According to a report from the Government Accountability Office, warehouse workers have one of the highest workplace injury rates at four in every 100 full-time workers. Given the physical nature of the job, warehouse work can cause acute and chronic injuries related to overexertion, strain, and sudden physical trauma.
If you have injuries from working at a warehouse in Eden Prairie, contact the attorneys at Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam. Under Minnesota law, injured warehouse employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the circumstances of the accident in which you were injured, you may also be able to recover financial compensation through a third-party personal injury lawsuit. We can assess your case and identify options for monetary restitution for your injury-related losses, such as medical bills and lost income.
Contact our offices today to speak to a warehouse injury attorney in Eden Prairie.
The attorneys at Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam collectively have over 100 years of experience in personal injury law. We were founded with the singular goal of helping injured Minnesotans find the support and relief they need to heal and rebuild their lives. We understand how difficult life can be after a serious injury and will do everything we can to get the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has received numerous professional accolades and recognitions for our contributions to injury law in the Twin Cities area. However, our defining feature is our meticulous and personalized approach to managing cases. One-size-fits-all solutions are inadequate, so we utilize novel and unique problem-solving approaches. We have extensive experience in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law and can help you secure the benefits you need after suffering a warehouse injury.
Warehousing and transportation are difficult and physically-intensive industries, and employees are subject to a number of risks:
The two primary options for financial compensation after a warehouse injury are workers’ compensation insurance and a personal injury lawsuit.
Workers’ Compensation
In Minnesota, nearly all businesses that have employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance pays for injuries employees sustain while on the job. Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of reasonable medical care for your injuries and replace a portion of your lost work income, usually up to two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. Workers’ compensation will also cover the cost of vocational rehabilitation if you have to train for a new job. It will not, however, cover intangible losses like pain and suffering.
To receive workers’ compensation, you must report your warehouse injury to your employer within 14 days. You can give notice after more than 14 days, but your claim is more likely to be denied the longer you wait. If your employer or their insurer denies your workers’ compensation claim, you can appeal that denial through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
Third-Party Lawsuit
The other option for compensation after a warehouse injury is to file a third-party injury lawsuit. You can file a lawsuit if your injuries were the fault of a party that is not your employer. For instance, if a non-employer contractor created dangerous conditions at your workplace that injured you, you could file a claim against them for compensation.
The benefit of a personal injury lawsuit is that you can recover money for financial losses and also for pain and suffering. You generally have six years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some lawsuits, like product liability lawsuits, have a four-year time limit instead.
If you have any more specific questions about warehouse injury claims, contact our offices to speak to a warehouse injury attorney.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Warehouse Injury?
Generally, no, you cannot sue your employer for injuries in the workplace. Workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy for work injuries. The trade-off for no-fault workers’ compensation coverage is that you waive your right to sue your employer for work-related injuries.
However, you can choose to file a lawsuit against your employer if they fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You may also be able to sue your employer if they intentionally harmed you. You can discuss your case and options for suing your employer with a Minnesota workplace injury attorney.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Receive Workers’ Compensation at the Same Time?
Yes, you can file a third-party personal injury lawsuit and collect workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota at the same time, but there are some caveats. Minnesota law provides that workers’ comp insurers have the right of subrogation over third-party lawsuit awards. This means that the insurer can take a portion of any injury settlement/award to compensate them for benefits they have already paid.
What Should I Do If I Sustain a Warehouse Injury?
First, get medical care if the injury is severe. If you don’t require immediate medical care, document the scene. Take pictures of your injuries and the accident site, and notify your employer about your injury ASAP. Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses and see if you can find video recordings of the event.
Then, go to a doctor. You will need formal documentation of your injuries if you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit. The more documentation you have, the better your chances of successful financial recovery. Lastly, contact an attorney to guide you through the next steps. They can help you with the filing process and represent you in negotiations and legal proceedings.
A bad work injury can jeopardize your financial stability and future, so don’t hesitate to get help. The attorneys at Meyer, Puklich, & Merriam can provide legal counsel and help you receive the money you need to heal and rebuild. Your injury is important, and your pain deserves recognition. We can stand up to bad-faith insurers and fight to prevent payment delays and complications that can make life more difficult. With our assistance, you can regain control of your life and flourish.
Contact our offices online or call today for a case consultation with a warehouse injury attorney in Eden Prairie. Consultations are free, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.
