Workers’ Compensation 101: What is a QRC?

If you've been injured at work in Minnesota, you're entitled to several types of benefits known as Workers’ Compensation. Minnesota law provides for medical, wage loss, job rehabilitation, and permanent partial disability benefits.

Medical benefits cover your treatment costs. Wage loss benefits replace a portion of your income while you recover. A Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) helps you get back to work. That last benefit is one many injured workers don't learn about until it's already in motion.

QRCs are job-related consultants registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. They're considered neutral parties under their license — meaning they don't advocate for you the way your attorney does. Their job is to help coordinate the practical side of your recovery: scheduling appointments, making sure your doctors understand your job duties, and helping your doctors write work restrictions that reflect what your job actually requires.

If you're not able to return to the job you had when you were injured, a QRC can also help you with job search and, depending on your situation, may be able to facilitate job retraining.

There are two ways a QRC can get involved in your case: either you choose one, or your employer's workers' compensation insurance company chooses one for you.

You have the right to choose your own QRC. If the insurance chooses a QRC, you have 60 days to reject that decision and choose your own. That window matters, so don't wait. Ask your attorney to recommend a QRC they know and trust. The right QRC can make a difference in your case.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a QRC:

1. QRCs go with you to some of your medical appointments. Is this person someone that you can trust to be professional and help you communicate your needs clearly to your care team?

2. QRCs communicate with your supervisor/employer. Will this person accurately relay your doctor's work restrictions? Will they push for the accommodations you need to get back to work?

3. QRCs can be called to speak in legal proceedings about your recovery. Have they been helping you follow your doctor's guidance and stay on track with your case?

Because QRCs are neutral, who you choose still matters. The right QRC will be thorough, fair, and professional in how they handle communications between your doctors and your employer. The wrong one can create problems you may not even realize until later.

If you have questions about your QRC or your benefits, contact us to set up a free consultation.