What Types of Expenses Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If you’ve been injured on the job, understanding what expenses workers’ compensation covers is key to protecting your rights, managing medical bills, and safeguarding your financial well-being. At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, our experienced Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Lawyers have helped countless Minnesota workers recover the benefits they deserve.

With more than 50 years of combined experience and a deep commitment to each client, we’re here to make sure you aren’t left paying out of pocket for a workplace injury. Contact Atkinson Gerber Law Office at 651-390-9219 for a free consultation.

Medical Expenses

The core of workers’ compensation benefits is coverage for all “reasonable and necessary” medical treatment related to your workplace injury or illness. This includes:

• Emergency care (ambulance rides, ER visits)
• Doctor visits (including specialists and follow-up care)
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic testing (X-rays, MRIs, lab work)
• Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, braces, etc.)
• Chiropractic care and physical therapy
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments

Importantly, there are no copays or deductibles with workers’ compensation. If your injury was work-related and the care is necessary, your employer’s insurance should pay 100% of these medical costs. However, you may need to see an approved provider, especially early in your treatment, so it is important to follow the required procedures.

Wage-Loss Benefits

If you’re unable to work because of your injury, workers’ compensation provides wage-loss benefits to help replace part of your lost income. The amount and duration depend on the severity of your injury and how long you’re out of work. In Minnesota, there are four main types:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Paid when you can’t work at all for a temporary period. Generally, you’ll receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Paid when you can return to work but at reduced hours or wages due to your injury. These benefits help bridge the gap between your pre-injury and post-injury income.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – If your injury causes permanent impairment, you may receive a lump-sum payment or weekly payments based on a rating of the percentage of disability to the affected body part.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If your injury permanently prevents you from working any job, you may be entitled to ongoing wage-loss benefits to age 72, or longer.

Wage-loss benefits are not taxable, but they are subject to limits. Insurance companies often try to minimize how long they pay or dispute whether you can return to work. Having strong legal representation from our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys makes a significant difference in the amount of wage-loss benefits you receive.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Retraining

In cases where you can’t return to your old job due to permanent restrictions, workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation services. These include:

• Career counseling
• Job placement assistance
• Work readiness evaluations
• On-the-job training
• Tuition for retraining or schooling

The goal is to help you reenter the workforce in a role that accommodates your restrictions. These benefits are especially critical if you work in a physically demanding job and your injury limits your abilities moving forward.

Death Benefits and Funeral Expenses

If a worker tragically dies due to a job-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents may receive death benefits under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. These include:

• Weekly benefits for a surviving spouse, children, or other dependents
• Payment for reasonable funeral and burial costs (up to a maximum set by the state)

Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is devastating, but these benefits can provide financial support during an incredibly difficult time.

Additional Covered Costs

In addition to the major categories above, workers’ compensation may also cover:

• Mental health treatment if you develop PTSD, anxiety, or depression due to the work-related incident (especially common in first responders)
• Home or vehicle modifications if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury that affects mobility
• Nursing or home health care if you require long-term assistance
• Attendant care provided by a family member, in some cases

Because every injury and case is unique, it’s essential to understand your full range of benefits. Unfortunately, many Minnesota employers and insurers don’t always volunteer this information, sometimes hoping you’ll settle for less than you deserve.

Why Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney Matters

The insurance company has a team of people working to protect its bottom line. You should have someone fighting just as hard for you. At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, we’ve dedicated our careers to advocating for injured workers across Minnesota. We know the system, your rights, and how to make the process less overwhelming.

Our workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations and are available for home or hospital visits if your injury prevents you from coming to us. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover benefits for you and in many cases, the insurance company pays attorney fees without reducing your compensation.

Contact Atkinson Gerber Law Office Today

If you were injured on the job, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Atkinson Gerber Law Office is ready to help you secure every benefit you’re entitled to. Call us today at 651-390-9219 or contact us online to get started. We are proud to serve clients across St. Paul, the Twin Cities, and throughout Minnesota.

We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout Minnesota. Visit any of our offices at:

Atkinson Gerber Law Office – Minneapolis Office

10 S 5th Street Suite 955
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Toll Free: (866) 635 9200
Phone: (651) 412 1470

Atkinson Gerber Law Office – St. Paul’s Office

6 Pinetree Drive Suite 225
St Paul, MN 55112

Toll Free: (866) 635 9200
Phone: 651-333-3636