Deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota

An injury at work can leave you scared, overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may worry about missing paychecks or falling behind on bills. The law sets deadlines for reporting and filing. Missing them can affect your access to workers’ compensation benefits.

Step 1: Report your injury to your employer

You need to speak up fast. The law gives you up to 180 days to report your injury.

Here’s how the notice rules break down:

• Report within 14 days to meet the deadline
• Report between 15 and 30 days if the delay didn’t harm your employer
• Report between 31 and 180 days only if the delay happened because of a mistake, lack of knowledge or employer misconduct
• Wait more than 180 days only if you were physically or mentally unable to report

According to Minnesota state rules, your supervisor may meet the notice requirement if they saw the injury or knew you got hurt.

Step 2: File your claim before time runs out

You need to file a workers’ comp claim after reporting your injury. If your employer submitted a First Report of Injury, you have three years to file. If no report exists, you have six years from the injury date. These deadlines apply whether your injury happened suddenly or developed over time. The clock starts when your symptoms clearly connect to your job. The law does not pause while you recover or wait to decide.

Why waiting puts your benefits at risk

Many workers wait. Some hope the pain will pass. Others stay quiet because they fear losing their job. Some don’t realize their injury qualifies for workers’ comp.

But waiting can cost you:

• Denied claims
• Lost wage benefits
• Delayed medical care

Every day you wait makes your case harder to prove.

Take control of your recovery before time runs out

You deserve a chance to heal without losing the benefits that help you stay afloat. If your injury makes it hard to move forward and you feel stuck, talk to someone who understands the system. Legal guidance can help you protect your recovery and avoid setbacks that make things harder than they need to be.