--- title: "Personal Injury 101: Replacement Services — Aaron Ferguson Law" description: After a Minnesota car accident, replacement services can help cover housework, childcare, and other tasks while you recover. image: https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1609195239982.jpeg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-101-replacement-services#main-content) [(651) 493-0426](tel:16514930426) [BLOG](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog) [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/testimonials?hsLang=en) [CONTACT US](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/contact?hsLang=en) [![arron.ferguson.law](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/arron.ferguson.law.header6.png?width=230&height=67&name=arron.ferguson.law.header6.png "arron.ferguson.law")](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/?hsLang=en) [![arron.ferguson.law](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/arron.ferguson.law.header6.png?width=230&height=67&name=arron.ferguson.law.header6.png "arron.ferguson.law")](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/?hsLang=en) - [HOME](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/) - [ATTORNEYS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/attorneys) - [STAFF](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/staff) - [AREAS OF PRACTICE](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/practice-areas) - [WORKERS' COMPENSATION](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/workers-compensation) - [PERSONAL INJURY](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/personal-injury) - RESOURCES - [PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM PROCESS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/a-guide-to-the-personal-injury-claim-process) - [COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CLAIM PROCESS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/navigating-commercial-vehicle-accident-personal-injury-claims) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/privacy-policy) - [English](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-101-replacement-services) - [Español](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/es/blog/lo-bsico-de-las-lesiones-personales-los-servicios-de-reemplazo) Toggle Menu - [English](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-101-replacement-services) - [Español](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/es/blog/lo-bsico-de-las-lesiones-personales-los-servicios-de-reemplazo) Toggle Menu [(651) 493-0426 ►](tel:651-565-1721) - [HOME](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/) - [ATTORNEYS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/attorneys) - [STAFF](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/staff) - [AREAS OF PRACTICE](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/practice-areas) - [WORKERS' COMPENSATION](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/workers-compensation) - [PERSONAL INJURY](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/personal-injury) - RESOURCES - [PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM PROCESS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/a-guide-to-the-personal-injury-claim-process) - [COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CLAIM PROCESS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/navigating-commercial-vehicle-accident-personal-injury-claims) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/privacy-policy) - [BLOG](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog) - [CONTACT US](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/contact) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/testimonials) 2 min read # Personal Injury 101: What are Replacement Services? Aaron Ferguson Law Sep 2, 2026, 12:00:00 PM [Injuries](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/tag/injuries) ![Personal Injury 101: What are Replacement Services?](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1609195239982.jpeg) If you’re injured in a car accident, andthat injury keeps you from handling everyday tasks around your household, your[personal injury claim](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/a-guide-to-the-personal-injury-claim-process?hsLang=en) could reimburse you for any help needed to do those tasks. It’s a process called “replacement services,” and it's easy to miss if no one tells you it exists. ## The Legal Definition Minnesota law uses the technical term "replacement services" for this benefit. Here's the exact language: *In Minnesota law, replacement services are: All expenses reasonably incurred by or on behalf of the nonfatally injured person in obtaining usual and necessary substitute services in lieu of those that, had the injured person not been injured, the injured person would have performed not for income but for direct personal benefit or for the benefit of the injured person's household.* [(Minn. Stat. § 65B.44, subd. 5)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.44) In plain terms: if your injury stops you from doing tasks you'd normally handle yourself around the house, you may be able to get paid back for hiring someone else to do them. ### What counts as replacement services? Replacement services cover the everyday tasks an injury keeps you from doing yourself, including: - Cleaning and laundry - Grocery shopping - Lawn care and snow removal - Childcare - Meal preparation - Basic home maintenance If a task benefited your household and you'd normally handle it yourself, ask your insurer if it qualifies. ## How do I get reimbursed for replacement services? First, you’ll need to ask your doctor for a physical examination. If your doctor provides written instructions that prevent you from completing housework during recovery, you can ask for reimbursement. This is just like asking for a doctor’s note if you need to take time off work.  ## How much money can I claim for replacement services? If you’re approved for reimbursement, you’d receive a weekly stipend to pay for someone else to complete these tasks for you. [Minnesota's No-Fault Act](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-claims-101-process-and-tips-for-a-no-fault-arbitration?hsLang=en) sets specific limits on this benefit: | **Requirement** | **Details** | | --- | --- | | Weekly maximum | Up to $200 per week | | Waiting period | No benefits for the first 7 days after your injury | | How the amount is calculated | Based on the reasonable value of the tasks, or your actual out-of-pocket expenses | | Documentation | Keep receipts or a written log, even for cash payments |   You don't need to hire a professional service to qualify. If a family member or friend helps you out, you can still seek reimbursement, as long as you can show what tasks they performed and what you paid them. Replacement services connect to the same[No-Fault priority rules](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/who-pays-the-bills-minnesota-no-fault-automobile-insurance-priority?hsLang=en) that determine which insurance company pays your medical bills and[lost wages](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-101-wage-loss?hsLang=en) after an accident. All three benefits draw from the same $20,000 economic loss limit. Replacement services are just one small part of a personal injury claim. If you have been hurt in an accident, [schedule a free consultation](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/contact?hsLang=en) to make sure you're getting every benefit you're entitled to. ![Get a Free Case Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39707665/interactive-154970037596.png) ### Frequently Asked Questions Does replacement services coverage apply to workers' compensation claims too? No. Replacement services benefits described here come from Minnesota's No-Fault Act, which applies to car accidents. Workers' compensation claims have separate rules for household and attendant care assistance, so check with an attorney about which system applies to your situation. Who pays for my replacement services benefits? Your own auto insurance typically pays first if you own and insure a vehicle. If you don't, Minnesota's priority system looks to a relative's policy or the insurance on the vehicle you were riding in. Can I hire a family member or friend to help instead of a company? Yes. Minnesota law doesn't require that you hire a professional to perform replacement services. You can pay a family member or friend, but keep documentation showing what tasks they performed and what you paid them. Do I need receipts if I paid someone in cash? Yes. Even cash payments need documentation. A simple written log with the date, task, and amount paid is usually enough for your insurer to verify the claim. How long can I receive replacement services benefits? Benefits continue as long as your doctor confirms you can't perform these tasks, up to Minnesota's combined $20,000 economic loss limit.  What if my insurance company denies my replacement services claim? Insurers sometimes deny or underpay these claims because the amounts are smaller than medical bills. If that happens, an attorney can help you gather documentation and push back on the decision. [◄ Back to Blog Listing Page](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog?hsLang=en) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### Subscribe ## Key Takeaways - A car accident claim can cover more than medical bills and lost wages. - Minnesota law recognizes everyday tasks an injury keeps you from doing, like grocery shopping, childcare, and lawn care. - A doctor's note and documentation of your expenses can help you claim this benefit, up to $200 per week. [CONTACT US ►](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/contact?hsLang=en) OFFICE  (651) 493-0426 FAX  (651) 493-3843 3900 NORTHWOODS DR. SUITE #250 ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA 55112 ##### DIRECTIONS [![arron.ferguson.law](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/arron.ferguson.law.reverse.png?width=120&height=120&name=arron.ferguson.law.reverse.png)](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/?hsLang=en) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/en-us/privacy-policy) © 2026 Aaron Ferguson Law. All rights reserved. Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Aaron Ferguson Law", "url" : "https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/author/aaron-ferguson-law" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-02T16:00:00.586Z", "datePublished" : "2026-09-02T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Personal Injury 101: Replacement Services — Aaron Ferguson Law", "image" : [ "https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1609195239982.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-101-replacement-services", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.aaronfergusonlaw.com/hubfs/branding/af_logo.png" }, "name" : "Aaron Ferguson Law" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. Replacement services benefits described here come from Minnesota's No-Fault Act, which applies to car accidents. Workers' compensation claims have separate rules for household and attendant care assistance, so check with an attorney about which system applies to your situation." }, "name" : "Does replacement services coverage apply to workers' compensation claims too?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Your own auto insurance typically pays first if you own and insure a vehicle. If you don't, Minnesota's priority system looks to a relative's policy or the insurance on the vehicle you were riding in." }, "name" : "Who pays for my replacement services benefits?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Minnesota law doesn't require that you hire a professional to perform replacement services. You can pay a family member or friend, but keep documentation showing what tasks they performed and what you paid them." }, "name" : "Can I hire a family member or friend to help instead of a company?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Even cash payments need documentation. A simple written log with the date, task, and amount paid is usually enough for your insurer to verify the claim." }, "name" : "Do I need receipts if I paid someone in cash?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Benefits continue as long as your doctor confirms you can't perform these tasks, up to Minnesota's combined $20,000 economic loss limit." }, "name" : "How long can I receive replacement services benefits?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Insurers sometimes deny or underpay these claims because the amounts are smaller than medical bills. If that happens, an attorney can help you gather documentation and push back on the decision." }, "name" : "What if my insurance company denies my replacement services claim?" } ] } ```