Can I Be Fired For Reporting A Workers Compensation Injury?

If an employer fires you or threatens to fire you for reporting a work injury they are in violation of Minnesota Statute 176.82; 

"Any person discharging or threatening to discharge an employee for seeking workers' compensation benefits or in any manner intentionally obstructing an employee seeking workers' compensation benefits is liable in a civil action for damages incurred by the employee including any diminution in workers' compensation benefits caused by a violation of this section including costs and reasonable attorney fees, and for punitive damages not to exceed three times the amount of any compensation benefit to which the employee is entitled. Damages awarded under this section shall not be offset by any workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is entitled."

It's rare that an employer is stupid enough to commit a violation of Minnesota law but it does happen from time to time.  I strongly urge injured workers to pursue these claims which we refer to as "82 Actions".  To deter an employee from filing a work injury is unconscionable as best and illegal at worst.  I have seen cases where employers, supervisors and co workers have actually convinced seriously injured workers to tell a emergency doctor that their injury did not happen at work.  Telling them the company will lose jobs, workers will lose bonuses, and they will "take care of you".  BULLSH!T They are liars.

If you have been injured at work ANY DELAY in reporting the injury or seeking treatment will often result in a denial of your claim by insurance companies and without an experienced lawyer your claim may also be denied by a workers compensation judge.  If you have been hurt the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment and tell the doctor exactly how you were hurt or the pain developed, then report the injury, and finally contact an attorney!  Consultations with any workers compensation lawyer are free and the good lawyers like those at Atkinson Law Office will never, ever pressure you to hire an attorney.  We explain your rights, recommend a course of action and YOU decide what to do.

If you have been hurt contact the Minnesota workers compensation experts at Atkinson Law Office today for a free, no obligation consultation.  Call us at 651-333-3636 and visit our website at www.mndisability.com.

Construction Worker Falls To Death At New Viking Stadium. Was This Preventable?

Today an employee of Berwald Roofing died when he fell to his death and another worker was severely injured.  I'm very familiar with this employer and I am of the opinion that Berwald Roofing, like many Minnesota employers, does not always have the best interest of their workers in mind when operating jobs.  I have represented injured workers at Berwald with significant restrictions that knowingly place in jobs outside of their restrictions placing injured workers at significant risk of injury or even death.  I pray the workers in this tragedy are not ones that I know.

If you have sustained a work injury and have work restrictions, please think carefully before you return to work and placed in a situation where your employer ignores your restrictions and places you and others in harms way.  As a father I understand that it's hard to ignore the enormous financial benefits that come with employment and that workers compensation under the best of circumstances results in a 33% cut in pay.  But your life matters and I don't want to read about you as the next victim of a work related accident.

If you have sustained a Minnesota workers compensation injury, contact the attorneys at Atkinson Law Office today.  Our lawyers have over 50 years of combined workers compensation experience and are recognized leaders in Minnesota for work place injuries.  Call us today for a free consultation.  651-333-3636.  We are Minnesota's Workers Compensation Specialists.

Thomas Atkinson Selected A 2015 Minnesota Workers Compensation Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers is a peer review, research driven rating system of outstanding lawyers in a particular field of practice.  No more than 5% of all lawyers throughout the practice of Minnesota workers compensation are selected.  Super Lawyers recognized Thomas Atkinson as a Minnesota Super Lawyer for his comprehensive knowledge of Minnesota workers compensation and recognition from his peer lawyers and workers compensation judges.  Join us in congratulating Tom on his recognition.

If you have sustained a work related injury the experience of an attorney matters. Let me repeat, the experience of your attorney matters.  Some firms in Minnesota such as Fields Law Firm employee lawyers with one to three years experience to handle you complex workers compensation matter. Would you prefer to a doctor just out of medical school to perform you surgery or some with nearly a quarter century experience?  Thomas Atkinson has more experience in workers compensation than most attorneys in Minnesota and some cases more than the combination of every attorney in some particular law firms.

Atkinson Law Office limits their practice to workers compensation.  Our lawyers have a combined experience of over 50 years.  We represent clients throughout the state of Minnesota and have a Spanish speaking attorney!  Call us today at 651-333-3636 or visit our website at www.mndisability.com