How long does an injured worker have to file a claim for benefits in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, an injured worker has three years from the date of the injury to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. This duration is established to provide a reasonable timeframe for individuals to recognize their injury, seek necessary medical treatment, and gather any pertinent information required to support their claim.

Filing a claim within this three-year period is critical for preserving the right to benefits, as claims filed after this window may be denied. This timeframe reflects an understanding of the complexity of workplace injuries, which may sometimes take time to fully manifest or be diagnosed, thus allowing injured workers an adequate period to address their situation properly before pursuing benefits.