In Minnesota, employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, if a company employs one part-time employee, they must pay for injuries caused by workplace accidents.
If you suffered from a workplace accident or developed an occupational disease, you need to know how workers’ compensation works. See below to learn more about workers’ comp exemptions and how to file your claim.
Exemptions to workers’ compensation
Although most employees have access to workers’ compensation, you should check with your employer to ensure you are not exempt. Exemptions for payment include but are not limited to:
- Domestic workers such as cleaners and landscapers who earn less than $1,000 in three months from a single household
- Nonprofit workers who earn less than $1,000 per year
- Some interstate truck drivers
- Some railroad company workers
- Spouses, parents or children of sole proprietors, managers of small limited liability companies or CEOs of closely-held corporations
- Some employees who work on farms
- Federal or state employees
Deadlines for workers’ compensation
Minnesota requires you to report your injury within 14 days of its occurrence. Occupational diseases are somewhat subjective because the deadline starts on the first day you know your illness is work-related. Though these deadlines exist, the insurance company will likely accept your claim within 30 days. However, you should not risk having your claim denied by waiting. Report it as soon as possible.
Workers in Minnesota need to understand their rights to compensation for a workplace injury. If you do not know if your company provides workers’ compensation, speak with your supervisor immediately.