Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota involves a variety of regulations that deal with wage, medical, rehabilitation, and permanent disability—even lawyers’ fees are strictly regulated. Injuries occurring on or after October 1, 2013 are paid on a straight 20% contingency fee, and are limited to $26,000.
Your Rights after a Minnesota Work Injury
Hidden in all of these regulations are your rights as an injured worker, so our Minneapolis workplace injury attorneys have put this list together to summarize your most important rights. Keep these in mind if you’ve been injured on the job in the Twin Cities:
- You can pick your own doctor. Don’t get stuck treating with your employer’s designated physician. Many of your benefits will flow from what the doctors recommend. As a result, the wrong doctor could have an adverse effect on your claim. Conversely, working with the right doctors can have a very positive effect on obtaining favorable restrictions, follow-up care, and approved payments.
- If you are unable to work, get a note from your doctor that either restricts you from working or provides specific restrictions. Keep these restrictions updated and current. A lapse in restrictions could limit your rights to benefits.
- You are entitled to reimbursement for traveling to and from your doctors for treatment. This could include reimbursement for transit or cab fare, and will result in payment based on mileage traveled to obtain treatment.
- You can talk to an attorney about getting a QRC. What is a QRC? It stands for Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant. A QRC will assist you with managing medical care and coordinating a return to work within your restrictions.
Twin Cities Work Injury Lawyers
At Teplinsky Law Group, we specialize in knowing your workers’ rights and entitlements. If you’re interested in speaking with one of our Twin Cities work comp attorneys, call us at 612-465-0320 to schedule a free consultation. Even if you are unsure of hiring legal help for your injury, it never hurts to call.