If you are unable to work at all following your work injury, you may qualify for Disability Benefits. The first thing that we ask all of our clients is whether or not they have Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability. Usually, Short Term Disability policies are for 3 or 6 months, and Long Term Disability policies can pay up to several years.

These insurance policies are designed to provide benefits when you are injured or disabled and cannot return to work. The great thing about these disability policies is that they are usually self-funded by the Employer, and therefore, when you settle your case, you might not have to pay the entire amount back to the disability insurance carrier.

This is usually the case with Short Term Disability benefits, and sometimes the case with Long Term Disability. Our Long Term Disability attorneys can also negotiate down the amount you have to pay back to Long Term Disability so it doesn’t end up offsetting your Workers’ Compensation benefits as much.

Another option for someone who is totally disabled and unable to return to work, or have a condition that could last for a year or longer, is to apply for Social Security Disability. At Fields Law, our attorneys can help coordinate all of your Workers’ Compensation and Disability Benefits to maximize the compensation you receive, as quickly as possible.

If you are physically unable to do the work that your employer has for you, and they have told you that they cannot accommodate your work restrictions, you may be found eligible for unemployment if you are able to work in some capacity. If you have been terminated or laid off from work, you have the right to file for unemployment.

You also have the right to receive vocational rehabilitation services as part of your Workers’ Compensation claim if your employer is unable to accommodate your work restrictions. This means you will receive help from a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) with job searches, career counseling, skills training, case management and even tuition.

If you don’t have health insurance, you can apply for medical assistance through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Keep in mind, it’s very important that you can continue to see your doctor and treat for your injury.

If you don’t have income coming in from Workers’ Compensation, then you will likely get medical benefits from the state or the county you live in. Depending on the county, you might not have to pay a premium, while state assistance typically determines your insurance premium based on your income.

If you do not have disability benefits and you don’t qualify for unemployment, then the next option is to apply for government assistance. Usually going to the Department of Human Services is the most helpful, because they can provide food stamps/EBT cards, cash assistance in some circumstances when individuals are unable to work at all, and they can provide housing assistance. The State also has a work force center located near the unemployment and human services offices that can provide job search assistance.

And finally, if you are unable to pay your bills and have started receiving notices from collection agencies, our law firm can help with that, too. Our attorneys can make debt collection calls and letters stop and prevent debt collectors from harassing you. We can also help you settle your debts by negotiating a lower amount or a payment plan that works for you.