Minnesota § 176.82 - ACTION FOR CIVIL DAMAGES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMPLOYEE SEEKING BENEFITS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 176.82 — ACTION FOR CIVIL DAMAGES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMPLOYEE SEEKING BENEFITS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 176.82. ACTION FOR CIVIL DAMAGES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMPLOYEE SEEKING BENEFITS
Subdivision 1.Retaliatory discharge.
Any person discharging or threatening to discharge an employee for seeking workers' compensation benefits or in any manner intentionally obstructing an employee seeking workers' compensation benefits is liable in a civil action for damages incurred by the employee including any diminution in workers' compensation benefits caused by a violation of this section including costs and reasonable attorney fees, and for punitive damages not to exceed three times the amount of any compensation benefit to which the employee is entitled. Damages awarded under this section shall not be offset by any workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is entitled.
Subd. 2.Refusal to offer continued employment.
An employer who, without reasonable cause, refuses to offer continued employment to its employee when employment is available within the employee's physical limitations shall be liable in a civil action for one year's wages. The wages are payable from the date of the refusal to offer continued employment, and at the same time and at the same rate as the employee's preinjury wage, to continue during the period of the refusal up to a maximum of $15,000. These payments shall be in addition to any other payments provided by this chapter. In determining the availability of employment, the continuance in business of the employer shall be considered and written rules promulgated by the employer with respect to seniority or the provisions or any collective bargaining agreement shall govern. These payments shall not be covered by a contract of insurance. The employer shall be served directly and be a party to the claim. This subdivision shall not apply to employers who employ 15 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
History:
1975 c 359 s 21,23; 1995 c 231 art 1 s 30
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 176.82
What does Minnesota Statutes § 176.82 cover?
Section 176.82 ("ACTION FOR CIVIL DAMAGES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMPLOYEE SEEKING BENEFITS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 176.82?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 176.82" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 176.82 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.