Workers’ Compensation

Do you need help paying your medical bills and daily expenses after an injury at work in Eden Prairie? Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam can provide the compassionate, comprehensive legal support you need during this challenging time. We’ve represented injured Minnesota workers for over 30 years and have 100 years of combined experience. We can manage your workers’ compensation claim and investigate if you qualify for additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim. Your initial consultation is free, so call now or complete our contact form for more information.

Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scared after a workplace injury. You’re probably dealing with intense pain, endless medical appointments, lost income, and uncertainty about your job. On top of that, the workers’ compensation process is often confusing. Employers may deny claims for technical reasons and frequently delay workers’ benefits, and insurance companies don’t always explain your rights. You shouldn’t have to face these issues alone.

At Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam, we know how to overcome these challenges. We’ll handle the paperwork, protect your rights, and help you claim your rightful medical care and wage replacement benefits. We’re ready to push back against your employer if they deny your claim and take your case to court if necessary.

We also look beyond workers’ comp to help you seek additional compensation. If someone other than your employer caused your injury, we can pursue a third-party personal injury claim to help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earning potential, and more. We’re here to make sure you don’t overlook any options and make your recovery as simple as possible.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Eden Prairie

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means it’s not necessary to prove someone else caused your injury for you to claim your benefits. Most injuries qualify as long as they happened at your job or while you were performing your job-related tasks. For example, a slip-and-fall at your office would likely qualify, as would a car accident while making a delivery or during a sales trip. However, accidents during your commute or while running personal errands generally do not qualify.

If you have a qualifying injury, your workers’ compensation benefits could include:

Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation covers the full cost of medical care related to your workplace injury. Your benefits include coverage of doctor visits, hospital treatment, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other necessary services. You won’t have to pay deductibles or co-pays. Your employer may send you to a specific provider for your first appointment, but you can usually choose your own doctors for follow-up care unless your employer belongs to a certified managed care plan.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits – If you can return to work but earn less than before due to your injury, TPD benefits help cover the gap. These benefits equal two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current wages. Most injured workers can receive up to 275 weeks of TPD, but you must use these benefits within 450 weeks of your injury.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits – TTD benefits may be available if you can’t work at all while you recover. These benefits pay two-thirds of your gross weekly wage before the injury, up to certain limits under state law. Payments typically begin on the fourth day you miss work, but if you’re out for at least 10 straight days, you’ll also receive benefits for those first three days. The maximum benefit period is generally 130 weeks.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits – You could receive PPD benefits if you’ve suffered a permanent impairment to a portion of your body due to an injury. A doctor will evaluate your condition and assign you a disability rating. That rating, along with state guidelines, determines your compensation.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits – If you can no longer work in any capacity due to your injuries, PTD benefits may apply. These payments equal two-thirds of your gross weekly wage and may continue for life. Because insurance companies often fight PTD claims, having strong medical evidence and working with an experienced attorney is vital.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, nearly all employers must have workers’ compensation coverage for their workforce. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers all qualify. There are a few limited exceptions to this rule, the primary one being people who work as independent contractors. However, employers sometimes misclassify eligible employees as independent contractors. Sometimes, this happens by accident if employers don’t understand the law, but some employers do it on purpose to save money. Your job duties, not your title, determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, and you should talk to a lawyer before assuming you don’t qualify for benefits.

Third-Party Injury Claims for On-the-Job Injuries

Workers’ compensation benefits can provide valuable financial support after an injury, but they don’t cover all your lost income or other harm you may have suffered by design. Furthermore, you usually can’t sue your employer if they caused the injury. While your options for claims against your employer are limited, you can pursue a personal injury claim against others who may have caused your injuries. These third-party injury claims let you seek compensation for losses that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. If you can prove the third party caused your injury, your compensation could include money for:

The full amount of your lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Damaged personal property

What to Do After an On-the-Job Injury

You should avoid giving your employer or a potentially liable third party any legal ammunition to use against you in a workers’ comp or personal injury claim. Here’s what to do to protect your rights after an injury on the job:

Report the injury to your employer right away unless you need emergency medical treatment. Submit your report in writing so there’s a definite record for your claim. You must submit your report within 14 days to avoid jeopardizing your workers’ comp benefits.
Seek medical treatment, even if you feel OK. For one thing, you might have hidden injuries or symptoms that could get worse without immediate treatment. Additionally, seeing a doctor means they can document your injuries. You’ll need that proof for any legal claims you make. Once you see a doctor, follow their advice, particularly regarding any limits on your work or other physical activities.
Avoid discussing your case publicly, particularly on social media. You might say or post something your employer or insurer could use against you, so your best bet is to avoid saying anything until your case concludes.
Keep an ongoing record of how your injuries affect your ability to work and everyday life. This evidence may be crucial for a workers’ comp or personal injury claim.
Don’t say anything to any insurance companies without talking to a lawyer first. They’ll likely try to pressure you into a quick settlement or attempt to get you to say something that hurts your legal case.
Save your medical records, proof of your lost income, and any evidence you might have from the accident site (photos, eyewitness contact information, etc.). You’ll need this evidence, especially if you’re pursuing a third-party injury claim.
Talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can explain the legal process, outline your options, protect you during interactions with your employer or the insurers, and start building your case.

Contact Our Eden Prairie Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Don’t jeopardize your future by not seeking legal advice after an injury at work. Call Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.

Practice Areas

952-249-0111