*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Injuries sustained in the workplace can significantly impact your health, livelihood, and overall well-being. If you’ve been injured at work, you’d expect Minnesota’s workers’ compensation to cover your injuries and losses. In such times, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Woodbury will guide you through the process and help you secure the benefits you deserve.
The legal team at Schmidt & Salita Law Firm has compassionately assisted injured workers in Woodbury and throughout Minnesota. Whether your injury resulted from a one-time accident or developed over time due to repetitive strain, we have the experience and resources to advocate for your rights. Our legal team will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation so you can concentrate on healing without the added stress of financial uncertainty. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your rights and the options available to you under Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws.
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system provides several benefits to help injured employees manage the financial and physical toll of a workplace injury. The types of benefits you may be entitled to depend on the nature and severity of your injury. Below is an overview of the key benefits available under Minnesota law:
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
One of the most essential components of workers’ compensation is coverage for medical expenses. Workers’ compensation insurance in Minnesota pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury.
Medical benefits include:
You won’t have to worry about co-pays or deductibles, as workers’ compensation is designed to ensure you receive the care you need at no out-of-pocket cost.
If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits. Your benefits are evaluated based on your level of disability, including:
Some injuries make it impossible for workers to return to their former positions. In these cases, Minnesota’s workers’ compensation program offers vocational rehabilitation services. These services help injured workers retrain for new careers, providing job counseling, skills assessments, and financial support for education or retraining programs. Vocational rehabilitation ensures injured workers can continue supporting themselves and their families by transitioning into suitable, alternative employment.
In tragic cases where a workplace injury results in death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to surviving family members. These benefits can include compensation for funeral expenses, as well as ongoing financial support to dependents, such as a spouse or children, in the form of a percentage of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage.
Minnesota workers’ compensation law covers nearly all types of injuries that arise out of and during employment. Injuries don’t need to occur in a single catastrophic event, like a fall or machinery accident. Repetitive stress injuries, occupational illnesses, and conditions that develop over time due to ongoing exposure to hazardous conditions are all compensable. Below are common categories of injuries typically covered:
These include injuries caused by specific accidents or incidents, such as slips and falls, machinery accidents, or being struck by objects. Traumatic injuries can range from broken bones and concussions to more severe injuries like spinal cord damage or amputations.
Repetitive strain or overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, develop over time due to the repetitive motions required by certain job duties. These injuries are common among workers who perform tasks involving repetitive hand or wrist movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing.
Occupational diseases arise from long-term exposure to harmful substances or environments in the workplace. Examples include respiratory conditions caused by inhaling toxic fumes, asbestos-related illnesses, and skin conditions caused by chemical exposure.
Workers’ compensation can also cover psychological or emotional injuries caused or exacerbated by work conditions. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a workplace accident or trauma and stress-related conditions that are a direct result of job responsibilities or environment.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, your injury must have occurred as a result of performing your job duties. However, it is not always straightforward to prove that an injury was caused by work, particularly in cases of occupational diseases or cumulative trauma. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation law is designed to protect employees by providing swift, no-fault benefits to those injured on the job. Unlike traditional personal injury lawsuits, workers do not need to prove that their employer was negligent to receive compensation.
Workers’ compensation works under a no-fault system, meaning that even if your own mistake or negligence contributed to the injury, you are still entitled to benefits as long as the injury was work-related.
The law ensures that medical bills are covered, wage loss is compensated, and vocational rehabilitation is available when needed. It also protects injured workers from retaliation by their employers—under Minnesota law, it is illegal for an employer to fire or discriminate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Hiring an attorney ensures that your rights are upheld and your claim is handled fairly so you can focus on your recovery without handling the legal complications.
Minnesota law has time limitations when it comes to filing workers’ compensation claims by the injured workers, known as the statute of limitations. You have three years from the date your injury was first reported to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, you are also required to notify your employer of the injury within 14 days of the accident or the onset of the illness, with some exceptions allowing up to 30 days in certain circumstances.
If you fail to notify your employer or file your claim within the required time frames, you risk losing your right to benefits. We recommend consulting with an attorney early in the process to help ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and that your claim is filed correctly to avoid delays or denials.
A denied workers’ compensation claim can be frustrating and disheartening, especially in the face of the physical and financial strain of a workplace injury. However, a denial doesn’t mean the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision and present additional evidence to support your claim.
Some of the reasons for claims denial include:
Interestingly, nearly half of all workers who eventually obtain workers’ compensation settlements were initially denied. This means it is possible to appeal the decision and successfully prove your case. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Woodbury will help identify why your claim was denied and guide you through the appeals process.
It is not uncommon to experience challenges that could risk losing your benefits. However, you don’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Woodbury can assist in handling the process, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to under Minnesota law. We understand the challenges that injured workers face; therefore, don’t hesitate to call us today to learn how we can help you take the next steps. We offer free case evaluation.
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.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Client Reviews
Google Review 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
