The Workers’ Compensation Insurance plan was originally a very old idea, dating back to an early Sumerian Law of about 2050 BC. The modern version of the workers comp program in the United States was first passed into law in Wisconsin in 1911, although other states had attempted to bring acts in, they were unable to pass.
By 1948 the last state, Mississippi, had passed a workers’ compensation law. The goal of these laws was to require employers to provide fair compensation for medical expenses and lost wages when an employee was injured on the job. At the same time, employees who accepted this offer for benefits could not sue the employer at a later point in time.
Today, the workers’ compensation program in all states, including throughout MN, seems to be skewed to the benefit of the employer. The process to apply for workers comp is increasingly difficult, and employees often find their claims are denied or dramatically reduced.
What to Do if Denied
The first thing injured employees in MN need to realize is that the denial of the workers’ compensation benefits claim is just the starting point. However, when you do receive a workers comp denial, it is in your best interests to work with a Workers’ Compensation attorney.
These professionals can review the reason for the denial and ensure issues are corrected. In some cases, all that is needed is additional medical documentation or additional proof the injury is work-related.
There are specific denial appeals processes above just a review of the documentation. The workers’ compensation attorney can present your case in front of a Workers’ Compensation Judge at an administrative hearing. This allows for additional testimony by medical experts and witnesses to help prove your case and receive your fair benefits.
