Can I Get A New QRC After My Minnesota Work Injury?

If you’re dealing with some challenges returning to work or finding gainful employment after a work injury forces you out of your old job, you’ll likely connect with a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant, or QRC for short. A QRC can prove incredibly helpful at helping you return to gainful employment after a work injury, but because they are a more neutral party in the process, it’s possible that you just don’t feel like they are the right fit for your situation. Can you change QRCs after a work injury, or are you stuck with the one you’re assigned with? We explore the process of changing QRCs in today’s blog.

Getting A QRC After A Work Injury

You can end up with a QRC assigned to your injury case in a few different ways in the wake of an on-the-job injury. One can be assigned to you by your request, at the request of your employer, or by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. It’s important to remember that you can choose your QRC if you get the ball rolling early enough. If you’re eligible for a QRC, you can connect with one or have your lawyer reach out to a specific QRC group on your behalf.

Don’t know where you’d begin your search for a QRC? The Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry is required to keep an updated list of QRC contact information on their website. You can access the link to that list on this page on their website.

But what if a QRC is assigned to your case, or you pick one and it turns out they just aren’t the right fit for your case? You have options for getting a new QRC assigned to your case, and we’ll touch on that process in a second, but first let’s look at some common reasons why injured workers consider switching QRCs after one has been assigned to their case:

Your QRC seems to be siding with insurance more than expected
They are questioning your symptoms
They are downplaying the extent of your injuries
They seem to be rushing you back to work despite your feelings or the suggestions of your doctor
Their priority seems to be wrapping up your case, not helping you the best they can
They seem to lack a depth of knowledge with your specific injury or job demands
They just aren’t a great match for your personality or approach to rehab

There doesn’t need to be anything malicious about their care or their work with you. If you simply want a fresh start with a new QRC, you are entitled to switch, but there is one main rule you need to keep in mind.

In Minnesota, you only have 60 days to switch QRCs. Once a QRC is assigned to your case, you have 60 days to make the change. As we mentioned above, you don’t need to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt that switching qualified rehabilitation consultants is in your best interests. You simply need to inform the insurer that you want to choose a different QRC. They have to honor this request, so long as it is within this 60-day timeline.

If you’re considering switching QRCs, here’s a few recommendations. First, if you have some time, consider researching QRC groups ahead of time. Instead of simply telling the insurance company that you wish to choose your own QRC, you may be able to inform them at the same time which group you’re switching to. This helps limit the back and forth between you and the insurer.

But our best advice is to avoid seeking out a QRC on your own. Odds are you don’t know what to look for in a QRC, and while a Google search or a quick look at reviews may provide some information, the best source of information on helpful QRCs will be your lawyer. Odds are your lawyer will have worked with plenty of QRC groups in the past, and they likely know some that have provided very pleasant experiences for clients. We have some QRC groups that we enjoy working with, and we’ve worked with some who seem to have a history that’s a little more favorable to the insurance company. We’d be happy to provide a shortlist of QRC groups that may be right for you based on your injuries, your job type or your future work goals.

You can switch QRCs, but don’t just choose your next one randomly. Instead, connect with the team at Margolis Law Firm and ensure you have a QRC that best suits your situation. For more information, or for help with a different aspect of your injury case, reach out to Dean and this team today at (952) 230-2700.