Workers' Compensation Employee Guide - Mankato

Were you injured at work? You may qualify for workers’ compensation, a state-regulated insurance system that pays medical bills and lost wages to employees who are injured on the job or for those who have work-related diseases or illnesses.

Going through workers’ compensation might get a little overwhelming. We are here to guide you every step of the way — before, during and after the workers’ compensation process.

Here’s how it works:

1. You should report the injury to your employer immediately. Your employer will provide you with the paperwork you need to start the process and be seen by a health care professional. Employers must provide a workers’ compensation claim form to the employee within 24 hours of receiving notice of the injury.
   Note: The most common incidents are overexertion of a muscle, slips, trips, falls or being struck by an object.
2. Get evaluated by a health care professional at a clinic. The health care professional will give you the documentation that you will provide to your employer so the employer can send it to the insurance claim department.
3. Your employer will give the documentation to the workers’ compensation team. Workers’ compensation will send you an initial claim information packet. The packet will contain your rights as an employee, your designated claims adjuster contact, your return-to-work process and all the necessary information for your workers’ compensation claims process.
4. The workers’ compensation insurance company will run an investigation to understand the circumstances of the injury and confirm that the incident happened at the workplace during office hours.
5. The workers’ compensation insurance company will either approve or decline your claim.
6. For approved claims, your employer and workers’ compensation insurance company will work with you to develop a personalized return-to-work plan that fits your needs and the needs of your employer. If your health care professional feels you cannot fully perform your job, he or she will make temporary adjustments to accommodate your needs. Your health care professional may feel the severity of the injury results in permanent restrictions, and your employer will provide you with alternate job duties or a plan to work from home.
7. Your health care professional will continue to monitor your progress through continued consultations until he or she feels you no longer need Occupational Medicine care.

FAQs

Why should I work with an occupational medicine professional?

Occupational medicine professionals specialize in treating work-related injuries. They consistently work with the workers' compensation system and understand the importance of returning employees to work as smoothly as possible.

For what reasons can my workers’ compensation claim be declined?

• Injuries are caused by intoxication or drugs.
• Injuries are self-inflicted injuries.
• Injuries are from a fight started by the employee.
• Injuries result from a violation of company policy.
• Injuries are felony-related.
• Injuries are suffered off the job.
• Injuries are claimed after the employee is terminated.

What can I do if the claim is declined?

You do have the option to appeal the decision if you feel it is unfair. Visit Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry | Work comp: Alternative dispute-resolution services for more information regarding appeals.