We Will Do The Worrying — And The Fighting — For You

Experienced Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Last updated on June 2, 2026

Injuries at work can happen when you least expect them. One moment, you are focused on your task, and the next, you are struggling with medical bills and an uncertain future. The road ahead may seem unclear, but with the proper representation, you do not have to face it alone.

For over 25 years, Noack Law Office has guided countless Minnesota workers through this challenging process, securing maximum benefits and helping to ensure they receive proper medical care from doctors of their choosing. We stand by injured workers throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, Excelsior and the entirety of Minnesota. Call us at 952-467-8481 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

Table of Contents

What Is Workers’ Compensation And How Does It Work?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that employers carry. If an employee suffers an injury or accident on the job, the employer’s insurance provider can cover the worker’s claim. In Minnesota, every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect its employees. You do not need to prove negligence on the part of your employer to recover workers’ comp benefits. You need only show that your injury occurred as a direct result of your job duties. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not want to pay workers the benefits they deserve. These insurers want to prioritize profits over people. Employers may not want to cooperate because they do not want their premiums to go up. For these reasons, you should have the help of a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer.

Common Types Of Workplace Injuries

Below are some common types of injury cases we handle:

Slips, trips and falls: These accidents happen when hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces lead to a worker losing balance.
Repetitive stress Injuries: Repeating the same motion for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.
Back and neck injuries: Lifting heavy objects or sitting for long hours can strain muscles and ligaments in the back and neck.
Burns: Burns are common in construction or food service industries due to exposure to heat or open flames.
Construction injuries: Workers in construction face many dangers, including being struck by falling objects and accidents with heavy machinery. Workplace violence: Physical assault or threats from customers can result in serious injury or trauma.

We are accessible 24/7 because we understand injuries do not follow business hours.

What Kinds Of Injured Workers Do We Represent?

At Noack Law Office, we represent ordinary people – just like you – who suffer work-related injuries. Some of the workers we represent are:

Meatpacking workers: Employees of JBS Pork, Hormel, Quality Pork, Jennie-O and other meatpacking companies regularly suffer from injuries related to slips, trips and falls, repetitive motion injuries, wounds to their hands and upper bodies, back pain and injuries related to exposure to biological agents.
Health care industry professionals: Jobs in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals and medical labs are much more physically dangerous than people realize, and nurses, nursing aides and other medical workers often suffer serious on-the-job injuries.
City and state employees: Public employees are exposed to all kinds of workplace hazards and their claims often have additional hurdles that have to be overcome. We know how to navigate the red tape for a successful claim.
Construction workers: All construction work is inherently dangerous, and many of our clients are contractors, subcontractors and laborers who have suffered devastating injuries on a job site.
Factory and manufacturing employees: Workers in factories, manufacturing plants and warehouses can suffer catastrophic injuries to their heads, hands, feet, arms, and legs due to machinery accidents and accidents with forklifts. We help them receive the benefits they need.
Service workers: Restaurant and hotel workers, housekeepers and cooks are all exposed to unique dangers, including repetitive stress injuries, burns and cuts, slips-and-falls, and chemical injuries.
First responders: Police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other first responders put their bodies on the line to protect the public, and they deserve quality representation when they are injured.
Office professionals: Working in an office is not as safe as many people think. Office workers can suffer significant injuries from slips, trips and falls that lead to broken bones and head injuries. Repetitive stress injuries are also common and equally deserving of benefits.

Whatever your industry, the attorneys at Noack Law Office will fight for the benefits you are rightfully due after a workplace injury.

Undocumented Workers And Workers’ Compensation In Minnesota

Undocumented workers often worry that their immigration status will prevent them from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Minnesota law, however, focuses on whether a worker is an actual employee, not on their immigration status.

To be clear, undocumented workers in Minnesota are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if hurt while performing their job duties. This protection reflects Minnesota’s broad commitment to enforcing labor standards and preventing exploitation of immigrant workers.

After filing, undocumented workers are entitled to the same benefits available to other workers. Examples include medical treatment, wage loss benefits and disability benefits, as long as they meet the standard eligibility requirements. The state provides these benefits to help all injured workers receive necessary care and financial support while they recover.

Here are some key considerations that can help undocumented workers understand how Minnesota law may impact their situation.

How Minnesota defines an employee: Eligibility depends on whether the person was performing work duties, not their current immigration status.
Whether the injury clearly arose out of work activities: Strong connections between the job and the injury reduce the likelihood of disputes.
How wage loss benefits may be affected by work authorization: Minnesota allows undocumented workers to receive benefits, but federal rules may limit return‑to‑work options.
How the employer may respond: Some employers misunderstand the law and may initially deny benefits, even though they cannot legally do so based on immigration status.
Whether the injury may require long‑term medical care: Workers’ compensation covers reasonable and necessary treatment, and understanding the scope of care helps workers prepare for the claim.

Evaluating how these considerations may apply can lead to an informed decision about whether filing a claim is the right step for their circumstances.

Understanding The Statute Of Limitations For Workers’ Compensation In Minnesota

If you’re an injured worker in Minnesota, one of the most important legal deadlines you need to know about is the statute of limitations on your claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you are otherwise due, no matter how deserving your claim.

You have just 14 days to notify your employer of a workplace injury from either the date of the accident (for acute injuries) or when you reasonably could be expected to recognize that your injury was work-related (for occupational diseases or injuries). However, you generally have three years from the date of injury listed by your employer in the First Report of Injury that they are expected to file with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. If your employer failed to file that report properly, then you have six years from the date of injury or recognition of injury.

Common Reasons Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied

A denied workers’ compensation claim can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially if you’re depending on benefits to pay medical bills or replace lost wages. In Minnesota, there are several common reasons insurance companies deny claims – often to minimize their costs.

One common reason is failure to report the injury on time. If you didn’t notify your employer promptly or your documentation is unclear, the insurer may argue your injury didn’t happen at work. Claims are also frequently denied when there is insufficient medical evidence. If medical records don’t clearly link your injury to your job duties, the insurer may dispute it.

Insurers also question claims if there are preexisting conditions, suggesting your job did not cause your symptoms. Disputes over causation are incredibly common in repetitive strain injuries or cases involving long-term damage.

Other denials happen due to missed deadlines, inconsistent accident reports, lapses in medical treatment or accusations of injury occurring outside work. The good news is that many denied claims can be successfully appealed with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney who understands Minnesota law.

What Factors Affect The Value Of A Workers’ Compensation Claim In Minnesota?

If you’ve been injured at work in Minnesota, you may wonder how the value of your workers’ compensation claim is determined. At Noack Law Office, we proudly represent workers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, helping them secure the benefits they deserve. That means examining your case closely for the key factors that influence your claim’s value. Those include:

● Average Weekly Wage (AWW): This figure is based on your average gross earnings in the 26 weeks before the injury, including overtime, holiday pay and vacation time. You will generally receive two-thirds of your AWW as your lost-wage benefit.
● Medical costs: These are your reasonable and necessary medical treatments, such as surgeries, therapy and prescriptions related to your injuries.
● Permanent disability: If your injury results in permanent impairment, benefits may include compensation based on the scale of your disability. Similarly, you may be due more compensation for permanent scarring or other disfigurements.
● Rehabilitation costs: Retraining or vocational rehabilitation expenses can be factored in if you cannot return to your prior job.

Every case is unique. Consulting a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney ensures all relevant factors are considered in your claim.

Receiving Compensation For Gillette-Type Injuries And Repetitive Stress Injuries

In Minnesota, disabling injuries that come from minute repetitive work are known as Gillette injuries. When people perform the same activity hour after hour and day after day, their bones and joints begin to wear down. Eventually, the body may begin to wear down. For some people, the pain may begin gradually. For others, it can be sudden, and the pain may not even start on a day the individual is working. Regardless, if you’ve spent time doing repetitive work and your body is breaking down, there is probably a correlation, and we are here to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Take These Steps After A Workplace Accident

A workplace injury can create confusion and apply pressure when you are trying to protect your health and your job. Taking clear, practical steps early on makes it easier for an attorney to step in and support you throughout the process.

Report the injury immediately: Prompt reporting creates a reliable record of what happened and helps prevent disputes about when or where the injury occurred.
Seek medical care right away: Early treatment protects your health and establishes critical medical documentation needed for your claim.
Gather all available evidence: Photographs, witness names and written notes can help clarify the circumstances of the accident and reduce the risk of disagreements.
Follow all medical instructions: Consistent treatment shows that you are taking your recovery seriously and helps maintain strong medical support for your claim.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible: Workers who try to handle the process alone often face delays or denials, but reaching out early allows your lawyer to manage deadlines, communicate with insurers and guide you through each step.

These actions give your legal counsel the information and structure needed to move your claim forward efficiently.

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Minnesota provides several categories of workers’ compensation benefits to support injured employees while they recover. Understanding the compensation you may be entitled to receive helps you know what to expect.

Medical benefits: These benefits cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury, including doctor visits, physical therapy, prescriptions and medical devices.
Wage loss benefits: If your injury prevents you from working or limits your hours, you may receive partial wage replacement based on your average weekly wage.
Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in lasting impairment, you may qualify for disability benefits based on the severity and impact of the condition.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits: When an injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may receive assistance with retraining, job placement or skill development.
Dependency and death benefits: If a worker dies due to a workplace injury, surviving dependents may receive financial support and coverage for burial expenses.

These workers’ compensation benefits exist to help you maintain stability while you heal. The right representation can guide you through your claim, helping ensure you receive the full compensation allowed under Minnesota law.

Why It Is Important To Work With Our Lawyer

If you are confused about what benefits you are entitled to, or you are trying to find out more about workers’ compensation in general, talk to us. We can help you in the following ways:

By exploring what wage loss benefits your injury could enable you to receive
By preparing the necessary paperwork to file a claim
By getting you medical benefits, namely a proper diagnosis from a physician of your choosing (not your employer’s choosing), and appropriate treatment of your condition
By looking at any past underpayment of workers’ comp
By examining other benefits you may not be aware of

Our lawyers and staff are here to help. We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your family.

Understanding Social Media Monitoring During Your Claim

Insurance companies may look at your public social media activity during a workers’ compensation claim. Photos, videos, comments, location tags and posts from friends or family can raise questions about your injury. A simple picture of a happy moment at a family event may not show your pain, limitations and other difficulties related to your injury that happened before or after the photo. Still, an insurance adjuster may use it to argue that you can do more than your medical records show.

Do not delete posts or change your accounts in a way that could create more problems. Instead, use care with what you share while your claim remains open. Avoid posting about your accident, treatment, work limits, legal claim or physical acts. You should also avoid jokes about your injury or public replies about your condition.

If you are unsure whether a post could affect your claim, talk to us first. We can explain how insurers review online information. We can also point out what details may create disputes and how to protect your claim without making mistakes. Careful communication can help keep the focus where it belongs: on your injury, your medical needs and the benefits available under Minnesota law.

Knowing When To Work With Our Lawyers

You should consider working with our lawyers when a work injury starts to affect your health, pay or job duties. Some workers wait until the insurer denies the claim. Early help can prevent problems before they grow. This matters if your employer delays the report, the insurer questions whether your injury came from work or you receive forms you do not fully understand.

You should also contact Noack Law Office if you need more care, miss time from work, lose hours or cannot return to your regular job. Some claims need close attention from the start. These include repetitive stress injuries, old injuries that got worse, light-duty disputes, immigration concerns, serious pain or signs of lasting harm. These issues can affect your benefits, medical care and ability to support yourself while you heal.

We help injured workers understand the next step. We can review deadlines, explain what benefits may apply and deal with the insurer. We can also help keep records in order and respond when the insurer asks for more information. When we get involved early, our attorneys can manage claim details, reduce delays and help you pursue the benefits available under Minnesota workers’ compensation law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation In Minnesota

The attorneys at Noack Law Office in Minneapolis educate individuals about the workers’ compensation process, and we answer commonly asked questions, including:

Do I Have A Workers’ Compensation Case?

Many people who suffer injuries because of their jobs are unsure about whether they have a workers’ compensation case. Some people who contact our firm report that they were not at work when they started experiencing pain; others tell us that they haven’t been in their current positions for long.

At Noack Law Office, we know that none of that matters. Put simply, if you are suffering from a work-related injury, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve – regardless of the severity of your injury.

How Long After A Workplace Accident Can I Submit A Workers' Compensation Claim?

In Minnesota, you should report your work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible or risk losing the right to pursue a claim. Reporting within 14 days is the safest course of action, but employees can technically report up to 30 days after the accident. In certain situations, employees can report the injury up to 180 days after the fact.

Assuming you reported the injury within the deadline, you typically have up to three years from the date of injury to formally file a claim.

What Is The Waiting Period For Workers’ Comp In Minnesota?

Minnesota has a three-day waiting period before wage-loss benefits begin. This means you will not receive wage-loss benefits for the first three calendar days of missed work unless your disability lasts for at least ten days. If your disability keeps you out of work for ten or more days, you will be compensated retroactively for the initial three-day waiting period.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

The workers’ compensation system was designed to help injured employees cope with the financial and physical effects of a work injury. To that end, benefits typically include:

Partial wage replacement for time spent unable to work
Coverage of all medical bills, prescription drugs and other treatment costs associated with the injury
Long-term compensation to mitigate the effects and losses associated with a permanent disability and/or disfigurement

In unfortunate cases of fatal work injuries, workers’ compensation can also offer benefits to the deceased employee’s dependents to cover funeral and burial expenses and to provide replacement of the deceased worker’s wages.

How Do I Apply For A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

To apply for workers’ compensation in Minnesota, you should first report your injury to your employer. Your employer is then responsible for filing a First Report of Injury form. This initiates the claim process. You may also need to fill out additional forms or provide documentation of your injury and medical treatment.

It’s important to keep detailed records of all communications and medical visits related to your injury. While you are not required to work with an attorney, many injured workers find it very helpful to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for assistance with their claim.

Because the law is complicated, it is important to work with a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim. The success of your claim may depend on a little nuance of the law, and at Noack Law Office, we know the law well.

Knowing the law can mean the difference between winning and losing a case, and between a good result or a bad result. Many of the people who contact Noack Law Office are asking for help because their first attempt at filing a claim was unsuccessful.

Filing workers’ comp claims in Minneapolis can be a time-consuming process, but our attorneys can help ensure your claim has all the information it needs. When individuals contact our firm, the first thing we do is gather as much information as possible. We ask questions about the date of the injury, and we review the medical records individuals already have. Although we encourage new clients to bring their medical records to their first meetings, we can certainly move forward without those.

How Do I Submit A Claim Petition?

As soon as we’ve reviewed the medical records, we submit a claim petition. We know there may be delays elsewhere in the process, so we work as promptly as possible. Often, if we meet a client in the morning, we submit a claim petition that afternoon.

While we wait for an answer about the petition, we help ensure our clients know what to do as we move forward. After we receive an answer about the claim petition, there may be a deposition, discovery between the defense attorney and our firm, a request for an independent medical exam and an administrative hearing.

What Are The Benefits Of Working With A Minnesota Attorney After Getting Injured At Work?

Many people who are interested in filing a workers’ compensation claim are afraid of hiring a lawyer. There is a misconception that working with an attorney could jeopardize their position with their current employer. In reality, the opposite is true. When injured workers work with lawyers, their employers know that they are receiving legal counsel, which helps ensure they do not mistreat the employee.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?

Many people think that once they receive answers about their workers’ compensation claims, it is the final answer. Thankfully, that’s not true. In fact, many people’s initial claims are denied. If that happened to you, it’s important to know that you may still be able to receive benefits. Many people who contact our firm – Noack Law Office – have had their initial claims denied, but our experienced attorneys are able to help individuals throughout Minnesota appeal those claims to receive the benefits they deserve.

Our lawyers have decades of combined experience, and we can help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve – even if your claim has already been denied. Contact us promptly to receive the benefits you deserve.

What If The Insurance Company Said My Case Was Closed?

One of the most common things we hear is that people think their cases are closed because that is what the insurance company said. That doesn’t matter to us. The insurance company may have closed your file, but once you begin working with our team, your file will be reopened.

We know this can be an emotional and stressful process, especially if you’ve already been told your claim was closed. However, insurance companies bank on the fact that you will give up, and it’s important that you don’t. Contact us as soon as possible. Let us be your advocate and fight on your behalf. We can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Do I Choose A Doctor And Get Medical Treatment?

If you were hurt as a result of the work you do, you need proper medical treatment. You are entitled to it by law. Choosing a doctor and getting medical treatment can be one of the most difficult parts of workers’ comp, in part because employers and their insurance companies usually want you to use their doctor, and partly because medical issues can be very confusing – and very expensive. It is illegal for your employer to force or pressure you to see a certain doctor.

What Are QRCs?

QRC is an acronym for qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC), and it is important to understand who the QRC is working for: the insurance company. However nice the QRC may seem to be, you need to be under the care of a qualified physician. You need to be wary of QRCs, who are used by claims adjusters to keep the insurance company’s costs down.

If you have questions about QRCs or any other aspect of workers’ comp medical benefits, our lawyers and staff can help you make sense of the medical benefits process.

Can I choose my own doctor in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, you typically have the right to select your own doctor after a workplace injury. If your employer participates in a certified managed care plan, you may need to choose a doctor from within their approved network. Make sure to notify your doctor of choice promptly to avoid any issues with your claim. Picking a doctor you trust is important for your recovery and can help ensure you receive appropriate treatment for your work-related injury.

What if my employer can't accommodate light duty?

If your employer cannot provide work that fits your doctor’s light-duty restrictions, you should be eligible for wage loss benefits. This means the insurance company should resume paying you a portion of your wages while you continue to recover. Your work status effectively changes because your employer does not have a suitable job available for you. When you decide to work with us, we can help make sure the insurance company restarts your payments correctly and protects your income.

Can I be fired for filing a claim?

Minnesota law strictly prohibits employers from firing you simply because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. This protection falls under anti-retaliation laws, which shield workers who exercise their legal right to seek benefits after a workplace injury. If you believe your employer has fired you because of your workers’ compensation claim, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit in addition to your existing claim.

How much will I get for a workers' compensation claim?

For wage replacement benefits, you will typically receive about two-thirds of your average weekly wage before your injury, up to the state’s maximum allowable amount. Meanwhile, your medical expenses related to the work injury should be covered at 100% with no deductibles or copays. If your injury causes a permanent disability, you may receive an additional payment based on the injury’s severity.

Do I have to pay back workers' comp if I win a lawsuit?

If you win a lawsuit against a third party, other than your employer, for the same injury, you may need to reimburse your workers’ compensation insurer for benefits they already paid you. This happens because the law prevents you from getting paid twice for the same injury. The good news is that you usually won’t have to repay the full amount of benefits you received. Your lawyer can work with the insurance company to reduce what you owe them. This negotiation often helps you keep more of your lawsuit money.

Will I get deported if I file a workers' comp claim in Minnesota?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota does not, by itself, trigger deportation. It is a state system, and Minnesota law allows undocumented workers to pursue benefits regardless of immigration status.

No system can guarantee how federal immigration authorities may act in unrelated situations. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim does not place a worker into an immigration enforcement process. Seeking medical care or wage loss benefits through the claim system is not an action that triggers immigration involvement.

Call Today For A Free Consultation

If you are ready to get the compensation you deserve, we invite you to call Noack Law Office at 952-467-8481 for a free initial consultation. There is never a fee unless we win your case.