The Social Security Administration reports that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 55 million Americans will increase 5.8% in 2009. This is the largest increase since 1982.

The Star Tribune reports that the typical retiree’s monthly check will go from $1,090 to $1,153. The average couple, if both receive Social Security benefits, will see their monthly check go up by $103 a month, to $1,876.

The standard Supplemental Security Income payment for an individual will go from $956 per month to $1,011, and the average monthly check for a disabled worker will go from $1,006 to $1,064.

Unfortunately, as the baby boomers retire in record numbers, the Social Security trust fund will run out by 2041.

The Minnesota workers’ compensation system was established in 1913 to help injured employees cope with the financial hardship brought on by occupational injuries and to assist in returning the employee to employment. However, with the inception of the system came a struggle between providing necessary benefits to the injured employee and the costs incurred by the employer and insurer during the process.

Minnesota workers’ compensation does not take fault into account. In fact, think of it as a contract between the employee and his or her employer. The employer agrees to compensate the employee for on-the-job injuries, and in return, the employer has limited liability with a set amount of exposure. Every employer is liable for compensation in every case of personal injury or death of an employee arising out of and in the course of employment without regard to the question of negligence.

Although workers’ compensation can be categorized as an exclusive remedy, it does not prohibit an employee from bringing other claims against the employer for things like discrimination, retaliation, or other claims.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has a helpful resource for injured workers. The Florida state website has a great article on the history of workers’ compensation so does the Workers’ Compensation Law Center.

Welcome to Comp Wonk!

Our one and only job at Comp Wonk is to keep you informed and up to date on Minnesota workers’ compensation issues. Oftentimes, the workers’ compensation system can be difficult to drudge through.

If you have been injured on the job or if you know someone who has been injured, you already know that obtaining benefits can be a difficult and taxing process. This blog and the associated articles will provide you with an understanding and basic foundation of workers’ compensation in Minnesota.

(A “wonk,” by the way, is an overly-studious or hard-working person. In this case, I will strive to be both for you, the readers.)

Comp Wonk, a workers’ compensation weblog, written by a claimants’ attorney, will launch on November 1. Until then, add our RSS feed to your reader and keep calm and carry on.