How to Calculate Workers’ Comp Benefits in Minnesota

In Minnesota, people who suffer on-the-job injuries can apply for workers’ compensation and secure benefits to pay for medical care, wage replacement, and more. If you are applying for workers’ compensation, it is important to know how much you are entitled to receive. 

Minnesota has strict requirements regarding the amount of disability benefits a worker can claim, as well as the other forms of compensation that are available. You can see the Minnesota compensation rates as of October 2022 here.

Temporary Disability Benefits in Minnesota

Temporary disability benefits provide compensation for any wages that you lose while you are recovering from your injury. You can receive temporary total disability if you are completely unable to work during this period. If you can work but need to take on a modified schedule, you can recover temporary partial disability.

Here is how to calculate these benefits:

• Temporary Partial Disability: These benefits are equal to two-thirds of the difference between the wages that you earned before and after your injury. You can recover compensation up to a maximum amount set by the state.
• Temporary Total Disability: These benefits are equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage before your injury, up to the same maximum amount. 

Permanent Disability Benefits in Minnesota

After you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), you may have a permanent disability due to your workplace injury. In these situations, you can recover permanent disability benefits, which depend on the severity of the disability. 

• Permanent Partial Disability: If you are able to work following your injury, your doctor will assign you a body impairment rating. Your permanent partial disability benefits will be equal to your impairment rating times a dollar amount, which is defined by a state compensation schedule.
• Permanent Total Disability: If your injury has left you unable to hold a steady job, you can receive these benefits. The value of your permanent total disability will be equal to two-thirds of your pre-injury wages, up to the same maximum amount as temporary benefits.

Other Compensation Available in a Minnesota Workers’ Comp Claim

In addition to temporary or permanent disability payments, you could recover the following benefits in a Minnesota workers’ compensation claim:

• Reasonable Medical Expenses: You can secure benefits to pay for the past and future medical care related to your injury. You can use your medical records to calculate these needs; an attorney can also connect you with a medical expert who can assess your long-term costs.
• Mileage: If you need to travel for medical care, you can recover benefits for your transportation. Your financial records will help you calculate this form of compensation.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to work at your previous job or require retraining, you can recover compensation for the full value of your rehabilitation program. 

Filing For Workers’ Compensation? Speak to an Attorney

If you plan on pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you want to ensure that you are getting the full amount of benefits that you are entitled to receive. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can help you calculate the full extent of these benefits and advocate for your interests during the workers’ comp process.

A Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyer can assess your situation and identify all of the benefits that you qualify for. Then, he or she will provide legal help for a workers’ comp claim including completing the required paperwork and representing you during any hearings or appeal processes.

As soon as possible after your workplace injury, seek medical attention and report your accident to your employer. Then, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your next steps.