Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation If I Didn’t Miss Time From Work?

Workers’ compensation is often viewed as a vehicle to supplement your income in the event that you miss time from work due to an injury in the workplace. But what if you suffer an injury at work and don’t end up missing your next shift? Even though you’re still working and getting paid, you still have options when it comes to workers’ compensation in Minnesota. We explore those options in today’s blog.

Workers’ Compensation When You Don’t Miss Work

Workers’ compensation doesn’t just pay you a percentage of your income when a work injury has rendered you unable to work. Another common expense they’ll cover is medical bills. So if you suffer an injury at work, you go into a clinic to get evaluated and the doctor diagnoses you with an injury but states that it shouldn’t affect your ability to work, you will be entitled to have those medical bills covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

It may sound like a little bit of a hassle, but odds are you’ve seen how medical bills can get out of hand in a hurry. Even a routine visit with x-rays can run upwards of $500 or more depending on your insurance, and that’s not something you should have to pay out of pocket. A workers’ compensation lawyer can ensure you get payment for those medical expenses that occurred as a result of a work injury.

The same can be said for precautionary injuries and medical exams. For example, let’s say you were working on the construction site when you were struck in the hardhat by a falling object. The incident “rung your bell,” so to speak, but you never lost consciousness and you were protected from any wounds by your hardhat. Still, the foreman wants you to be evaluated by a physician to make sure it’s still safe for you to operate heavy equipment. During the evaluation, the doctor finds no evidence or a concussion or any signs that suggest you shouldn’t be able to work. You can return to the job site for your next shift, but the bill for the doctor’s appointment is going to be sent to you, not your boss. Know that these precautionary appointments are also covered by workers’ compensation.

Don’t get stuck with a bill because you don’t want to cause any problems for your employer. You are legally allowed to have the insurance company cover expenses that are directly related to your work injury, even if you don’t miss any time from work. Don’t let them bully you or tell you that you can’t collect workers’ compensation because you’re back to work the next day. Contact an injury lawyer like Dean Margolis at the Margolis Law Office. We can help guide you through the system and ensure you collect every penny that you’re owed by the insurance company. Even if you’re not sure if you’re entitled to benefits, it never hurts to reach out for clarification. For more information or to set up an appointment with our office to learn more about your benefit options, give us a call today at (952) 230-2700.