Due to the consistent implementation of various laws and regulations, work-related injuries and fatalities have decreased each year. In fact, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) observed that occupational fatalities were slowly declining, from 38 daily fatalities in 1970 to 15 in 2019.
For that number to completely go down to zero, both employee and employer must do their part to practice due diligence. Additionally, just because reported work-related injuries and fatalities are decreasing every year, it doesn’t eliminate the necessity of workmans compensation MN.
What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers compensation insurance is a state-mandated program wherein employers are legally obliged to cover any injuries sustained by their employees. One of the program’s main purposes is to provide financial assistance to the injured employee. The financial aid can be used to cover any medical expenses or as compensation, allowing the injured employee to still support their family despite not being capable of working.
Furthermore, the premiums of MN workers comp shall be paid by employers. Hence, this type of compensation isn’t deducted from the employee’s payslip. Meanwhile, federal employees will be covered by the federal government as it has its own worker’s comp. Similarly, each state has its own version of worker’s compensation.
To learn more about workmans compensation MN, contact us today.
How MN Workers Comp Defines an Injury
Essentially, worker’s comp covers any illness or injuries that happen within the employee’s scope and course of employment. However, the whole nature of workmans compensation can be interpreted broadly. Some may even misconstrue it as an opportunity to claim benefits the moment they’re injured while being employed. But, worker’s compensation will only cover injuries and accidents resulting from any activity/work that benefits the employer.
In line with this, a chef who slipped and fell while working in the kitchen will be covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Additionally, injuries that result from repetitive work will also be covered. For instance, if the job involves grasping and gripping, carpal tunnel syndrome is imminent. Once the inevitable happens, it’ll be covered by worker’s compensation.
MN workers comp assures eligibility for the following common workplace accidents:
- Trips and slips
- Falls from dangerous areas
- Working in harmful environments
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Accidentally struck by work equipment or fellow workers
Injuries Not Covered by Workers Compensation
As noted above, worker’s compensation basically covers the majority of incidents that may occur when working. Since workplace injuries vary, claims will be investigated first before granting financial assistance set by the workman’s comp.
However, some injuries, even if they happen in the workplace, won’t be covered by worker’s compensation. Here are some cases:
- Any unrelated incident that occurs, like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and so on.
- One-time illnesses, such as headaches.
- Brawling in the workplace.
- Injuries that can be addressed with basic first aid.
- Intentional harm to oneself or a fellow worker.
Moreover, some situations or cases may seem to be obviously covered by worker’s compensation, but they will be under scrutiny – lawyers and insurance providers will conduct a thorough investigation about the cause of the injury before granting benefits.
An Employee Commuting To and From Work
If an accident happens during an employee’s commute to a fixed worksite or as they’re about to go home after their shift, they may not be eligible. Essentially, they’re not in the workplace where the accident happened; hence, it’s not considered a work-related accident.
However, if the company doesn’t have a permanent worksite, the employee is using a company car, or doing errands for the benefit of the employer, any injuries sustained while in commute may be covered by the insurance.
Injuries Occurring Outside Working Hours or Company Premises
Speaking of the workplace, worker’s compensation will most likely cover any injuries/fatalities that occur within the company’s premises. So, even if the worker is already on their way home but slipped in the company parking lot, they may be covered.
By contrast, the moment the employee leaves the company’s site, the employer won’t be responsible for any injuries, even if they’re in full office uniform.
Horseplay
Since horseplay and roughhousing don’t contribute to the business, any injuries sustained won’t be covered. But, if an employee isn’t involved in any rowdy behavior but gets injured because of it, then the former will be granted worker’s compensation insurance.
When Influenced by Alcohol or Any Substance
The majority of state worker’s compensation law denies any claims that are caused by an employee’s own intoxication. So, even if the worker fell from a ladder on company property due to alcohol intoxication, their claim will most likely be denied.
However, if the employee has evidence that the accident wasn’t their fault or it was unavoidable, they may be eligible for compensation despite being intoxicated by alcohol or any substance. For instance, if another worker accidentally strikes the claimant while the latter is under the influence, the concerned party may be entitled to insurance.
Exempt Category
Claims will still be denied, regardless of if the injury is a common and undisputed workplace accident, if the employment situation is considered “exempt.” Here are some categories that are exempt from worker’s compensation:
- Seasonal workers
- Domestic workers, like caretakers and nannies
- Agriculture workers
- Undocumented workers
Furthermore, in cases where an employee is leased to another employer, then the agency will be held legally responsible for any injuries, even if the accident happened on another company site.
How To Qualify for Workmans Compensation MN
Qualifying for workmans compensation mainly involves proving that any medical condition is a result of the current work. It can be straightforward to be eligible for worker’s compensation if the accident occurred at the job site. Additionally, as stated above, if the illness or injury is an imminent danger in the profession, like a coal miner developing lung disease, then it’ll be easy to prove the connection between the condition and the work.
Unfortunately, some cases may present a lot of factors that hinder eligibility. Also, laws may vary from state to state; some states may cover a particular illness in their worker’s compensation while others don’t. That’s why it’s always advisable to consult with a legal professional to assess if any injury sustained will be compensated.
Talk to an MN Workers Comp Attorney Today!
If you’ve suffered an injury or medical condition as a result of your work, the first thing you should do is to consult a medical professional. Once any cause of medical concern is addressed, you may then file for a claim.
Since there are many factors to consider when determining the eligibility of workman’s compensation, it’s essential to talk to an MN workers comp attorney. This way, you’ll have the required legal assistance to ensure that you’re fairly compensated.
