When an employer is unable to adjust your previous position or provide another role that fits your medical restrictions, you may qualify for wage loss benefits under workers’ compensation. These benefits help replace your income while you’re unable to return to your regular duties. They typically continue until your employer can offer a suitable position that meets your doctor’s limitations or you’re medically cleared to resume work.

If you’ve been let go due to your work restrictions, it’s important to have a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) assigned to your case. A QRC assists with creating or updating your résumé and helps identify job opportunities that match your physical or medical limitations. The workers’ compensation insurance company typically covers the cost of this service. During your job search, you may also be eligible for wage loss benefits to help replace your income until you find suitable employment that aligns with your doctor’s restrictions.

No — you don’t lose that difference. When it can be shown that your reduced earnings are directly related to your work injury, the workers’ compensation insurance company must cover part of that wage gap. Specifically, they’re required to pay two-thirds (⅔) of the difference between your previous wage and your current wage. For example, if you earned $400 per week before the injury and now make $300 per week, you have a $100 wage loss. In this case, the insurer would owe you about $66.66 each week in addition to your new paycheck to help make up for the loss in income.

No, you won’t lose that difference. If your reduced pay is due to medical restrictions from your work injury, you’re generally entitled to receive two-thirds (⅔) of the wage difference between what you earned before the injury and what you now make in your light-duty role. This benefit helps offset the lower pay while you continue to recover and remain within your doctor’s work limitations.

In Minnesota, the value of an injury is based on a Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) rating assigned by the state legislature. Each body part has a specific percentage value that represents the level of permanent impairment. On average, each percentage point is typically worth between $750 and $900. For instance, a 5% rating would equal about $3,750, a 10% rating about $8,000, and a 15% rating around $12,750. Some injuries receive a single defined rating, while others may qualify for multiple overlapping ratings depending on the nature and severity of the injury — which can make a significant difference in total compensation.

Yes. If your current position offers little opportunity for advancement or higher pay, you may qualify for a workers’ compensation retraining program. This benefit allows you to attend vocational school, college, or trade training to prepare for a new career. While enrolled, the insurance company is typically required to provide weekly wage loss payments, along with full reimbursement for tuition, books, mileage, and child care expenses related to your schooling. Retraining is designed to help injured workers transition into a more sustainable and better-paying field when their injury limits future opportunities.

Not always. In many cases, it’s possible to request a change of treating physician under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. There are several valid reasons for switching doctors, such as:

• You’ve moved to a different city or area.

• Your current doctor has reached the limits of what they can do for your recovery.

• You need care from a different type of specialist — for instance, moving from a chiropractor to a surgeon, or from a neurologist to a chiropractor.

If any of these apply, a request can be made to have your care transferred to a new provider who better fits your medical and recovery needs.

Workers’ compensation attorneys in Minnesota are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your case is successful. The attorney’s fee is a set percentage of the benefits recovered on your behalf. If the claim isn’t won, you owe no attorney fees. This allows injured workers to access experienced legal help without any upfront costs or financial risk.