Reporting a Workplace Injury in Minnesota

Suffering a workplace injury, whether from a slip, heavy lifting, or a repetitive strain, can change your life instantly. At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, our Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyers bring over 50 years of combined experience to help injured employees secure the benefits they deserve.

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 by calling 651-333-3636 for a free consultation.

Why Timely Reporting Matters

Under Minnesota workers’ compensation law, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. The law gives you 14 days to report your injury to be eligible for full benefits. Waiting longer can result in a complete denial of your claim.

That’s why it’s imperative to report the injury immediately, even if it seems minor at first. Some injuries that seem small, like a back strain or wrist pain, can develop into long-term conditions that impact your ability to work. Delaying your report gives the insurance company more room to argue that your injury didn’t happen at work.

How to Report a Workplace Injury

Minnesota law doesn’t require you to file a formal written notice, but putting it in writing is always a smart move. Here’s how to properly report a workplace injury:

Tell your supervisor or manager right away.
Whether it’s a sudden accident or a gradual injury, notify your employer as soon as you notice symptoms. You can do this verbally, but follow up in writing (email or text is fine) to create a record.
Include the key details.
Your report should include:
- The date and time of the injury
- The location where it happened
- A description of what occurred
- The body parts affected
- Any witnesses who saw the incident
Ask for an incident report.
Many employers will have you fill out a formal accident report. If they don’t offer one, ask to submit something in writing or email your report for documentation.
Seek medical treatment immediately.
Let your provider know the injury happened at work so it’s appropriately documented in your medical records. This helps link your injury to your job when your workers’ compensation claim is reviewed.
Keep a copy for yourself. Take a photo of it with your phone!

What Happens After You Report the Injury

Once you report the injury, your employer may file a First Report of Injury (FROI) with their workers’ compensation insurance company.

From there, the insurer will investigate the claim and determine whether to accept or deny it. If approved, you should begin receiving medical benefits and, if applicable, wage-loss compensation. If denied, you have the right to appeal, but this is where legal help can make all the difference.

Common Problems with Injury Reporting

Despite clear legal rights, many Minnesota workers run into problems when reporting an injury. Some of the most common include:

Fear of retaliation – Some employees worry they’ll be fired or punished for reporting an injury. Retaliation is illegal in Minnesota, and you are protected under state law.
Minimizing the injury – Workers often try to “tough it out” or assume the pain will go away. Unfortunately, this can undermine your claim if the condition worsens.
Lack of documentation – Without written proof, employers and insurers may dispute whether you actually reported the injury or whether it was work-related.

To avoid these issues, document everything. If you’re unsure how to do it correctly or suspect your employer isn’t taking your report seriously, it’s wise to speak with a workers’ comp attorney.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Even a simple injury report can snowball into a complicated legal issue. Employers and insurers have their own attorneys working to limit payouts. You deserve someone advocating for your interests.

At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, our Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys know the system inside and out. Our team can help you:

Ensure your injury is properly documented and reported
Communicate with the insurance company
Handle disputes or delays
File for additional benefits if your injury worsens
Appeal a denial or undervalued claim

Attorney Tom Atkinson has personally experienced a workplace injury, giving him unique insight into what clients face. That firsthand experience drives our commitment to ensure you’re treated fairly and respectfully.

Questions about Workers’ Comp in Minnesota? Contact Atkinson Gerber Law Office Today

If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait to report it and don’t face the workers’ compensation system alone. The Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyers at Atkinson Gerber Law Office offer free consultations, and we’re available for home or hospital visits if your injury prevents travel.

Call us today at 651-333-3636 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with one of our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers.

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: 651-333-3636

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

Your aggressive handling of this work comp case was first rate. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past but appreciated the personal attention you provided me in this matter. Thank you!

- Cathy M.

Finally, I found the attorney that works for the injured worker, after two previous attorneys’ work for us seemed inadequate. Tom and his staff have the commitment to take it to trial if necessary rather than the other attorneys’ inertia and reluctance to do so. He has the integrity that you rarely find in the work comp arena anymore. Your involvement in my case resulted in returning us to some sense of dignity in this battle. I thought that with the multiple near-fatal catastrophic injuries I sustained that the opposing side would do the right thing. Don’t deceive yourself with this notion. You must have the right attorney by your side. With all the overwhelming tasks to complete while recovering, I thought I needed an attorney that was located near me. Again, I was wrong as they accommodated us however we needed it. Please don’t choose a work comp attorney based on location no matter how tempting that may be. Tom and staff thank you for making us believe in justice again.

- Scott H.

I just want to say a big “thank you” for representing me in my Social Security case. Without your help, I know that I would not have been successful. I am very fortunate that you represented me because you have the experience and knowledge that obtained the favorable ruling

- Dana D.

I received my settlement check this weekend and I want to thank you and all of your staff for taking on this case and pursuing it to a positive conclusion. These proceedings were not without their share of frustration but I always felt confident in my representation and your efforts to best represent me. I don’t believe I could do what you do- I would be too tempted to reach across the table and strangle the opposing counsel. I am very pleased with the outcome and am glad it is over.

- Gary S.

Tom and Marci were a tremendous help in that you made it so easy for someone like me who was stressed out about it all, especially with all the little things. I would have had a hard time relaxing enough to deal with everything effectively if you had not been so helpful. I also thought that Tom was very effective in the courtroom and had the facts of my case organized well and was informed so that he could tell where the judge wanted to go with his questions and was able to present the facts in a way that helped my case be viewed favorably by the judge. I was very pleased with the results. Thank you.

- Dan N.

You kicked butt. I am so happy with my results and I couldn’t have done it without you

- Teresa H.

Listen up every employee who has suffered a work comp injury in this state! If you think you don’t need a lawyer because everything is going fine, the adjuster is nice, and the QRC they assigned you seems to have your interest at heart; you are WRONG! The longer you wait to hire a lawyer the more disadvantaged you become. Tom Atkinson and his staff are aggressive and experienced workers’ compensation experts. Tom got me more than I ever thought I would get and NEVER charged a fee until he obtained benefits on my behalf. Thank you Tom, Marci, Gene and Cassie; I couldn’t have done it without you on my side.

- Thomas Hoaby

Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. I’m so proud to have you as my lawyer as you are absolutely wonderful at your job… Not to mention hilarious:) Whatever the outcome of today, I truly appreciate all you have done for me.

- Stacey B.

The day I met Tom, was the day I knew I would get all I needed from the Work Comp. company. For me, it was never about getting a big settlement. I only wanted what my doctor was recommending. Tom supported my decision not to settle, and took it all the way to a hearing to get me what I needed. It seems as though every step of the way has been a battle, but never once have I had any doubts in his ability to succeed. In the end, I got the surgery I needed and Tom still ended up getting me a bigger settlement than they offered in the beginning. Tom and his staff are a wonderful, caring group of people, and I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.

- Sandy

Tom and his team are the top tier in the worker compensation field as I experienced the professionalism personally. I was injured at work and after two other well publicized and awarded attorneys failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, Tom and his team proved how a dedicated, genuine, caring, honest team can get the better than expected results for a client.

- DR

Dana and her staff are the most professional and outstanding lawyer I have ever dealt with and I would highly recommend anybody that would need a lawyer contact her. They made me feel more like a friend or family. When dealing with them and made the whole process, go smoothly as possible. There’s not enough words to describe the gratitude I feel for her and her staff. Thank you for a job well done. I would highly recommend her at her staff to anybody that would need legal assistance.

- Les A.

Dana has been incredibly helpful in representing me. She made the entire process easy, addressing any issues with professionalism and care. Her team was equally wonderful, providing excellent support throughout. I highly recommend Dana and her team to anyone seeking assistance with workers’ compensation.

- Attas

Amazing Workman’s Comp attorneys. Tom did everything he said he would. His paralegal team and staff are amazing too and very quick to get back to you. Fought for me until the very end. Will recommend this team to anyone having Workman’s Comp issues.

- Taylor K.

Words can not express how amazing Dana and the family at Atkinson Gerber Law are! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Dana and Morgan where prompt, knowledgeable and so so kind. I can not recommend them enough if you or a loved one ever needs legal help. Getting injured is stressful but with this phenomenal team in your corner, it really helps ease some stress. I can’t thank them enough!

- Amber N.

Despite that my case ended about 10 months ago, I actually went back to place this review because Tom and his team did so well and help me through a very, very difficult time in my life. I want to thank the entire staff for all their help.