What should an injured worker do if their claim is disputed by the employer?

When an injured worker's claim is disputed by their employer, the appropriate step they should take is to file a claim petition with the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. This court is designed to resolve disputes arising from workers' compensation claims, providing a legal avenue for workers to challenge employer decisions regarding claim denials or benefits. By filing a claim petition, the injured worker formally brings their case before the court, which can help ensure that their rights are recognized and that they receive the benefits to which they may be entitled under Minnesota's workers' compensation laws.

This process also allows for a structured review of the circumstances surrounding the claim, enabling the court to make a determination based on the presented evidence and legal arguments. Therefore, pursuing this option not only provides a way to challenge the dispute but also adheres to the procedural requirements established for resolving such issues within the workers' compensation system.

Other options, such as filing a civil lawsuit against the employer, would likely not be viable because workers' compensation systems typically provide exclusive remedies for job-related injuries. Consulting with a legal advisor is generally a prudent course of action, but it does not directly resolve the dispute with the employer. Seeking other funding signals a resignation to the dispute rather than a proactive approach to obtaining benefits