Workplace injuries can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how long you have to report an injury is essential to protect your rights. In Minnesota, you must report your injury to your employer within 14 days to ensure full workers’ compensation benefits. Reporting after 14 days but within 30 days may still be accepted, though it could be contested. Delaying beyond 30 days can result in losing your right to compensation.
At Schmidt and Salita, we’ve guided many Minnetonka workers through this process, helping them secure the benefits they deserve. Let’s dive into the key steps and what happens if you miss the reporting deadline.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured at Work?
Suppose you’re hurt while on the job; acting quickly to protect your health and legal rights is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do after a workplace injury:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Get the necessary medical treatment, whether it’s a minor harm or a more serious one. Be sure to inform your doctor that the injury occurred at work, as this ensures it is properly documented for your workers’ compensation claim.
- Notify Your Employer: In Minnesota, you must notify your employer about your lesion as soon as possible. Ideally, report it the same day it happens or as soon as you realize it is work-related. This can be done verbally or in writing, but written documentation is always safer for future reference.
- Document the Incident: Record how the injury happened, any witnesses, and the medical treatment you’ve received. Detailed documentation will strengthen your allegation and make the process smoother.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Once you’ve notified your employer, they should provide you with a First Report of Injury form. Make sure this form is completed and submitted to the appropriate parties, including the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
By following these steps promptly, you ensure you can receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Injury at Work?
In Minnesota, you must report your work injury to your employer within 14 days to avoid any reduction in benefits. Nonetheless, if you report the injury within 30 days, you may still be eligible for compensation. Still, your employer could attempt to dispute your demand, arguing that the injury wasn’t work-related.
You might lose the right to workers’ compensation if you wait more than 30 days to report the injury unless you prove that your delay was due to extenuating circumstances, such as incapacitation. In such cases, Minnesota law allows up to 180 days for reporting the lesion, but you must have a valid reason for the delay. You can refer to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for more details on the reporting process.
It’s always best to report the damage as soon as possible, as delays can complicate your claim. By promptly informing your employer, you avoid potential legal disputes and ensure you can access the full range of workers’ compensation benefits.
Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is designed to benefit employees who are hurt while performing their job duties. Most employees qualify for workers’ compensation in Minnesota if they are harmed on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This includes injuries caused by repetitive stress, sudden accidents, or exposure to hazardous conditions.
To qualify, you must meet a few criteria:
- You must be classified as an employee (independent contractors usually do not qualify unless they are misclassified).
- Your injury must be related to your work duties.
- The injury must have occurred during work hours or while performing tasks for your employer.
For example, if you slipped and fell in the office or sustained a back lesion from lifting heavy equipment, you would likely qualify for workers’ compensation. Check the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s workers’ comp benefit guidelines for more eligibility information.
What Happens if I Don’t Report the Injury on Time?
Failing to report your injury within the required timeframe can have serious consequences. If you don’t report the injury within the 14-day window, your workers’ compensation benefits may be reduced or denied. After 30 days, your employer has grounds to contest your claim, making it much more difficult to secure compensation.
However, Minnesota law does allow certain exceptions if you have a legitimate reason for the delay, such as severe damage that prevented you from notifying your employer or realizing the extent of the injury. If you wait more than 180 days, though, it is unlikely that you will be able to receive any workers’ compensation benefits.
Reporting on time helps ensure that medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs will be covered. If you miss the deadline, you may end up shouldering these financial burdens yourself.
Contact Schmidt and Salita for Legal Help
Don’t let a workplace injury hold you back. Contact us online or call us at 952-473-4530 Schmidt and Salita today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.