Getting injured at work is a frightening experience that can derail not only your career but your life. One moment you’re earning a living and supporting your family. Next, you’re in pain, unable to work, and wondering how you’re going to cover your expenses because the bills don’t stop coming just because you’re hurt.

The stress doesn’t stop there. Medical expenses start to pile up, paychecks stop coming in, and all the while, you’re trying to focus on healing. It can feel like everything is falling apart at once. And just when you need help the most, the insurance company may start making things even harder.

They might question your injury. Delay your claim. Or flat-out deny your right to workers’ compensation. It’s unfair and deeply frustrating, and the last thing you should be worrying about during your recovery.

That’s why we’re here. At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve been standing up for injured workers in Minnesota since 1961. Our Rochester workman’s comp lawyers know the system. We know the tricks insurance companies use. And we know how to fight back on your behalf. Fill out our quick online form or call 507-280-8090 if you’ve hit roadblocks with your workers’ compensation claim or just have questions about your workers’ comp benefits.

“Ashley Biermann is a caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. She truly understands how difficult it can be to go through the work comp process. Ashley is quick to answer questions and explain the process. Ashley is honest, and there were no hidden fees added on when I received my settlement. Even after my case was settled and completed, Ashley has still been available to answer questions I’ve had when dealing with PERA since retiring. I have recommended several officers to retain Ashley when filing their work comp claim, and have heard nothing but positive results. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a work comp attorney.”

– Christopher T. | Client

What Benefits Can I Get With the Help of a Rochester Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

After a work injury, you may be entitled to more help than you realize. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system offers a wide range of benefits, but getting access to all of them isn’t always easy. Insurance companies often don’t explain everything you’re eligible for, or worse, they try to limit your claim. That’s why having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of workers’ comp can make a big difference.

An experienced Rochester workers’ compensation attorney can help make the most of your claim, making sure no benefit is overlooked and no opportunity is missed. We’ll help you get every bit of support the law allows, including:

Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This can include:

Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Surgery
Medication
Physical therapy
Mileage to and from your appointments

Wage Loss Benefits

If you can’t work because of your injury, or you can only work part-time or light duty, you may qualify for wage replacement. Rochester offers several types of wage loss benefits, such as:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you can’t work at all for a short period of time, TTD helps replace part of your lost wages while you recover. This benefit usually equals about two-thirds of the worker’s usual wages. Insurance companies are only required to pay temporary total disability for up to 130 weeks.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but earn less because of your injury, TPD pays a portion of the difference in your income.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injury is so serious that you can never return to any kind of work, PTD benefits can help support you for the long term. Injuries that may qualify you for PTD include paralysis or loss of limbs. The employee can receive about two-thirds of their regular wages, but never less than 65% of what they were earning when the injury happened.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you have lasting damage to a body part, even if you can still work, you may be eligible for a one-time payment based on the severity of the injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Job Retraining)

Sometimes, an injury makes it impossible to return to the same job you had before. If that happens, workers’ comp may provide vocational rehabilitation services. This includes help with job training, resume building, and finding new work that fits your abilities.

Dependency Benefits

If someone dies because of a work-related injury or illness, their family may be entitled to dependency benefits. These payments can help cover funeral costs and provide some financial support for the worker’s spouse and children.

Denied doesn’t mean defeated. In fact, 67% of workers’ comp claims that are initially denied end up being approved within a year after a proper appeal, and the average payout for those claims is 55% higher than the original amount. Having an experienced lawyer to help you with your appeal can help you turn a “no” into a full recovery.

Injuries That May Qualify You for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Rochester

You don’t have to work in a dangerous job to get hurt on the job. Even a small accident can lead to serious injuries. Here are some of the most common types of work-related injuries our Rochester workman’s comp lawyers have handled:

Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are some of the most frequent causes of work injuries. A wet floor, uneven surface, or loose wires can easily cause someone to lose their footing. Falls can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or back problems.
Back Injuries and Muscle Strains: Lifting heavy items, moving awkwardly, or simply doing the same motion over and over can cause back injuries, pulled muscles, or joint strain.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: Doing the same motion repeatedly, even something as mundane as typing, can lead to repetitive stress injuries. These injuries often sneak up over time but can still cause long-term problems and may qualify for workers’ comp.
Exposure to Harmful Substances: Some workers are exposed to chemicals, fumes, or other hazardous materials on the job. This can lead to serious illnesses, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, or even long-term diseases.
Machinery or Vehicle Accidents: Construction sites, warehouses, factories, and delivery jobs all come with risks of equipment or vehicle-related injuries. Whether you were hurt by a forklift, power tool, or company vehicle, these types of accidents can cause devastating injuries.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve helped injured construction workers, nurses, electricians, refinery workers, EMTs, caretakers, and many others get the benefits they deserve. If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, don’t wait to find out.

A Rochester workers’ comp attorney will review your case and give you honest answers at no cost to you. Call 507-280-8090 or fill out our quick online form to schedule a no-strings-attached case review today.

Why Having a Rochester Work Injury Lawyer on Your Side Matters

Even if you’ve worked at your job for years and have always shown up, worked hard, and proven your value, that loyalty doesn’t always get returned when you’re hurt. Many workers are surprised to find their employer or the insurance company questioning their claim or pushing back on benefits.

Enlisting the help of a team of Rochester workman’s comp attorneys can be instrumental in getting the full benefits you’re entitled to. In fact, a study showed that 90% of people who hired a lawyer ended up with a settlement or award, while only about half of those who handled their claims on their own were able to do the same. Here’s exactly what we can do for you:

Complete and file paperwork correctly to avoid delays or denial
Track and meet all deadlines required by Minnesota workers’ comp laws
Gather and review medical records and other evidence to support your claim
Appeal denied claims and represent you in hearings if needed
Calculate and pursue the full range of benefits you’re entitled to
Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
Connect you with trusted local doctors and specialists for your injuries
Advise you on settlement offers so you don’t accept less than you deserve

Choose Meshbesher & Spence: Rochester Workman's Comp Attorneys With the Experience and Results to Back You Up

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve spent over 60 years fighting for injured workers across Minnesota. From serious falls to chemical burns and catastrophic machinery accidents, our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured workers, including:

$7.87 million verdict for a truck driver permanently injured by a negligent crane operator
$2.15 million settlement for a maintenance worker burned in an acid tank valve malfunction

We’ve earned national recognition, major verdicts, and the trust of thousands of clients. But more importantly, we’re known for standing up when others look the other way. If your employer or the insurance company isn’t playing fair, we’ll be ready. Call our team today at 507-280-8090 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.

Rochester Workers’ Compensation FAQs

• Can I Get Workers' Compensation If I'm Only a Part-Time Employee?

Yes. Part-time workers are still eligible for workers’ compensation in Minnesota. Your wage benefits will be based on your average weekly earnings, but your medical and rehabilitation benefits remain the same as those for full-time employees.
• Do You Help With PERA or MSRS Disability Claims?

If you’re a public safety officer or government employee in Minnesota, we can help you file for PERA or MSRS disability benefits. These claims often apply to police, firefighters, paramedics, corrections staff, and state employees. They can be filed along with or after a workers’ comp claim but require detailed proof and are often denied at first. Our team knows how to handle both systems.
• Can I Still Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits If I Had a Pre-existing Condition?

You can still qualify for workers’ compensation if a work injury aggravated or worsened a pre-existing condition. Minnesota law allows benefits when your job makes an existing issue worse, even if that condition wasn’t originally caused by your work. You’ll need proper medical documentation to show the connection, and insurance companies may challenge your claim, so having a workers’ comp lawyer can be crucial in these cases.
• How Long Do I Have to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Rochester?

You must report your injury to your employer within 14 days to avoid penalties. After that, you typically have 3 years to file a claim if a First Report of Injury was filed, or up to 6 years if no report exists. Delays in treatment or denied benefits don’t extend these deadlines, so it’s best to get a lawyer involved early on.

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