Reporting A Work Injury
Whether you suffered a sudden, traumatic injury at work or you have an injury that has been aggravated or accelerated due to your work activities, it is important to immediately report it to your employer. There are certain time frames for reporting work injuries, as set by Minnesota law. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, we recommend that all workers report injuries to their employers as soon as they have knowledge of the injury. To ensure that the injury was properly reported and that your employer took the appropriate actions following the report of the injury, contact our law firm.
You Cannot Be Fired For Reporting A Workplace Injury
Unfortunately, many injured workers are hesitant to report workplace injuries because they are afraid of being fired or reprimanded in some way by their employers. However, terminating an employee for reporting a work injury in Minnesota or filing a workers’ compensation claim is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting A Work Injury
In the aftermath of a workplace accident, it can feel like a whirlwind. Taking the right legal steps is essential for a successful workers’ comp claim, and reporting the injury is the first critical step. Read on for answers to common questions about this step.
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Minnesota?
If you’re hurt on the job in Minnesota, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. By law, you have up to 180 days from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of your injury to make your report. For example, in the case of a repetitive strain injury, you may not have known about the injury until you experienced symptoms and visited your doctor.
However, don’t wait until that deadline is close. If you don’t report your injury within the first 14 days, your employer will have potential grounds to deny your claim due to late notice. You’ll likely need to explain the delay to avoid further complications. The sooner you initiate the claim, the sooner you will get the benefits you need.
What information do I need to provide when reporting an injury?
When you report a workplace injury, it’s important to give a clear and complete account of the incident. Many employers provide forms you can fill out to report the accident. You should include information such as:
- A description of what happened
- The exact location where the injury occurred
- The date and time of the incident
- Names of any witnesses
- A description of the injuries you sustained
- Basic information such as your name, contact info, job position, etc.
When providing this information, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
What if my employer does not report my injury to the insurance company?
Your employer is legally obligated to file a claim with their workers’ comp insurer when you report an injury. If they fail to do so, that’s a red flag. You have the right to find the insurer’s information and contact them yourself.
In these situations, when your employer is already throwing up roadblocks or failing to comply with their legal duties, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer. You may be facing an uphill battle to get the compensation you deserve. We can level the playing field so that your employer or their insurer doesn’t take advantage of you.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, our lawyers are here to help guide you through the process, answer your questions and make certain that your best interests are protected after a serious work injury.
Please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at 800-583-7016. We can be reached 24/7 with our after-hours answering service and are available to schedule consultations to meet at your convenience. If your injury prevents you from visiting our staff in the office, we are happy to make home, hospital and off-site consultations by appointment.
