What is workers' compensation?

Worker's Compensation is a system of benefits provided by law to most workers who have job-related injuries or diseases. These benefits are paid regardless of fault. Workers' compensation laws allow workers who are injured in the course of their employment to be compensated for their injuries without having to resort to a traditional lawsuit, or court proceedings. An injured worker does not have to prove that his or her employer was negligent, or at fault for the injury, only that the injury happened in the course of the worker's employment. Unless someone other than your employer was liable for your injuries, workers' compensation is generally your sole remedy for your injuries.

What benefits are paid under workers' compensation?

In most cases, worker's compensation benefits are paid for injuries that are caused, in whole or in part, by the employee's work. In addition, if work activities or an injury aggravate a pre-existing condition, you are entitled to receive Minnesota worker compensation benefits. Can an employee be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim? No. Employees cannot lose their jobs for filing workers' compensation cases. It is against the law for an employer to discharge, harass and/or fire or refuse to rehire or discriminate in any way against an employee who files a workers' compensation case. Such conduct by the employer may entitle the injured employee to bring a separate suit for damages.

What kinds of injuries are covered?

Almost any kind of physical injury or disease is covered by workers' compensation. Any previous injury or condition will not qualify, unless it was aggravated or made worse on the job.

Who pays workers' compensation benefits?

Your employer is required either to carry worker's compensation insurance, or to be self-insured. Your employer's insurer is the one responsible for making payments to you.

What do I do if have been injured on the job?

Your first step should be to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after your injury. You should be told who receives your report: your supervisor, your foreperson, or your employer's human resource office.

Do I have a case?

It is hard to say whether you have a case or not until we gather all the facts. If you or your loved one has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, contact Sandberg & Sandberg as soon as possible so we can assist you in discovering whether you have a valid claim. We take personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means, if we succeed on your behalf, we are paid a percentage of the award and reimbursed for our expenses.

Should I contact a lawyer if I've suffered an injury or a loved one has died as a result of someone else's negligence, carelessness or mistake?

Yes. Personal injury, wrongful death and work comp cases can be complex and consume significant time and resources. Sandberg & Sandberg has the resources and experience to prosecute your case effectively.

Can I take my time contacting a lawyer?

No. There are statutes of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that you have only a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit in a personal injury or wrongful death case. If the city, state or other government agency is responsible for the injury, then you have an even shorter time to give notice of a lawsuit. Once that time runs out, even if you have a valid claim, you will not be allowed to file a lawsuit.

Who can sue when a loved one dies?

Parents, siblings, spouses and children can sue when a loved one dies as a result of someone else's negligence.

Our Office:

4057 28th Street NW
Suite 300
Rochester MN, 55901

Office: 507-282-3521
Fax: 507-282-3532
Toll Free: 888-600-3521