MenuWhen you are injured on the job, you need to immediately report the injury to your supervisor. If medical attention is needed first, then you need to make sure you go ahead with that. As soon as you are able, tell your employer about what happened so that a First Report of Injury (FROI) form can be filled out. Make sure the information that is given to your employer is as complete as possible. You also want to call your southern Minnesota workers’ comp attorney as soon as you can so you can receive the guidance you need throughout the process. This will strengthen your claim.
Compensation For Work-Related Injuries
There are many types of injuries that can happen on the job, so there are many types of conditions that can qualify a person for benefits. Even if an existing condition is aggravated by work activities, you could file a claim. An example of a condition aggravated by employment is carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a condition that develops gradually over time.
To show the state of the condition and whether or not it is work-related, the employer or insurance company may require an independent medical exam (IME) to be performed by a doctor that they select. The purpose is to generate an opinion about the work-related issue. The insurance company or the employer have a right to request this exam.
When approved for benefits, you can receive wage-loss benefits that replace a percentage of your wage, compensation for loss of use of a body part, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation so that you could be retrained for another field if you can’t return to the former one.
The Medical Treatment You Deserve
When a person receives workers’ comp benefits, they are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical supplies and treatment. The purpose of the treatment is to relieve or cure the work injury. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide medical treatment as described under Minnesota Statutes 176.135, subd. 1. Treatment can include hospital treatment, surgery, chiropractic care, podiatric treatment, and psychological treatment. Injured employees can choose their healthcare provider. However, the employer may require the employee to seek treatment and medical supplies from a managed care plan.
It is possible for you to return to work while undergoing medical treatment, whether that is in a limited capacity or in another field of work. You can still receive a portion of wage-loss benefits to ensure a livable income. You may receive temporary total disability, permanent total disability, temporary partial disability, and permanent partial disability. Which you receive benefits for determines the exact type of compensation received and for how long. Your southern Minnesota workers’ comp attorney will be able to use the information available to determine which type of benefit you need.
Contact A Southern Minnesota Workers’ Comp Attorney
The workers’ compensation system can be complicated, which is why it is imperative to have an experienced attorney representing you throughout the process. When you call an attorney from the very beginning, you have the guidance and advocacy needed to secure the best result sooner rather than later or not at all. To learn more about how Harvey & Carpenter can help you, call 507-779-7529 to request a free consultation.