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Minnesota Workplace Accident Lawyers
Advocating for those hurt on the job in Minnesota
Getting injured at work can turn your daily routine upside down. What started as a typical shift might end with you facing pain, confusion, and many questions about what to do next and how you'll pay your bills. You may not know what help you can get right away, or how to start a claim. The reality is, you are not alone. When you reach out to our team of Minnesota workplace lawyers, we can walk you through the claims process and determine what benefits you may be able to collect. Reach out today to schedule your free case consultation.
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How can we help you?
- What is considered a workplace accident?
- Common causes of workplace accidents
- Why our team at Bradshaw & Bryant Trial Lawyers is a good choice after a workplace injury in Minnesota
- Workers' compensation claims after an on-the-job injury
- Workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota
- When a third-party claim may apply
- How a third-party claim is different
- Looking for a local Minnesota workplace accident lawyer?
What is considered a workplace accident?
A workplace accident is any injury or condition that arises out of and occurs in the course of employment. This doesn’t just cover one-time events like falls or machinery malfunctions; it also includes health problems that develop gradually, like repetitive injuries from lifting, typing, or even frequent driving over months or years. Workers across all industries end up with work-related injuries that make daily life and paychecks uncertain.
Common causes of workplace accidents
Workplaces vary across Minnesota, but certain risks keep showing up in nearly every setting. Understanding the reasons behind work injuries is the first step in staying safe and knowing your rights if something goes wrong.
Dangerous surfaces and falls
Slips and falls are very common. This could be from clutter left in hallways, electrical cords lying across the ground, broken handrails, or wet surfaces from spills or snow being tracked inside. These situations can cause more serious injuries than many people realize.
Repetition and overuse injuries
Sometimes, the job you do every day causes problems gradually. Lifting and moving the same way over and over, straining the wrists while working at a computer, or crawling into tight spots eventually add up. At some point, you might start to notice significant pain as a result of these movements, and this could be grounds for compensation and benefits.
Machinery and tool injuries
Even the best employees can get hurt when something jams, a machine isn’t locked down properly, or tools are left lying in busy areas. This could also include heavy construction machinery like forklifts hitting people or toppling over.
Chemical exposure
Many Minnesota workplaces use chemicals for cleaning, industrial work, or everyday maintenance tasks. Inhaling chemicals over time, contact with mold, or accidentally mixing products can cause lung issues, burns, headaches, or unexplained exhaustion. Sometimes, an old ventilation system or outdated protective gear only adds to the risks.
Accidents on the road or in the parking lot
Crashes aren’t only a risk for professional drivers. Delivery teams, maintenance staff, parking attendants, and even office workers running a work errand in their own cars can be seriously hurt.
No matter where you work in Minnesota, understanding these risks helps you watch for dangers others might overlook and makes it easier to stand up for a safe, fair job environment.
Why our team at Bradshaw & Bryant Trial Lawyers is a good choice after a workplace injury in Minnesota
After any workplace injury, picking the right legal team can be crucial for your recovery. You want a team that acts fast, cares about your case, and truly understands Minnesota’s laws on worker safety. Here's why our team has become one that people trust:
- More than 30 years of experience representing people of Minnesota who have been injured while on the job.
- We get to work right away gathering and protecting every piece of evidence related to your injury.
- Attorney Michael Bryant’s reputation for excellence: rated by Super Lawyers for 20 years and Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyer 4 of the last 5 years.
When you're injured while at work, you deserve help from a team that puts you first. Reach out to us today to learn more about your options.
Workers' compensation claims after an on-the-job injury
When you get hurt at work in Minnesota, the main way to get help is through a workers' compensation claim. Right after your accident or once you find out about your injury, you should let your employer know, and they’ll report it to their insurance provider. You can then claim compensation and benefits as a result of your personal injury.
The benefit of this system is you don't have to prove anyone was at fault for your injuries, which makes it easier and quicker than a lawsuit in most situations. However, the tradeoff is that you generally can't sue your employer and you won't be able to recover punitive damages and pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota
A successful workers’ comp claim should bring several types of benefits to you or your loved ones:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Necessary treatment is paid for - everything from ER visits to physical therapy.
- Wage replacement: You’re usually able to claim a percentage of your lost wages while you’re out of work because of the injury.
- Disability payments: If you’re disabled, whether partially or completely, temporarily or permanently, you can receive payments for this as well.
- Vocational rehab: This can provide extra support when you need to find another job because you can no longer perform your duties at work.
- Death benefits: In the tragic situations where a worker loses their life, their families may be able to claim help for expenses related to the loved one's death as well as lost future compensation.
Although Minnesota’s workers’ comp system can provide valuable help, it isn’t a full substitute for every loss you might suffer.
When a third-party claim may apply
Sometimes, someone who isn’t your boss or coworker played a role in your work injury, and you might have a right to a separate legal claim for more damages. These are called third-party claims. Here's when this might be available:
Injuries from defective equipment or faulty tools
If a machine, truck, or safety gear didn’t work the way it was supposed to and caused or worsened your injury, you may have a case against the manufacturer or supplier.
Negligence from contractors or workers from another company
Large construction sites and company warehouses often have employees from different businesses. If someone from another company or a subcontractor’s actions caused your injury, you may be able to hold them and their employer accountable.
Property owner negligence
In some cases, you might be working on a property that someone else owns. In these cases, a property owner could be liable for your injuries if their negligence and failure to keep the property safe caused your injuries.
Car crash while working
If you’re a delivery driver or are in your car for work purposes and get into a car accident because another driver was negligent, you likely can file a claim against them. This could be either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the facts.
How a third-party claim is different
A claim against a third party is handled like a typical civil lawsuit. You must prove that someone was negligent and that this negligence caused your injuries and damages. Third-party claims may allow damages such as pain and suffering, though Minnesota law may require reimbursement or crediting of workers’ compensation benefits.
Talking with an experienced lawyer will give you a better idea of what type of claim you might have.
Looking for a local Minnesota workplace accident lawyer?
If you’ve been hurt on the job and want advice from Minnesota attorneys who know workplace claims inside and out, we’re here for you. Bradshaw & Bryant Trial Lawyers have been helping injured workers for decades. With offices conveniently located at 1505 Division Street in Waite Park and at Golden Hills Office Center, 701 Xenia Ave S, Suite 565 in Golden Valley, you’ll always be able to reach a local, experienced attorney. We know how hard these injuries can be, and we’re available when you need help most.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with Bradshaw & Bryant Trial Lawyers
No one should have to fight for help after getting hurt at work. Remember, legal support is available to help with medical costs, lost wages, and the paperwork that follows. Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance. The steps you take early on can make a big difference for your recovery and peace of mind. Call today to speak with our team today to schedule your free case review. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on our website and wait for a call back.