After a workplace injury, you may be in pain, out of work, and unsure of what to do next. Moreover, you’re expected to keep track of important deadlines. Missing these deadlines can affect whether you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Luckily, contacting a workplace accident attorney in Minnesota can ensure that your workers’ compensation claim moves along the proper timelines.
Here’s what you need to know about deadlines for work-related injury lawsuits in Minnesota and claims in the state.
Why Deadlines Matter in Work Injury Cases
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system gives you the right to medical care, lost wages, and other benefits when you are hurt on the job. However, to access these benefits, your claim must (at the very least) meet certain deadlines, or you could lose your chance.
Even if your injury is serious and work-related, missing a deadline could delay your payments or stop them completely. For this reason, you must understand the time limits and take action as soon as possible.
What To Do After You’ve Been Injured at Work
Failing to take immediate action can reduce your chances of recovering compensation, especially if you file your claim beyond the three-year mark. Luckily, by taking these steps, you’ll be a step closer to recovering compensation, especially if you’re going through them with an experienced work injury law firm in Minnesota.
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Report Your Injury Within 14 Days After the Accident
The first step after a workplace accident is to tell your employer. In Minnesota, you usually have 14 days from the date of the injury to report it, which can be done in writing or person. You do not need to use legal language. Just make sure your employer knows you were hurt at work.
If you wait longer than 14 days, you might still be able to get benefits, but it becomes harder. After 30 days, your employer or their insurance company can challenge your claim.
And if you wait more than 180 days, you may lose your right to file completely.
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Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you think the injury will heal on its own, it is important to see a doctor. A medical report helps prove that your injury is real and related to your work. The earlier you get care, the stronger your claim will be.
You also have the right to choose your doctor in Minnesota. Make sure to tell them the injury happened at work, so it gets documented properly.
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Your Employer Reports the Injury
Once you report your injury, your employer is supposed to file a First Report of Injury with their insurance company. This should be done within 10 days of when they learn about your injury. That report is what starts the official workers’ comp process.
You will likely receive a letter or form from the insurance company explaining whether your claim is accepted or denied. If your claim is denied or delayed, that is the time to call a lawyer.
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File a Claim Petition (If Necessary)
If your benefits are denied or not paid in full, you can file a Claim Petition with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. There is a three-year deadline to do this, but waiting that long is not a good idea.
If your employer or their insurance company never paid any benefits, you only have three years from the date of injury to file. However, if they did pay something (even just a small amount), you may have up to six years.
These deadlines are strict. If you miss them, you may lose your legal right to continue with your case. For this reason, we recommend speaking to a workplace accident attorney in Minnesota as early as possible.
What If the Injury Happened Over Time?
Some injuries don’t happen all at once. Carpal tunnel, back strain, and other repetitive use injuries build up slowly. These are called gradual onset injuries, and the deadlines work a bit differently.
For these injuries, the clock usually starts when you first knew or should have known that the injury was caused by your work. That is often the day you see a doctor and get a diagnosis, or the day you can no longer keep working because of the pain.
Because these cases can be harder to prove, it is especially important to have a work injury law firm in Minnesota on your side.
Do Not Let the Clock Run Out
Even if you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, do not wait. Missing a deadline can cost you your benefits and possibly your ability to recover financially.
By acting quickly, you give yourself the best chance at getting the medical care and wage support you need.
If you have been injured at work, time matters. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.