If you're injured on the job, it's important to know your rights under the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act. A Minnesota employee injured on the job can't sue the employer but has remedies. The Worker's Compensation Act states that an employee can receive compensation for the injury regardless of who is at fault for the injury, but the kind and amount of benefits is limited. The law provides that the employer is liable for benefits in virtually every case of workplace injury, but this liability is limited to benefits found under the law, even in cases where the employer is at fault for the injury.

1. REPORT THE INJURY to your supervisor or boss.

2. Insist that a "FIRST REPORT OF INJURY" be completed by your employer and filed with the State of Minnesota.

3. Seek APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE as soon as possible. You can choose your own physician and you're not obligated to see a doctor your employer recommends. Once you choose a doctor, it is difficult to change to another one without the employer's approval. You must be conscientious about following doctor's recommendations and keeping appointments.

4. Obtain a "WORKABILITY" FORM at each visit to the doctor and provide a copy of the form to the employer. This form will state whether you are able to work and whether you have restrictions on your work activities.

5. Make a good effort to COOPERATE AND COMMUNICATE with the employer at all times, even when your doctor says you are unable to work.

6. Keep your PAYCHECK STUBS to document your wage loss.

WAGE LOSS BENEFITS for time missed because of injury. These include benefits for periods when you're unable to work at all and for periods when you are able to work at a reduced wage or reduced hours. Permanent disability is also available if you're incapable of any employment and meet certain criteria.

MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS, including costs for physicians, hospitals, physical therapy, prescription medications and transportation expense.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION EXPENSE in cases of long-term disability or job-threatening permanent injury.

"PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY" compensation if the injury warrants a permanent disability percentage rating by a physician under Workers' Compensation Rules.

Dealing with a work-related injury can be frightening, confusing and frustrating, especially if you're out of work for any length of time. Lindell & Lavoie have over twenty years of experience dealing with workers' compensation cases and we're well equipped to help you.