Manufacturing & Warehouse Workers

Representing injured workers throughout the Twin Cities since 1989.

Manufacturing and warehouse workers have some of the highest rates of on-the-job injuries in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Unfortunately, employers in both states often try to avoid paying injured employees their rightful workers’ compensation benefits, preventing workers from getting proper medical care and the other support they need. Furthermore, many injured workers don’t know they can turn to a workers’ compensation lawyer for help during these challenging moments.

As workers’ compensation lawyers serving the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin, the team at Baehman Fitzgerald understands your plight and can provide the comprehensive legal support you need. Our law office has served workers for over 30 years, and our partners have more than 60 years of combined experience. Moreover, customer service is one of our law firm’s top priorities. You will always speak with a real person when you contact our Woodbury-based law firm, and you will work one-on-one with your workers’ compensation lawyer throughout your case.

Workers’ compensation cases have strict deadlines, so acting quickly is essential to protect your rights. Call the workers’ compensation attorneys at Baehman Fitzgerald today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Who Qualifies for Workers' Compensation in the Twin Cities?

Under Wisconsin law, nearly all workers qualify for benefits through the workers’ compensation system. This rule covers most full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Aside from some types of workers who receive workers’ comp through other sources, ineligible employees include:

Some agricultural workers
Domestic servants
Volunteers, including many volunteers at nonprofit organizations.
Some religious sect members

Minnesota law is even broader and states that all employers must provide workers’ comp insurance for their employees. Businesses that do not wish to purchase insurance must obtain approval from the state government by showing that they have the resources to self-insure.

In both of these states, independent contractors are not covered under workers’ comp. However, our law firm has seen many cases where employers misclassify eligible workers as contractors, thereby blocking hurt workers from getting financial help after an on-the-job injury. Talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer immediately if your employer says you do not qualify for benefits.

Workers' Comp Benefits for Warehouse and Manufacturing Workers

If you suffered an injury as a warehouse or manufacturing worker in Wisconsin, a lawyer can help you recover full benefits, which could include:

Medical payments covering all reasonable and necessary treatments, including surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and related expenses.
Temporary total disability (TTD): Weekly cash benefits when you cannot perform any work during recovery. These benefits equal two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wages, subject to state limits.
Temporary partial disability (TPD): Weekly benefits when you can return to work but are earning less than before due to restrictions. TPD benefits are the amount that, when combined with your post-injury income, adds up to two-thirds of your pre-injury average wages.
Permanent partial disability (PPD): If you suffer a permanent injury but can still work, you could receive PPD benefits. The state uses complex formulas to determine the amount and duration of your benefits, so make sure you talk to a lawyer to maximize your benefits.
Permanent total disability (PTD): You could receive ongoing benefits if you are fully and permanently disabled due to a work-related injury. These benefits have strict eligibility requirements, but they can last for the rest of your life if you qualify.
Vocational rehabilitation or retraining, if your injury prevents you from returning to your former job.
Death benefits and burial expenses for surviving family members if a work-related injury proves fatal.

Minnesota also provides substantial workers’ comp benefits for injured warehouse and manufacturing workers, including:

Medical benefits that cover all reasonable, necessary medical treatments, from surgeries and prescriptions to physical therapy and diagnostic imaging.
Temporary partial disability (TPD): If your injury prevents you from returning to work in your full capacity, TPD benefits help make up the difference between your pre- and post-injury income. Most workers qualify for up to 275 weeks of TPD benefits, but you must use them within 450 weeks of your injury.
Temporary total disability (TTD): Should your injury keep you from working completely, you could receive TTD benefits. TTD benefits equal two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage, subject to state limits. TTD benefits typically begin on the fourth day of work you miss, but you can receive benefits for those first three days if your injury lasts at least 10 straight days. Benefits typically last for up to 130 weeks.
Permanent partial disability (PPD): An injury that causes a permanent disability but still lets you work in some capacity could lead to PPD benefits. The benefit amount depends on the disability rating from your doctor and how much your condition limits your ability to work.
Permanent total disability (PTD): If you cannot work at all due to a work-related injury, you could receive PTD benefits. As the name suggests, these benefits can continue for life and typically equal two-thirds of your average weekly income.
Vocational rehabilitation to help you find new work if your injury keeps you from going back to your prior job.
Death benefits and burial expenses in cases involving fatal injuries.

While these benefits can provide significant help after an injury, most employers aggressively contest claims. Working with an experienced attorney is crucial for maximizing your benefits and protecting your rights.

Key Deadlines in Wisconsin and Minnesota Workers' Compensation Cases

Wisconsin law says you must report a work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible, preferably within 30 days. You must file a claim for workers’ comp benefits (a separate action from reporting the injury) within two years in most cases, though the deadline is six years if your employer knew or should have known about the injury. Given how long these cases can take, though, your best bet is to act as quickly as possible.

Minnesota has similar deadlines for workers’ comp claims. You must report the injury to your employer within 14 days to fully preserve your rights, though you can submit the report within 30 or even 180 days in some circumstances. However, notifying your employer within 14 days is the best way to avoid complications with your claim. Similarly, you must submit a claim for benefits within three years of the incident in most cases.

Given the amount of paperwork these claims generate, it’s best to contact an attorney immediately and let them handle the legal work. That way, you can focus on healing while the law firm handles the legal aspects of your case.

How Our Woodbury Law Office Helps Injured Warehouse and Manufacturing Workers

Manufacturing and warehouse workers in Minnesota and Wisconsin face significant risks, including vehicle accidents, falls, electrical injuries, and other dangers. If you suffer an injury on the job, our Woodbury-based attorneys can step in to handle the legal process and protect your interests. We gather medical records to document your injuries and limitations, file claims forms, handle disputes with your lawyer, and take your case to trial if necessary. Our attorneys also coach you on what to say and not say, prepare you for any hearings, and explain legal terms in plain terms. With our help, you can concentrate on healing while we fight for your rightful compensation.

Contact Our Woodbury Attorneys Immediately for Legal Assistance

If you’ve been hurt on the job in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, time is of the essence. Call the law firm of Baehman Fitzgerald today or complete our online contact form for a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Woodbury, and let’s discuss your case together.