What is the function of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals in Minnesota?

The Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals in Minnesota primarily serves the function of reviewing disputes and appeals related to workers' compensation claims and final determinations. This court addresses cases where an individual or a party disagrees with a decision made by a compensation judge in the Workers' Compensation Division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The importance of this review process lies in its ability to ensure that the application of workers' compensation laws is consistent and fair, providing a mechanism for error correction and legal interpretation. It does not create new laws regarding workers' rights; rather, it interprets existing statutes and applies them to specific cases. Additionally, the court does not provide legal representation, as that role is typically filled by attorneys, and while it may help clarify issues, it does not actively mediate disputes between parties. Instead, its focus is on legal review rather than direct negotiation or conflict resolution.