For anyone new to the work comp system, it seems there are always more questions than answers. If you haven’t been through the system, it’s all new and can be very confusing. A frequent question we hear is "does my employer have to provide modified work within my doctor’s restrictions following a work injury?" The … Continue reading Is My Minnesota Employer Required to Provide “Light Duty” Work after My Work Injury?
Can I Still Get Work Comp Benefits after a Layoff?
(Re-printed and updated from a post by Steve Bradt originally published 5/3/13) If you have ever been laid off from a job, either on a temporary basis or permanently, you know the gut-wrenching fear of suddenly being without a job and without income. What will you do about house payments, truck payments, groceries, school expenses … Continue reading Can I Still Get Work Comp Benefits after a Layoff?
New Laws Increasing Your Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There is a little good news to report on the Minnesota workers’ compensation scene. While suffering an injury on the job is never a good thing, the state legislature has passed a few laws which increase benefits for Minnesota workers injured on or after 10/1/2018. Temporary Partial Disability benefits (TPD): These are partial wage loss … Continue reading New Laws Increasing Your Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits
What Happens to My Minnesota Work Comp Claim If I Switch Jobs?
This is a question or concern I frequently hear from clients after they have been injured at work. Another way of asking the same question would be: Does my work comp claim end if I no longer work for the employer where I was injured? Let’s face it, if you have been injured at work … Continue reading What Happens to My Minnesota Work Comp Claim If I Switch Jobs?
UPM Blandin Layoffs Announced. Are Minnesota Work Comp Benefits Available?
Here in northern Minnesota, we recently received some bad news with the announcement by UPM Blandin that it plans to close down one of its two remaining paper production lines. With the permanent shutdown of Machine 5, approximately 150 jobs will be lost. This is a significant blow to our community and to the workers … Continue reading UPM Blandin Layoffs Announced. Are Minnesota Work Comp Benefits Available?
Can the Insurance Company Deny My Minnesota Work Comp Claim Because of a Pre-existing Condition?
Unfortunately, the work comp insurance company can deny a claim on almost any basis, no matter how flimsy. This is how insurance companies avoid paying claims, because they know that a certain percentage of people will never hire a lawyer or pursue a claim if it has been denied. This is particularly true where the … Continue reading Can the Insurance Company Deny My Minnesota Work Comp Claim Because of a Pre-existing Condition?
What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?
At some point in your work comp claim, you will almost certainly receive a letter or notice from the insurance company advising you that you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). After receiving such a notice, these are some of the questions you may have: What is MMI? Will it have an effect on … Continue reading What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?
Can I Get Minnesota Work Comp Benefits after a Layoff?
If you have ever been laid off from a job, either on a temporary basis or permanently, you know the gut-wrenching fear of suddenly being without a job and without income. What will you do about house payments, truck payments, groceries, school expenses and tuition? What about health insurance or other benefits that your employer … Continue reading Can I Get Minnesota Work Comp Benefits after a Layoff?
Are Work Restrictions Important in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?
The simple answer to this question is: Heck Yes!! As you progress through a typical work comp claim in Minnesota, you will likely be given work restrictions by your treating physician. You may be off work completely for some period of time or you might be able to continue working within restrictions. At some point, … Continue reading Are Work Restrictions Important in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?