Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Help: Office of Workers' Compensation Ombudsman

There's no question that the Minnesota workers' compensation system is extremely complex. Trying to navigate the system on your own can be very stressful. For injured workers who are having difficulty navigating the process, now the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is offering free assistance. 

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recently created the Office of Workers’ Compensation Ombudsman service to provide information and assistance to injured workers and small businesses having difficulty navigating the workers’ compensation system, and to help resolve problems these parties encounter in the system. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Ombudsman also makes recommendations for statutory or rule changes to improve the effectiveness of the workers’ compensation system.

For injured workers, the ombudsman provides assistance by:

• Providing advice and information and to help them protect their rights and to pursue a claim;
• Contacting claims adjusters and other parties to resolve disputes; 
• Assisting in preparing for settlement negotiations or mediations; and 
• Making appropriate referrals to other agencies or entities when further resources are necessary. 

For small businesses, the ombudsman provides assistance by:

• Providing information regarding what to do when an employee reports an injury; 
• Directing them to appropriate resources for assistance in obtaining and resolving issues regarding workers’ compensation insurance; and 
• Responding to questions pertaining to employers’ responsibilities under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. 

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Ombudsman can be contacted at (651) 284-5013, 1-800-DIAL-DLI (1-800-342-5354), TTY (651) 297-4198, or by email at dli.ombudsman@state.mn.us. 

This should be a great resource for both injured workers and small businesses that are confused by the Minnesota workers’ compensation system. In fact, I’m optimistic that the Ombudsman will help parties resolve minor issues or communication breakdowns before they turn into major disputes. A less complex, less contentious, and more efficient Minnesota workers’ compensation system is good for all interested parties. 

For a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your Minnesota workers’ compensation rights or for a free case evaluation, call Meuser & Associate at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.