You’ve dedicated your career to caring for others. However, when you get hurt on the job, who takes care of you?
If you’re a nurse, medical assistant, or other healthcare worker in Minnesota who’s suffered a workplace injury, you might be wondering if you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
The short answer is yes.
Under Minnesota workers’ comp laws, healthcare workers absolutely qualify for workers’ compensation in Minnesota. However, the reality of getting these benefits isn’t always straightforward. Hospitals and healthcare facilities sometimes challenge claims, and the unique nature of healthcare work can complicate the process.
You deserve to understand your rights and know how to protect them when injury strikes in the workplace.
Healthcare Workers Are Fully Covered Under Minnesota Law
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system covers virtually all employees, including every type of healthcare worker. Whether you’re a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, medical technician, or support staff, you’re entitled to benefits when you’re injured on the job.
This coverage extends beyond just hospitals. Nursing homes, clinics, home healthcare agencies, and other medical facilities must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
The size of your employer doesn’t matter. Even small medical practices are required to carry coverage.
Why Workers’ Comp Claims for Nurses and Hospital Staff Face Extra Scrutiny
Insurance companies often challenge work comp claims for nurses and hospital staff more aggressively than other industries. These companies sometimes argue that healthcare workers should expect certain risks as part of their job, which is completely wrong under Minnesota law.
Employers might claim that your injury existed before you started working or that it’s related to your age rather than work duties. These tactics are designed to avoid paying legitimate claims, and they’re often successful against workers who don’t have proper legal representation.
The complexity of healthcare work can also make it harder to prove that an injury is work-related. Stress-related conditions, repetitive motion injuries, and cumulative trauma don’t always have a clear moment of injury, making them more challenging to document.
The First Step: Reporting and Documenting Your Healthcare Workplace Injury
If you’ve sustained a workplace injury as a healthcare worker, report your injury immediately to your supervisor, even if it seems minor at first. Many healthcare injuries, especially back problems and repetitive stress injuries, worsen over time.
Get medical attention from a doctor outside your workplace if possible. While it might seem convenient to see a colleague or use your employer’s medical services, this can create conflicts of interest that hurt your claim later.
Keep detailed records of how the injury occurred and how it affects your ability to work. For repetitive injuries, document the specific job duties that cause pain or discomfort. This information becomes vital evidence for your claim.
Special Considerations for Infectious Disease Exposure
As of April 8, 2020, exposure to infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota. However, proving that you contracted an illness at work can be challenging.
Document any exposure incidents immediately, including the date, circumstances, and any protective equipment you were or weren’t using. Get tested promptly and keep records of all medical care related to the exposure.
When Employers Push Back Against Valid Workers’ Comp Claims for Nurses and Hospital Staff
Some healthcare employers discourage workers from filing compensation claims, suggesting it could hurt their career or that minor injuries “come with the territory.” This pressure is both illegal and wrong.
Your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. They can’t fire you, reduce your hours, or treat you differently because you got hurt at work and sought benefits.
A skilled work-related injury lawyer in Minnesota understands these tactics and knows how to protect your rights. We’ve seen how healthcare employers sometimes try to minimize legitimate injuries or pressure workers to return before they’re medically ready.
Why You Need a Work-Related Injury Lawyer in Minnesota
Healthcare workers’ compensation cases often involve complex medical issues and aggressive insurance company tactics. Having an experienced workplace attorney in Minnesota on your side levels the playing field significantly.
We understand the unique challenges healthcare workers face, from proving repetitive stress injuries to dealing with infectious disease exposures. Our experience with work-related injury cases means we know how to build strong claims that stand up to scrutiny.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to deny or minimize your claim. You deserve someone fighting equally hard for your interests and your recovery.
Your Benefits Can Include More Than You Think
Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits for healthcare workers can include:
- Full medical coverage
- Wage replacement while you recover
- Disability benefits if you can’t return to your previous duties
- Vocational retraining if you need to change careers.
Remember:
You have the same rights as any other worker in Minnesota, and those rights are worth protecting.
Injured at Work? Contact a Work-Related Injury in Minnesota Today.
Healthcare work is challenging enough without having to fight for basic workers’ compensation benefits when you’re injured. A qualified workplace attorney in Minnesota can handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.
You’ve spent your career taking care of others. Now let us take care of you.