Minnesota law

Workers' Compensation Laws in Minnesota.

Minnesota's workers' compensation system is a no-fault system — you don't need to prove your employer was negligent. Benefits include medical treatment, wage replacement, rehabilitation, and permanent disability payments. Minnesota has its own Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals for disputed claims. The system is governed by the Department of Labor and Industry.

Last verified: 2026-04-22

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State law

Statute of Limitations

3 years (report) / 6 years (claim)Minn. Stat. § 176.151

You must report the injury to your employer within 180 days. A formal claim must be filed within 3 years of the injury. In some circumstances, the period extends to 6 years.

Exceptions

Occupational Disease — 3 years from knowledge of disabilityMinn. Stat. § 176.151

For occupational diseases (like mesothelioma or repetitive stress), the limitation period runs from when the employee knew or should have known the disability was related to employment.

State law

Filing Requirements

Report to EmployerMinn. Stat. § 176.141

Report the injury to your employer within 180 days. Written notice is recommended.

Claim Petition

If benefits are denied or disputed, file a Claim Petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Workers' Compensation Division.

State law

Key Minnesota Statutes

Covered EmployersMinn. Stat. § 176.041

Nearly all Minnesota employers must carry workers' compensation insurance. Exceptions include some sole proprietors, certain family farm workers, and a few other narrow categories.

Wage Replacement BenefitsMinn. Stat. § 176.101

Temporary total disability benefits pay two-thirds of your pre-injury gross weekly wage, subject to a maximum set annually by the state.

Choice of DoctorMinn. Stat. § 176.135

Injured workers in Minnesota have the right to choose their own treating physician. The employer's insurer must pay for reasonable and necessary treatment.

Rehabilitation BenefitsMinn. Stat. § 176.102

If you cannot return to your previous job, Minnesota provides vocational rehabilitation services including job retraining, education, and job placement assistance.

Anti-RetaliationMinn. Stat. § 176.82

Employers cannot discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing or intending to file a workers' compensation claim.

State law

Official Sources

Minnesota Revisor of Statutes Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Workers' Comp

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.

Minnesota

County-by-County Workers' Compensation Guides

View courthouse information, legal aid organizations, and local resources for workers' compensation cases in specific Minnesota counties.

Browse Minnesota county guides

Workers' Compensation Laws in Minnesota.

Ask about a workers' compensation deadline, right, or next step.

Statute of Limitations

Filing Requirements

Key Minnesota Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

County-by-County Workers' Compensation Guides

Other state law topics.