If you develop an illness or injury because of your job, you may need financial help to cover your medical bills and lost wages as your recover. However, you might worry about the stigma you could face in the workplace if you file a workers’ compensation claim.
You are not alone in feeling this way. According to Marketplace, as many as half of all serious workplaces injuries go unreported.
Remember these basic facts to help you manage your fear of filing for workers’ comp.
Your claim is against the insurer, not your employer
If you have a good relationship with your boss, you may hesitate to pursue workers’ compensation. However, you should remember that your claim is against your employer’s insurer. Regardless of the outcome of your case, your employer will need to continue to pay workers’ compensation premiums to maintain coverage under Minnesota law.
Many people will need workers’ comp benefits during their career
Many people will suffer a workplace injury at some point in their life and require financial assistance. In fact, between 2008 and 2014, Minnesota insurers paid more than $1 billion every year in workers’ compensation, according to the state’s Department of Health. Though you may fear the opinions of your colleagues if you file a claim, consider that many of them may have also filed a claim in the past or will need to in the future.
You have a right to compensation after an injury on the job. Overcoming your concerns about the stigma of works’ comp will help to ensure you have the help you need to recover.