Workers are a protected class in Minnesota, and you have more rights than you realize in the wake of a workplace injury. You are allowed to file for workers’ compensation benefits after an on-the-job injury, but you have a number of additional rights throughout the process. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of your rights after an injury in the workplace.
Your Rights As An Injured Worker
You may be surprised to learn how many choices and rights you have in the wake of an injury. Aside from moving forward with a workers’ compensation claim, here’s a look at some additional rights you have as an injured worker.
1. See A Doctor Of Your Choosing – After your injury, you can go to a physician of your choosing for a medical exam, you’re not forced to go with a provider chosen by your employer.
2. Seek A Second Medical Opinion – If you don’t agree with the initial medical opinion, or you just want a second set of eyes on your injury, you are within your rights to get a second medical opinion.
3. Confirm Your Insurer’s Weekly Wage Calculation – Your employer’s insurance provider may accidentally or intentionally underestimate your true weekly wage. You can work with a lawyer and confirm the average weekly wage calculation they’ve provided in your claim, and you can submit your own calculation if you feel that their version is incorrect.
4. Work With And Choose A QRC – A QRC is a qualified rehabilitation consultant, and they can provide a number of services for injured workers. They can assist with job placement, retraining or even help you sort out continuing your education if any injury makes it impossible to return to work in your current capacity. You have the right to work with one of the consultants and move forward with one of your choosing.
5. Receive Work Comp And Social Security Disability At The Same Time – While it’s possible that a workers’ compensation award may affect how much you collect from social security, it’s important to know that you can collect both at the same time, and you shouldn’t allow confusion about either to prevent you from pursuing compensation.
6. Challenge A Denial – If your claim is denied, know that it’s not the end of the road. You are legally allowed to challenge the denial in the form of an appeal. Don’t be afraid to take your claim before a judge or mediator if you don’t believe the insurance company is handling the situation correctly.
7. Work With A Lawyer – Finally, it is your right to work with an attorney of your choosing if you are pursuing workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can help to maximize your take home award and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of, so hire one for your case today.
For more information about your rights following a workers’ compensation accident, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
