If you’ve been in an accident in your Saint Paul, MN workplace, it’s highly likely that you’re covered by workers’ compensation. Getting that compensation isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, however. Talk to a workers’ comp attorney today to make sure your path to accessing all your benefits is smooth and your rights are protected.
Your Right to Medical Benefits
Minnesota workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your injury. This should include your doctor visits, hospital stays, any surgeries or medications that might be required, and physical therapy (if necessary). There’s no deductible or co-pay, either. You can choose your own doctor for the first visit, but if your employer has a managed care plan, you might have to follow up with specific providers.
Bear in mind that insurers may request that you have an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to verify your condition, but if you disagree with the IME results, you do have the right to challenge them.
Your Right to Wage Loss Benefits
If you’re totally unable to work, you qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, which pay out two-thirds of your average weekly wage. These start after a three-day waiting period, but if you’re out for longer than 10 days, the waiting period will get paid back to you retroactively to cover those initial three days.
If you’re able to return to work at reduced hours or in a different job at lower pay, you get Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) to cover the difference, again at two-thirds of your lost wages. TTD can last up to 130 weeks and TPD has a 225-week cap.
Your Right to Compensation for Permanent Disability
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are a one-time payment that’s based on the severity of your impairment, and this severity is given a rating by a doctor using state guidelines. For instance, if you lose function in a limb, you might get a rate of 10% or so.
If the disability prevents you from doing any work again, Permanent Total Disability (PTD) provides you with ongoing wage replacement of two-thirds of what you were making at the time of the accident, up until retirement age, with adjustments for inflation.
Your Right to Vocational Rehabilitation Support
Minnesota offers vocational rehabilitation if you can’t go back to your old job after an injury. Rehabilitation can include job training, education, or placement services to help you find employment that fits your new reality. A Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) will assess your needs and create a plan, but you have input, and if you disagree with their plan, you can request changes through the DLI.
When to Consult a Saint Paul, MN Workers’ Comp Attorney
Anywhere along the line, disputes can happen. A claim can be denied, benefits can be cut off, you might not agree with a plan or medical opinion, and having a workers’ comp lawyer on your side protects you. Your lawyer will review the case, handle the paperwork, help you get the evidence you need, and represent you at hearings. Your lawyer will also take on the appeals process if you’re being denied your rights.
If you’re facing challenges with your claim, contact us right now at Frayne Injury Law in South Saint Paul, MN for help protecting your rights.
Connect with us
Categories
Need Help? Get in Touch
To help us best serve your inquiry, we recommend that you complete our work comp intake form: Click here. You may also email or call us to make an appointment. Our general response time is one business day.
