Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota?

If you have been hurt on the job in Minnesota, one of the first questions you are likely asking is whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The answer depends on several factors, including your employment status, the nature of your injury, and the circumstances under which it occurred. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect a broad range of workers, but not everyone qualifies. Contact a Minneapolis workers’ compensation lawyer for more information today.

Workers Covered under Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation

If you were hired by and work for another person—whether you are paid hourly, salaried, or even unpaid—you are generally considered an employee under Minnesota law. Therefore, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation. This includes minors under age 18, construction workers, union workers, healthcare workers, volunteer firefighters, industrial workers, law enforcement officers, factory workers, teachers, mine workers, and workers who are not U.S. citizens. Even if your employer has just one part-time employee, they are still required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers Who Are Not Covered under Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ coverage applies to employees, not independent contractors and freelancers. However, if your employer dictates what you do, when you do it, and how you do it, you are likely an employee, regardless of what your paperwork says. If you have been misclassified as an independent contractor when you are actually functioning as an employee, you may still have a valid claim. Additionally, federal employees and workers in certain industries—such as postal workers and railroad workers—fall under separate federal workers’ compensation programs rather than the state system.

What Types of Injuries or Illnesses Will Workers’ Comp Pay For?

Your injury or illness is likely covered by workers’ compensation as long as it arose out of your employment. Your claim must show that a relationship exists between your job and the injury, that you were performing your duties or something incidental to them, and that the injury happened somewhere it was reasonable for you to be. 

Examples of commonly covered injuries and conditions include:

• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back, neck, and spinal injuries from lifting or physical labor
• Broken bones and fractures from falls or equipment accidents
• Occupational illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous materials
• Physical injuries that lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

Minnesota treats mental health injuries differently than physical ones. If mental stress causes a physical injury, or a physical injury leads to a mental health condition, you may receive benefits. However, claims where mental stress alone produces a mental injury are generally denied.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Minnesota

To file a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota, take the following steps:

• First, seek medical attention right away and tell your doctor that the injury is work-related. 
• Second, notify your employer within 14 days of the injury. 
• Third, confirm that your employer has filed a First Report of Injury form.
• Finally, wait for the insurer to send you a Notice of Insurer’s Primary Liability Determination, which will either accept or deny your claim.

Speak to Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer About Your Eligibility

If you are unsure whether you qualify for workers’ compensation in Minnesota, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The attorneys at Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer can clarify your eligibility and help you take the right next steps. Contact us at (877) 630–7338 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Minnesota work injury lawyer.