Saturday, July 28, 2012

Minnesota Workers Compensation for Union Construction Employees

Minnesota has a two tiered system for injured construction workers.  The first program is the the common Minnesota Workers Compensation program where injured workers' disputed work comp claims are litigated through the Office of Administrative Hearings.  However, some "union" employees have bargained through their unions to participate in the "Union Construction Workers' Compensation Program".  The concept behind the program is to reduce costs for construction companies and their insurers and expedite disputes.

In the past, the program did in fact expedite disputes.  However, with recent changes at the Office of Administrative Hearings to expedite all disputed matters, the two are now nearing equality.  Though the program offers to mediate disputes, NEVER EVER go through this process without consulting an experienced Minnesota Workers Compensation attorney.  It is important to note that ANY injured union employee should absolutely consult an attorney immediately after their injury.  Your union rep is not a lawyer, does NOT represent you and at times may be looking out for someone other than you.  Minnesota unions have been weakened over the last few decades and it's important that you know your workers compensation rights!  The attorneys at Minnesota Disability and Atkinson Law Office have worked with injured union workers for decades.  We are intimately familiar with the Union Construction Workers Compensation Program and are ready to provide a free consultation any day of the week.  Our phones are answered 24/7 so please call us today.  651-333-3636.  We represent workers injured in Minnesota throughout the entire state and have many clients outside of Minnesota who suffered injuries while temporarily employed here.  Please call us today.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I Settled My Work Comp Case Years Ago But I Have Gotten Worse.

NEVER assume that because your workers' compensation case has been "settled" that you can't reopen the case or have additional benefits forthcoming.  Every month employee's who THOUGHT they settled their cases bring in their stipulations for settlement under he belief their cases are closed.  In fact, adjusters often mistakenly or out right LIE and tell injured workers their cases are closed and they can't help them.  Don't believe them without talking with an experience attorney first. 

At Minnesota Disability and Atkinson Law Office, we are happy to review your prior settlement papers to advise you what benefits you may still be entitled to under Minnesota Workers Compensation laws.  Contact our office today at 651-333-3636 to speak with an attorney today.  www.mndisability.com  Remember the phone call is free and there is NEVER a fee to speak with an attorney guaranteed!