Injured At Work? Call The Experts.
Atkinson Gerber Law Office

Injured? Take Action Now!

Atkinson Gerber Law Office
Injured? Take Action Now!

Union Workers’ Compensation In Minnesota

After suffering an injury at work, workers often find that the workers’ compensation process is not straightforward. When it comes to compensation, workers often need to take a proactive approach to get the benefits they’re entitled to. The same is true for workers who belong to a local union.

While labor unions provide special benefits and protections for their workers through labor agreements, union workers also have specified procedures when it comes to reporting an injury, receiving medical treatment and filing for compensation.

Collective Bargaining Agreements And Workers’ Compensation

A union’s ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements is often one of the greatest benefits of belonging to a union. These labor contracts secure benefits and rights for union members and can also specify regulations and procedures.

Special benefits are often secured through these collective bargaining agreements. A union’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have a significant impact on an injured worker seeking benefits.

While these collective bargaining agreements exist, workers often need to self-advocate in order to secure their benefits. Depending on the circumstances, workers may still face friction and obstacles to getting compensation. Whether you are a union worker or not, insurance companies almost always benefit from underpaying on claims and working to deny benefits.

The Union Construction Workers’ Compensation Program (UCWCP)

The Union Construction Workers’ Compensation Program (UCWCP) is a defined alternative dispute resolution process. If your employers and union have agreed to participate in the program, you must pursue compensation through this program.

The UCWCP is an alternative process to state-funded workers’ comp for construction workers. Under the UCWCP, the contractor insurer and injured employees use pre-approved providers for medical services, vocational counseling and dispute resolution. However, just because these providers are set, doesn’t mean there isn’t inconsistency. Like, other workers’ comp cases, the primary motivation to cut costs and deny benefits still exists.

Representing Minnesota Union Workers

When you need help navigating the complex world of insurance and union workers’ compensation procedures, Atkinson Gerber Law Office is ready to help. With decades of experience, we are equipped to handle union workers’ comp cases from local labor groups including:

  • Teamsters Local 320
  • Union Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 663
  • Police officers, firefighters and corrections officers with PERA or MSRS cases

Our firm features a board-certified civil litigation expert and all of our lawyers have been recognized in the Super Lawyers list by our peers and judges. With nearly 75 years of combined experience helping injured workers, our law firm is Minnesota’s number one workers’ compensation firm. Most lawyers have little or no experience handling union workers’ compensation cases. Our decades of experience handling the minute details of union workers’ injuries gives us the knowledge we need to resolve your claim as quickly as possible.

Some of the matters we can assist you with include unpaid medical bills, approval of the medical treatment, lost wages, retraining and settlement of your case if desired. Despite the sometimes-overwhelming nature of a workplace injury, we will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the fair and just compensation that you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Union Workers’ Compensation In Minnesota

You may need clarification about how to proceed when injured at work. If you are a union member, determining the proper steps to take to obtain compensation may be even more confusing. We are here to review your case and answer your questions. In the meantime, please see some answers to frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation for union workers in Minnesota.

Do you have to report a workplace injury to your union?

Your employer must provide a copy of the injury report to your union. As an employee, you have no obligation to notify your union unless your specific union rules require it. However, it is your responsibility to follow up on the claim and contact an attorney.

Why do you need to hire a workers’ compensation attorney when you have a union rep?

Even if a union representative assists you with your claim, working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Sometimes, you may not get the support you need with just a union representative helping you. Our team focuses on you and your case so that you know obtaining your benefits is our priority. If your claim is denied and you need to file an appeal, we can review your options and prepare your appeal to strengthen your claim.

Which occupations are most likely to be associated with unions?

While unions are growing in numerous professions, the most unionized occupations include police officers, teachers and school staff, electricians, plumbers, nurses, welders, carpenters, mechanics and other construction workers.

Injured At Work? Call The Experts.

No worker should have to shoulder the burdens of healing from an injury, filing a workers’ comp claim and figuring out union procedures by themselves. Atkinson Law Office, P.A., has the experience to guide you. Reach out to our office in St. Paul for a free initial consultation. You can call us 24/7 at 800-583-7016 or send us an email to get started.

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