You Should Not Delay In Seeking Legal Advice
If you were injured, while working, you probably are entitled to make a worker's compensation claim. Minnesota workers' compensation laws provide many different kinds of benefits.
The most common benefits include payment of all medical bills, payment of wage loss and, if there is permanent injury involved, a lump sum payment for permanent partial disability. Funds for vocational retraining may be available in certain situations.
If you are injured at work, you should immediately advise your supervisor of the incident so a "first report of injury" form can be completed. It is important to advise your employer as soon as possible. The many potential benefits to which you may be entitled under the workers' compensation laws, will depend largely on the nature of your injury; the nature of your work; and the opinions of your physician.
If you have questions about what benefits you may be entitled to, or if you feel you employer is not responding in a fair and timely manner, you should contact a lawyer who is familiar with Minnesota Workers' Compensation laws.
Sometimes, in addition to workers' compensation benefits, an employee injured on the job may be entitled to bring a third party liability claim. This means you may be able to sue the person who caused your injuries -- if that person is not employed by your employer.
A third party liability claim provides the injured worker with an opportunity to be compensated for damages not covered by workers' compensation. Past and future pain and suffering is an example of a third party liability claim.
The most common situations where third party liability claims may be pursued include:
- Car accidents that occur while the employee is working within the course and scope of his/her employment
- An injury that occurs while an employee is working on a project where a worker employed by another company causes the injury
- An injury caused by some kind of defective product
These are the most common situations where the potential for a third party claim exists. There are other situations which are less common where a third party claim exists. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assist you in determining whether you have a possible third party liability claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.