*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Workers in Rochester can experience a variety of injuries on the job, and any line of work has risks. For example, the construction industry might be notoriously dangerous, but even office workers can suffer injuries due to slip and falls or carpal tunnel syndrome. Some conditions are due to acute accidents while others develop over time.
Work injuries can be costly, but fortunately, the law provides benefits for injured workers. If you run into challenges in the workers’ compensation claim process, never hesitate to contact a Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer. The legal team at Schmidt & Salita Law Firm can help you get the benefits and support you need to recover.
The types of work injuries we see in Rochester are as diverse as the workforce here. Healthcare workers often face unique challenges due to the physical demands of patient care. Manufacturing employees might deal with machinery accidents, while office workers frequently struggle with conditions that develop over time.
One of the most common types of workplace injuries happens suddenly, often when you least expect it. A construction worker might fall from scaffolding or get hit by a moving object. A delivery driver might suffer serious injuries in a collision.
Many types of injuries can result from workplace accidents, including:
Not all workplace injuries happen in a single moment. Many Rochester workers deal with injuries that develop slowly over months or years.
Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently affects office workers who spend long hours typing. Assembly line workers might develop tendonitis from repeating the same motions thousands of times.
These injuries can be particularly tricky because you might not notice them right away. You might think the pain in your wrists or shoulders is due to something else. But if these problems develop because of your work activities, you deserve workers’ compensation and coverage of your medical care.
Some Rochester workers develop illnesses because of their work environment. For example, healthcare workers might be exposed to infectious diseases. Factory workers could develop respiratory problems from breathing industrial chemicals. Even office workers might become ill if their workplace has poor air quality.
Mental health conditions can also qualify for workers’ compensation in Minnesota. If you develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD because of your job duties or a workplace incident, you might be eligible for benefits.
This is particularly relevant for healthcare workers and first responders who often face traumatic situations.
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits to help you recover and maintain financial stability after a workplace injury. Some of the benefits you might be entitled includes the following:
Workers’ compensation is designed to ensure that you get the medical care you need after a work-related injury.
Rochester is fortunate to have top-notch medical facilities, so you can receive high-quality treatment for your injuries when necessary. Workers’ compensation is there to cover all the reasonable and necessary medical treatments you require to recover and get back to your daily life.
This coverage includes hospital stays or clinic visits where doctors can diagnose and treat your injury. Whether it’s a one-off appointment or a longer hospital stay, workers’ compensation should handle these expenses.
Prescription medications, which are often needed for pain management or to manage other symptoms, are also included under workers’ compensation. This ensures that you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for the medications you need.
Physical therapy is another key part of recovery for many injured workers. If you need help rebuilding strength, improving movement, or managing pain, workers’ compensation should take care of those therapy sessions.
In some cases, after an injury, you might need medical devices to help you move around, like crutches or even a wheelchair. Workers’ compensation should cover the cost of these tools as well, so you don’t have to worry about the added expense.
Even the money you spend traveling to and from your medical appointments, such as driving to the doctor or therapy sessions, should be reimbursed. Every little bit helps, and these travel expenses can add up, so it’s important to know that workers’ compensation is there to support you every step of the way.
Unfortunately, getting the medical coverage you deserve from workers’ compensation is not always as simple as it should be. Insurers might challenge your injuries or whether you need certain treatments. If this happens, immediately contact our Rochester workers’ comp attorneys at Schmidt-Salita Law Firm.
When you can’t work because of your injury, workers’ compensation provides different types of wage replacement benefits. Temporary total disability benefits help when you’re completely unable to work during recovery. These benefits typically pay about two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
If you can work but earn less because of your injury, temporary partial disability benefits make up some of the difference. For instance, if you normally work full-time but can only handle part-time duties during recovery, these benefits help bridge the gap.
Permanent partial disability benefits come into play if your injury leaves you with lasting limitations. The amount depends on the severity of your permanent injury and follows Minnesota’s disability schedule.
If insurers try to end your benefits early by alleging you can return to work, always contact our workers’ compensation lawyer right away.
Sometimes a work injury means you can’t return to your previous job. In these cases, Minnesota workers’ compensation provides vocational rehabilitation services, including:
The overall goal of these services is to help you get back into the workforce in a role that fits both your physical condition and your potential to earn a fair income.
Nearly all workers in Rochester are covered by workers’ compensation insurance from their first day on the job. However, understanding exactly who qualifies can help you protect your rights.
Most traditional employees automatically qualify for workers’ compensation coverage. This includes:
Even if you’re new to your job or still in a probationary period, you’re covered from day one. Your immigration status doesn’t affect your right to workers’ compensation benefits either.
Some work situations have special rules. Independent contractors might not be covered, depending on their specific work arrangement. If you work as a contractor in Rochester, it’s worth consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights.
Small family farms have different rules, and some very small businesses might be exempt from workers’ compensation requirements. However, most Rochester employers must carry this insurance.
To qualify for benefits, your injury must be work-related. This means it happened while you were performing your job duties or occurred because of your work activities.
The injury doesn’t have to happen at your regular workplace – you’re covered if you’re injured while traveling for work or running work-related errands.
The workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with an injury. A Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer from Schmidt & Salita Law Firm serves as your advocate and guide through this complex process.
Your attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly from the start. They know what documentation is needed and how to present your case effectively. This can help avoid delays and denials that might otherwise slow down your benefits.
Workers’ compensation insurers often try to minimize payments or deny claims altogether. Your attorney understands their tactics and knows how to counter them. They can handle all communication with the insurance company, protecting your rights while you focus on recovery.
If your claim is denied or you’re not receiving all the benefits you deserve, your attorney can fight for you. They know the appeals process and can represent you at hearings before the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
An experienced attorney knows what benefits you’re entitled to receive and can help ensure you get them all. They might identify benefits you didn’t know about, like mileage reimbursement or vocational rehabilitation services.
If you’ve been injured at work in Rochester, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Schmidt & Salita Law Firm’s Rochester workers’ compensation lawyer will fight to make sure you get the medical care and benefits you need to recover.
We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting advice. Call us at (952) 473-4530 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
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Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
