Workers have a long list of rights that help protect them against unsafe working conditions. These rights also offer protection should you be injured at work.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most essential injury-at-work rights in Minnesota.
Right to Medical Benefits
Injured workers have the right to comprehensive medical care. This care should cover all necessary and reasonable medical treatments related to the work injury.
Covered care may include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication. In most cases, employees also have the right to select their healthcare provider.
Right to Wage Loss Compensation
If a work injury keeps a worker from working, they may be entitled to wage loss benefits. These benefits can partially replace the income lost due to the injury, whether the inability to work is temporary or permanent. The type of wage loss compensation varies depending on the disability.
Right to Rehabilitation Services
Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws also typically provide rehabilitation services for injured workers. These services can help injured employees return to work in their former jobs.
When returning to work at their former place of employment is not possible, the services can assist with finding suitable employment. This includes finding workplaces that can accommodate the worker’s physical limitations.
Right to Fair Treatment and Non-Retaliation
Employees have the right to fair treatment throughout the compensation process. Employers are not allowed to retaliate against workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You have protection against being fired, demoted, or discriminated against because of the claim.
If you feel any of your rights have been violated, do not wait to contact an attorney who specializes in injury-at-work rights in Minnesota.
