Getting injured on the job is stressful enough, but when the accident is your fault, even in part, it can raise a lot of questions.
You might wonder if you still qualify for workers’ compensation.
You may feel unsure about what to say.
Worse yet, you might be worried that admitting fault will cost you your benefits.
If you’re having these concerns, you’re not alone. Many Minnesota workers find themselves in this situation.
The good news is that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you can often still receive benefits even if you played a role in what happened.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault Workers’ Compensation System
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employees who get hurt while doing their job. It does not matter whether you were careful or careless, or whether the injury was due to a momentary mistake.
In a no-fault system, you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent. And in most cases, your employer or their insurance company cannot deny your claim just because you were at fault. The focus is on whether the injury happened while you were working and not who caused it.
This approach helps workers get medical care and lost wage benefits more quickly. The system also reduces the need for lawsuits over who was to blame.
Examples of Fault-Based Accidents That Still Qualify
You may be surprised by how many work-related accidents still qualify for benefits even when the injured worker made an error.
Here are some examples:
- You slipped because you weren’t paying attention to a “wet floor” sign
- You dropped a heavy box after lifting it the wrong way
- You forgot to wear gloves and burned your hand
- You misjudged how to use a tool or machine and got hurt
In each of these cases, the injury happened at work while you were performing job duties. That’s what matters most under Minnesota law.
Situations Where Fault Might Affect Your Claim
While the no-fault system covers most workplace injuries, there are a few exceptions. Certain actions can make it harder — or even impossible — to receive benefits.
Here are some situations where workers’ comp might be denied:
- You were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs when the injury happened
- You intentionally caused the injury, either to yourself or someone else
- You were doing something completely unrelated to your job, like roughhousing or horseplay
In these cases, the insurance company may argue that your actions take the injury outside the scope of employment. If that happens, your claim could be denied.
What If You’re Partly at Fault — But Not Entirely?
Let’s say there were multiple factors involved in the accident. Maybe you didn’t follow a safety rule, but a piece of equipment was also broken. Or maybe you made a mistake while rushing to meet a deadline that your supervisor set.
Even if you contributed to the situation, you may still qualify for benefits. If the injury happened during your job duties, you could usually file a claim even if you’re partly at fault for your accident.
This is different from a personal injury case, where fault affects how much compensation you get. Workers’ compensation focuses more on whether the injury was work-related and less on who caused it.
What Should You Say When Reporting the Injury?
Honesty is important when reporting a workplace injury. You should tell your employer what happened, even if you made a mistake.
Trying to hide your role in the accident can lead to problems later and may also hurt your credibility if your claim is reviewed.
Stick to the facts. Describe what you were doing, how the injury occurred, and whether there were any witnesses.
Last but not least, let your medical provider know that the injury happened at work, so it’s properly documented in your records.
Don’t Assume You’re Not Eligible
Too many workers assume they cannot get benefits because they think the accident was their fault and, as a result, don’t file a claim at all. That’s a mistake.
You have rights under Minnesota law, and you may be entitled to compensation even if you made an error.
The key is to act quickly. Report the injury, seek medical attention, and consider talking to a work accident lawyer in Minnesota who can walk you through your next steps.
Contact Us Today to Start Your Comeback
Making a mistake at work shouldn’t cost you the care and support you need to heal. Workers’ compensation is there to help you, not punish you.
If you’ve been injured at work, a lawyer in Minnesota can help. A work injury attorney in Minnesota can help you navigate the reporting process and even represent you if you’re being denied compensation.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.