Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Minnesota

When there is a dispute over a claim, a party files a claim petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings on the commissioner's form and serves it on the other parties. After a compensation judge decides, a party may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals within 30 days after being served with notice of the award or order; the court may extend this by up to 30 more days if cause is shown within the original 30 days.

A claim petition is heard by a compensation judge. A party may appeal the judge's decision to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals within 30 days after being served with notice of the award or order; the court may extend this by up to 30 more days if cause is shown within the original 30 days. Grounds include errors of law and findings that are clearly erroneous and unsupported by substantial evidence.

An injured worker must start proceedings to recover compensation within three years after the employer's written report of the injury is made to the Department of Labor and Industry, but no later than six years from the date of the accident. For occupational diseases (including radiation injuries), the worker must give notice and start an action within three years after learning the cause of the injury and the injury has resulted in disability. For death claims, dependents generally have three years after the department receives the employer's written notice of death, up to six years. Limits are extended three years after a physical or mental incapacity (other than being a minor) ends.