St. Paul Truck Driver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Truck drivers face hazards that few other workers encounter, from highway collisions and equipment failures to the physical strain of loading and unloading heavy freight. When one of these incidents leads to a serious injury, the road to recovery can be complicated further by questions over which state’s laws apply or whether you are even classified as an employee. 

Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer helps injured St. Paul truck and delivery drivers pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they are owed. If you were hurt on the road in Minnesota or out-of-state, call (877) 630-7338 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Work in St. Paul

Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system provides wage-loss and medical benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Most employees qualify for coverage if their injury arises out of their work duties. 

Depending on your injury and recovery timeline, you may be entitled to:

• Medical benefits covering reasonable and necessary treatment related to your injury
• Wage-loss benefits for the income you lose while unable to work at full capacity
• Permanent disability benefits for lasting impairment after you reach maximum medical improvement
• Vocational rehabilitation if your injury prevents you from returning to your prior role

Trucking companies sometimes classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid providing these benefits. However, many truck drivers labeled as contractors are misclassified and may be eligible for workers’ comp under certain circumstances. Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer can review your work arrangement to determine whether you were properly classified and pursue the benefits you are owed.

Common Causes of Trucking and Delivery Driver Injuries in Minnesota

Long hours behind the wheel and physically demanding work put truck drivers at risk for a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common causes our attorneys see include:

• Highway and roadway collisions
• Falls from trailers, loading docks, or truck cabs
• Injuries from lifting or maneuvering heavy freight
• Repetitive strain from prolonged driving
• Fatigue-related accidents
• Equipment malfunctions or improperly secured cargo

What to Do If Your Trucking Injury Occurred Outside of Minnesota

Truck drivers frequently cross state lines, which can raise questions about where to file a claim. In many cases, you may still be entitled to file for Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits if you were hired in Minnesota, primarily work out of Minnesota, or your employer is based here, even if the injury itself happened elsewhere. Report the injury to your employer right away, seek medical care, hold onto records of where and how the accident occurred, and contact a St. Paul workers’ compensation lawyer for assistance. 

Overcoming Denied Claims and Disputes with Trucking Carriers

Trucking companies and their insurers often push back on workers’ comp claims, whether by disputing your employment status, pointing to a prior injury, or claiming that your injury wasn’t work-related. These disputes can delay your benefits at the exact moment you need them most. 

Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer will work diligently to counter these arguments and present robust evidence that supports your claim. When the carrier refuses to pay, we will not hesitate to file your appeal and take your case to a hearing. 

Filing a St. Paul Workers’ Comp Claim Against a Trucking Company

If you are a truck driver and suffer a workplace injury in St. Paul, Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer can help you determine your next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation and start the process of securing the benefits you deserve.