Scaffolding accidents can seriously change your life. Worker’s compensation gives you basic benefits but often does not cover everything. In Minnesota, you have more options than just worker’s comp. Many people do not know about these third-party claims. They can help you get compensated for pain and suffering, full wage replacement, and other damages that worker’s comp does not cover.
Who else might be responsible for your scaffolding injury?
In Minnesota, worker’s compensation is your only option against your employer if you get hurt at work. But you can go after other parties involved in your accident. They can be:
- Scaffolding manufacturers: In charge of making or designing faulty equipment
- General contractors: Did not follow the site rules strictly
- Property owners: People who let dangerous conditions exist
- Subcontractors: Incorrectly setting up scaffolding may have caused your injury
- Equipment rental companies: Those who gave you bad parts
These third-party claims have different rules than worker’s compensation. You need to show negligence or product liability based on Minnesota law. You must prove the other party did not do their job to keep things safe.
What additional compensation can you recover?
In Minnesota, your worker’s compensation benefits cover your medical bills and replace part of your wages. Usually, you get two-thirds of what you earn weekly. You also receive payments for permanent disability based on a set schedule. But with third-party claims, you can go after:
- All your lost wages and future earning potential
- Money for pain and suffering
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Reimbursement for loss of enjoyment in life
- Complete coverage of all medical expenses, both past and future
Scaffolding injury cases include worker’s compensation law, construction rules, and product liability laws. As a rule, you have six years to file negligence claims but only four years for product liability. You should act quickly while evidence stays fresh to ensure the highest chance of getting your claim.
How a legal advocate makes a difference
An attorney can help you find those who might be responsible. They can also effectively figure out the full value of your damages. They can manage the worker’s comp insurer’s subrogation rights, so you get the most compensation and meet your legal duty to pay back the worker’s comp system from your third-party recovery.
