Minneapolis workers’ compensation attorney to find out if your employment status meets the workers’ compensation requirements under the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

At TSR Injury Law, we can review your claim during a free consultation and determine if your workplace injury or illness is contained in the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act. We will then decide how to move forward and the best course of action to take to pursue the benefits you need to recover from your injury.

Benefits Available For Work Injury Victims

Depending on the severity of your injury and the duration that your injury is expected to last, you may be eligible for the following types of benefits:

Medical Benefits

These benefits include the reasonable and necessary medical expenses you have suffered as a result of your injury and any ongoing treatment you may need. This may include past, current and future medical bills, the cost of surgery, prescription medication, physical therapy, and assistive medical equipment.

Temporary Total Disability

A temporary total disability is one that prevents you from doing any of your work duties for more than seven days at minimum. Injuries that qualify are expected to heal over time, therefore benefits are generally paid until you make a full recovery. This includes two-thirds of your gross weekly wage at the time of your injury and are typically based on a five-day work week with each day covering 0.2 weeks of compensation.

Temporary Partial Disability

These benefits are payable to employees who return to work after an injury but are earning less than before. For instance, your doctor may suggest that you can only do five hours of work each day rather than your standard schedule of nine working hours. Benefits cover two-thirds of the difference between what you earned before your injury and your current earnings, reflective of the hours lost.

Permanent Total Disability

These benefits are payable to employees who are never expected to recover from their injury and are not able to return to gainful employment. These benefits cover two-thirds of your gross weekly wage at the time of your injury and subject to the same maximum weekly compensation for temporary total disability.

Permanent Partial Disability

If you suffer a permanent loss of function of a body part, you may be eligible to receive these benefits. For example, the amputation of an arm could prevent you from engaging in your daily work duties. Benefits are determined based off the percentage of disability to the body as a whole.

Death Benefits

In the unfortunate event that a workplace accident takes the life of a loved one, the surviving dependents of the deceased may be eligible for benefits. This may include four times the deceased’s annual income that are paid out on a monthly basis. This may also cover funeral and burial costs.

Do I Still Have a Claim If I Was Injured Offsite?

If you were hurt while performing work-related tasks but not physically at your job site, you may still be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. However, you must prove that you were performing work-related duties at the time your injury occurred.

Injuries that may occur in these instances include:

  • Traveling for work-related assignments
  • Injured on a company parking lot
  • Falling from steps on company property
  • Involved in a traffic accident while on business

As work injury claims can be difficult to prove, it is important to reach out to a licensed attorney to determine if you are eligible to receive compensation for the injuries you suffered.

At TSR Injury Law, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and your initial consultation is free. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to find out how we may be able to help you.

We are here to help. Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Workplace Injury

After experiencing a work-related injury, you may be wondering what you need to do in order to obtain compensation for that injury. There are certain steps that you can follow that will help your claim, which include:

Getting Medical Care

Seeking medical treatment is imperative to your health. Your doctor may discover that your injury is much more serious than you expected it to be. Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and determine how it may affect your ability to return to work.

The documentation your doctor provides is also important to your claim as it connects your injury to the accident. This documentation will help the insurance company establish the severity of your injury, so it is vital that you provide your doctor with all the information you know about how you suffered the injury.

Reporting the Injury to Your Employer

It is important that you notify your employer as soon as possible as your employer is responsible for filing a claim with his or her workers’ compensation insurer. You may have up to 30 days to report your work injury to your employer from the date of the accident or discovery of injury. The exact deadline will depend on your situation. Your employer will then provide you with the necessary documents needed to file a claim.

Keeping Track of Important Documentation

It is in your best interest to keep track of all documentation pertaining to your injury to avoid discrepancies. Be sure to get copies of your medical documents from your doctor. If local authorities reported the accident, it is also beneficial to ask them for copies to have their account of how the accident occurred.

Contacting a Licensed Attorney

Having an experienced lawyer walk you through this tedious process is highly beneficial to your overall claim. Chances are that your injury is causing you to suffer a tremendous amount of pain and holding you back from certain activities. Getting bombarded with other tasks like collecting documentation or dealing with back-and-forth communication between your employer and the workers’ compensation insurer can cause you additional stress and may burden your health.

At TSR Injury Law, we dedicate our careers in easing the lives of our clients and ensuring that their health is put first. If you have a valid claim, we will handle the daunting tasks on your behalf by collecting evidence, communicating with involved parties and obtaining and securing important documentation, all while keeping you in the loop of the process. Contact our office today so that we may get started on your claim.

What Happens If My Employer Disputes My Injury?

In some instances, it is possible that your employer may try to dispute your injury and claim that your accident does not fall within the scope of your work.

We recommend contacting our experienced Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyers right away to review your situation. If we determine that your injury falls under the Workers’ Compensation Act, we can help with the claims process. This may include hiring an accident reconstruction expert to determine the cause and factors involved in your injury and collecting further evidence to support your claim.

Let us see what we can do for you by calling (612) TSR-TIME.

Workplace Accidents and Injuries

Depending on the scope of work, occupational accidents can be extremely severe and may leave victims with life-long disabilities. Some types of accidents that may occur in a work environment include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents – Workers whose duties include driving, like commercial truck drivers or public transportation operators, are often at risk of getting into an accident on the road.
  • Fires/explosions – Workers in construction, petroleum or other fields that involve wiring or machinery can be at risk of experiencing a fire or explosion in the event something goes wrong.
  • Machinery accidents – Employees who work with heavy machinery can be at risk if the machine malfunctions. This can create a dangerous situation that injures the operator or others nearby.
  • Falling objects – These are accidents that occur by a falling object or debris. This could include getting hit by a metal beam or piece of machinery.
  • Slip and fall accidents – Workers who must climb high heights can fall from scaffolding or other platforms. These accidents can also occur from slipping on wet or damaged floors.

These types of accidents can cause a number of different injuries ranging from minor to severe, such as:

  • Loss of limbs
  • Loss of vision
  • Loss of hearing
  • Paralysis
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Torn ligaments
  • Muscle sprains
  • Death

Occupational Disease

Workers’ compensation benefits are not limited to injuries caused by accidents. Sometimes the scope of your work may cause you to develop an occupational disease from carrying on certain tasks for a long period of time. These diseases could include:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attack

If you have suffered a work injury or occupational disease and are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, our Minneapolis workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help.

What is Vicarious Liability?

Vicarious liability is a form of secondary liability by which an employer or other superior can be held liable for the actions of another. In vicarious liability, an employer is held liable for injuries that an employee causes if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment.

Secondary liability means that a person is held liable not for their own actions but for the actions of someone else to whom they are related enough to be held liable. Beyond employers, other situations of vicarious liability include parents and children.

In the situation of a parent and child, the parent is held liable for the actions of the child because the parent is supposed to have enough control over the child to prevent the child from injuring others. Also, because the child is a minor, the parent is responsible for all aspects of the child.

The employer/employee relationship can be different. In many cases, the employee does something to cause injury that is not within the scope of his or her employment. If the employee, while acting outside of the scope of their employment, injures someone, the employer is not liable for the injuries. In many vicarious liability cases, whether the employee was following a direction or company policy can be the difference between victory for the plaintiff or defeat.

What is an Independent Medical Exam?

An Independent Medical Exam (IME) is a medical evaluation scheduled and paid for by the no-fault insurance company. The purpose of the exam is for the insurance company to get a second opinion on the validity of your claim.

The doctors that perform the IMEs are medically qualified doctors who have chosen to specialize in insurance-covered evaluations. IME doctors, if called to testify at trial, make great witnesses.

It is vital to choose a law firm that can effectively cross examine the IME doctor. The attorneys at TSR Injury Law have developed an expertise in this area. We have a history of being able to validate our clients’ injuries and prove liability in tough cases.

Third Party Liability Claims

If you are hurt at work, you do NOT have the right to sue your employer. Your only recourse is a workers’ compensation claim. However, if the accident was caused by someone not employed by your employer or at a location other than your place of employment; then you could bring a third party liability claim against that person or company. For example:

The wife of a garbage truck driver, who had been killed on the job, hired partner Chuck Slane to investigate the tragic incident to see if there was basis for a third party liability claim. Her husband was found dead in the truck’s trash container and the engine of the truck was still running. He had been employed for years with the company and had a reputation for working safely. The trash company claimed that the driver was negligent to get into the container. The manufacturer claimed that there were no design defects in the truck. After investigation, it was found that the truck had been altered. The part of the truck that holds the trash is called the “container” it had partitions to separate parts of the container. The lid of the container opened as trash was emptied into the truck. A steel plate was welded to the underside of the lid as an extension of the partition.

The extension jammed into the partition as the lid was closed. Decedent attempted to unjam the situation when the lid suddenly came down trapping him. The decedent was the garbage truck driver. Two third party claims were filed. The first claim was filed against the company that had altered the lid without posting warnings about the steel plate. The second claim was filed against the truck manufacturer because the safety switch on the closing mechanism failed. Both claims were settled very favorably for the surviving wife.

Some scenarios that may qualify for a third party liability claim:

  • Injured at a construction site where multiple companies are working
  • Injured on the job while working on property belonging to someone other than your employer
  • Injured at work due to a defective product or piece of equipment
  • Vehicle accident while performing your job
  • Injured on the job by a worker employed by another company

Possibilities for Liable Parties in Third Party Claims

  • Driver of the vehicle involved in the work-related accident
  • Owner of the vehicle, if other than employer
  • Property owner, if other than employer
  • Manufacturer of the product/equipment
  • Landlord of property
  • Electric company
  • Fuel company
  • Propane company
  • Cable company

Aspects of a Third Party Claim

When you contact an attorney, you will need all of the information about the case. You need to identify and name the people involved, the owner of the property, and / or the manufacturer of the machinery. Statements will have to be taken from everyone. Fault will have to be assessed. You will have to give a thorough account of how you have been injured and specify any additional damages. All of this has to be done in a timely manner, because the statute of limitations on a third party claim is two years.

Contact a Minneapolis Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At TSR Injury Law, we have the experience and proven track record needed to tackle these kinds of claims. We understand the financial, physical and emotional hardships our clients endure while recovering from a work-related injury and aim to help protect your interests. If we determine that you have a case and you decide to move forward, we can guide you through the entire process and fight for the benefits you are eligible to receive.

Contact our legal team today to find out how we can help. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your claim with one of our experienced attorneys and there are no upfront fees if we take on your case.

Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME to get started.

Bloomington Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A serious work injury can affect more than just the victim – often the stability of families and other dependents can be at risk due to lost income and mounting medical expenses. While most employers in Minnesota provide workers’ compensation insurance, the legal process to obtain benefits can be difficult and time-consuming. Having a Bloomington workers’ compensation attorney on your side can be extremely beneficial to your claim.

At TSR Injury Law, we have many years of legal experience obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for our clients, including a $240,000 recovery for a worker who was injured in a commercial car accident. This result was obtained by partner Steven Terry, who actively serves on the Minnesota Association for Justice’s Board of Governors and was previously president of the organization from 2014 to 2015.

If you are suffering from a work-related injury, contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss how we may be able to help. We are available to take your call or chat online 24/7 and we do not charge any upfront fees. We only get paid if we are successful in obtaining benefits on your behalf.

Call us today to set up your free consultation at (612) TSR-TIME.

What Does the Workers’ Compensation Program Cover?

In Minnesota, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to all employees, even if they only have one part-time employee. Exceptions apply to employees who work remotely and earn less than $1,000 within a three-month period. Other exceptions include employees who are family members, farm laborers, and business owners, such as LLCs members and sole proprietors.

Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover expenses incurred from a work-related injury or illness. Often, this includes immediate expenses such as medical bills, as well as lost wages due to a disability.

Medical Costs

Work-related injury or illnesses may require extensive medical care and ongoing treatment. Workers’ compensation benefits may cover the following reasonable and necessary expenses:

  • Past, current, and future medical bills
  • Surgery costs
  • Doctor appointments
  • Transportation cost to and from appointments
  • Treatment from specialists
  • Prescription medications
  • Assistive medical equipment
  • Physical therapy

Lost Wages

In addition to medical expenses, your employer may cover your lost wages from not being able to return to work after your injury or illness.

There are different types of benefits to cover lost wages. You may be eligible to receive the following:

Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)

If your physician determines that your injury is too severe to return to work, you may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. This typically includes two-thirds of your regular weekly wages that you will receive until your doctor determines that you are recovered and can return to work.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)

These benefits cover injured victims who return to work right after injury, but in a position that pays less. The payable amount is two-thirds of the difference between the victim’s average weekly wage before and after the injury.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)

If your injury has left you with a permanent disability which makes you unable to perform your work duties in the same capacity, you may be eligible for PPD. These types of injuries may include hearing loss or amputation of a body part.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

Injuries that result in a permanent disability which prevents you from returning to work at all, may be eligible to receive weekly pay for the rest of your life.

Death Benefits

If a work injury has led to the death of a loved one, death benefits may be payable to the surviving dependents of the deceased. These benefits include weekly payments to help replace the deceased worker’s income as well as funeral and burial costs.

Our legal team can discuss these potential benefits with you. If you have a valid claim and decide to move forward, we are prepared to pursue the benefits you may be eligible for. We have a proven track record of recovering benefits for injuries workers in the Minnesota area.

Schedule a free consultation by filling out a free online form.

Can I Pursue Financial Compensation?

According to Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 16.), a work-related injury means any mental or physical injury arising out of and in the course of employment. Employees must be engaged in work for their employers when they are injured. This means that you must be on the clock performing work to be eligible to make a claim for benefits.

If you are unsure if you are eligible to pursue compensation, we recommend that you contact a licensed Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm today. We can review the specific details of your claim and help determine the most effective course of action to take.

Our firm has handled a number of workplace injuries that have occurred from slip and fall accidents, fires and explosions, motor vehicle accidents, machinery malfunction, electrocution and getting hit by falling objects or debris. These injuries include, but are not limited to:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Vision loss
  • Knee injuries
  • Torn ligaments
  • Hearing loss

However, workers’ compensation benefits are not limited to accidents. These benefits may also cover:

  • Injuries that have developed from repetitive activity using a body part or muscle, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
  • Occupational diseases from working with hazardous substances for long periods.

Diseases that develop from these situations may include:

  • Respiratory disease
  • Lead poisoning
  • Pneumonia
  • Neurological disorders

Options for Workers Injured Offsite

If you sustain an injury while engaging in work-related activity, but are not physically at your workplace, you may still be eligible for benefits. Injuries that may fall within this scope include:

  • Getting into a motor vehicle accident while running work-related errands
  • Slipping and falling on company property
  • Being injured in the company parking lot
  • Being injured while traveling for work-related purposes

Each case is unique, which is why we recommend contacting a qualified Bloomington workers’ compensation attorney from our firm to determine eligibility based on your specific situation. We are available to answer your legal questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How Should I Report an Injury?

If you are injured at work, inform your employer of your injury as soon as possible. You only have a certain amount of time to report a work injury or risk being denied benefits. Be sure to provide your employer with an honest and accurate account of how you were hurt and any injuries you sustained.

After you have missed three days of work, your employer is legally obligated to report your injury or illness within 10 days to their workers’ compensation insurance company who will then either deny your claim or begin making payments.

When you seek medical attention, Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry recommends doing the following to help validate your claim:

  • Tell your health care provider how the injury occurred, the symptoms you feel and how you think it may be work-related (especially if it is an occupational disease)
  • Be sure to provide your physician with your employer’s details, including the name of company, supervisor’s name and contact information, and your employer’s insurance carrier.

Your doctor will complete your medical report detailing any physical or mental limitations you may have. Be sure to ask for copies to provide to your employer and the insurance company.

What to Do if My Claim Has Been Denied

If your claim is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Hiring a licensed Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer is highly beneficial for this process. Our legal team understands the legal procedures in the appeals process. We are ready to help you every step of the way so that you can focus on what really matters – recovering from your injury.

There are many reasons a claim may be denied, such as:

  • Forms are not properly or accurately filled out
  • You do not have updated workers’ compensation forms
  • There was a lack of medical evidence to support your claim
  • Your injury occurred outside the scope of your job duties

Our attorneys may be able to pursue a dispute by negotiating with your employer and the workers’ compensation insurer. If your claim reaches court, we are prepared to represent you at the hearing and gather supportive evidence for your case.

Call our firm today at (612) TSR-TIME to find out what we may be able to assist.

Contact a Bloomington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Help

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, our team at TSR Injury Law may be able to help you. We have decades of combined legal experience and have been successful in getting our clients the benefits they need.

To learn more about your legal options, set up your free, no obligation consultation. Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees for our services. We only get paid if we help you obtain benefits for your work-related injury or illness.

Our office is just a nine-minute drive from the Mall of America.

Contact our office today by calling (612) TSR-TIME.