tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34728737988927479952024-03-10T20:24:13.309-07:00PERA and Workers' Compensation Blog by MN Attorneys<center><big><b>Call 1-877-746-5680 for a Free Consultation | Minneapolis, MN</b></big></center>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-28026259433370972802018-05-21T09:21:00.000-07:002018-06-06T09:23:56.265-07:00MN Legislature Passes New First Responder Work Comp PTSD Bill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Great news for Minnesota’s first responders! A bill has been passed by both the House and Senate, and is expected to be signed by the Governor, that adds additional workers’ compensation rights for our <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/PolicePTSDFAQ" target="_blank">state’s first responders</a> who are suffering from mental illness.<br />
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House Bill HF 3873 and the companion Bill in the Senate SF3420 have both passed with overwhelming support, and the bill is expected to be signed by Governor Dayton. The portion of the bill as it relates to first responders and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a> will take effect January 1, 2019.<br />
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This bill has been in the works for a few years now, but finally had enough support to pass. While it won’t necessarily have a significant impact on people who are <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/part-i-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">currently in the Minnesota workers’ compensation system</a>, we expect that it will make a major difference to those who find themselves struggling with <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">work-related PTSD</a> in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-is-ptsd.html">Post-traumatic stress disorder</a> is a major problem amongst <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/ptsd-is-covered-under-minnesota-pera.html">Minnesota’s first responders</a>. Our state’s first responders see and experience the worst of humanity. They are on the front lines when it comes to dealing with violent crimes, child abuse, medical emergencies, fatal accidents, and death. It should come as no surprise that <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">repeated exposure</a> to this kind of trauma puts our first responders at risk for developing PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a devastating condition that affects a person’s ability to process stressors. The symptoms can pervade every area of life – from work to home life.<br />
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There is effective help out there for people suffering from PTSD. But, for our state’s first responders, historically, there have been <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-if-critical-incidents-which-cause.html">barriers to getting access to this help</a>. Hopefully, this bill will reduce the barriers to accessing help.<br />
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Until October 1, 2013, Minnesota work comp law did not recognize <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.html">post-traumatic stress disorder as a compensable injury</a>. This meant that an individual with work-related post-traumatic stress disorder – no matter how valid the diagnosis, and no matter how disabling the condition – was ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.<br />
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Our legislature finally took action and passed legislation recognizing post-traumatic stress disorder as a compensable injury beginning October 1, 2013. Since that time, <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has helped hundreds of our state’s first responders suffering from PTSD navigate the complexities of the <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> system.<br />
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As the law has developed in this area, one thing has become very clear – too many of our <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">state’s first responders</a> are being <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">denied Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits</a> at the outset. While in our experience, some workers’ compensation insurers have been better than others in accepting primary liability on post-traumatic stress disorder claims, we estimate that approximately 75% of these claims involving police officers and firefighters are denied at the outset. Notwithstanding an initial denial of liability, <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has an excellent track record of getting good results on these types of cases. It’s not always easy or straightforward, and it can be very difficult emotionally for an individual suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to go through the process of litigation. We are hopeful this new first responder PTSD bill will change that.<br />
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The Minnesota bill that was just passed creates a statutory presumption of work-relatedness for certain classes of workers, who have been diagnosed with <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">post-traumatic stress disorder</a>.<br />
Here is the relevant text:<br />
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<u>If, preceding the date of disablement or death, an employee who was employed on active duty as: a licensed police officer; a firefighter; a paramedic; an emergency medical technician; a licensed nurse employed to provide emergency medical services outside of a medical facility; a public safety dispatcher; an officer employed by the state or a political subdivision at a corrections, detention, or secure treatment facility; a sheriff or full-time deputy sheriff of any county; or a member of the Minnesota State Patrol is diagnosed with a mental impairment as defined in paragraph (d), and had not been diagnosed with the mental impairment previously, then the mental impairment is presumptively an occupational disease and shall be presumed to have been due to the nature of employment. This presumption may be rebutted by substantial factors brought by the employer or insurer. Any substantial factors that are used to rebut this presumption and that are known to the employer or insurer at the time of the denial of liability shall be communicated to the employee on the denial of liability. The mental impairment is not considered an occupational disease if it results from a disciplinary action, work evaluation, job transfer, layoff, demotion, promotion, termination, retirement, or similar action taken in good faith by the employer.</u><br />
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This provision will only apply to individuals with a date of injury on or after January 1, 2019, but it should hopefully result in more individuals being approved at the outset for <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> benefits.<br />
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This bill specifically includes the following individuals for additional protections under the Minnesota workers’ compensation act:<br />
<ul>
<li>Licensed police officers</li>
<li>Firefighters</li>
<li>Paramedics</li>
<li>EMTs</li>
<li>Licensed nurses employed to provide emergency medical services outside of a medical facility</li>
<li>Public safety dispatchers</li>
<li>Officers employed by the state or a political subdivision at a corrections, detention, or secure treatment facility</li>
<li>Sheriffs, full-time deputy sheriffs</li>
<li>Members of the State Patrol</li>
</ul>
In theory, under this statute, an employer/insurer must demonstrate a “substantial factor” to overcome the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-superseding-intervening-cause.html">statutory presumption of work-relatedness</a>. We anticipate that despite this new statutory presumption, employers/insurers will still fight PTSD cases, by alleging <b>1)</b> that the diagnosis isn’t actually PTSD, <b>2)</b> that the PTSD is due to something non-work-related, or <b>3)</b> that if the person has PTSD, that it’s a temporary condition. Even though we don’t think this statutory change will eliminate all litigation on <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html" target="">post-traumatic stress disorder</a> in cases involving Minnesota’s first responders, we think it’s a big step in the right direction to helping those individuals suffering from PTSD overcome barriers to accessing early, appropriate medical and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/faqs-timing-of-minnesota-workers.html">financial</a> care.<br />
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If you or someone you know is a Minnesota first responder, <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officer or firefighter</a> suffering from <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd1" target="_blank">post-traumatic stress disorder</a>, <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> can help you understand your rights. The <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> will help you navigate the system and help you obtain access to a variety of resources and benefits with compassionate, expert legal counsel. <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us</a> for a free confidential, no-obligation consultation. <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-53606646030283538282018-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:002018-06-06T10:42:52.489-07:00Jen Yackley Presents at the 2018 Workers’ Compensation Institute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8sP3lF-hSsGmcvx19Vf7aqQn6ESo9-chGvHD4d5OIAT8c-K0bTCWunPT0BuNJYwMrVbvA9zzQ5a1zNjmVNaEywsS52634eLDDV-aEZj_q7H_ARmwZVlJEB1K2ta6HRU3p6dtQo601j5/s1600/MN+CLE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="411" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8sP3lF-hSsGmcvx19Vf7aqQn6ESo9-chGvHD4d5OIAT8c-K0bTCWunPT0BuNJYwMrVbvA9zzQ5a1zNjmVNaEywsS52634eLDDV-aEZj_q7H_ARmwZVlJEB1K2ta6HRU3p6dtQo601j5/s200/MN+CLE.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a>, of <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a>, was honored to be invited to present this year as a faculty member at the <a href="https://www.minncle.org/SeminarDetail.aspx?ID=1020361801" target="_blank">2018 Workers’ Compensation Institute</a> hosted by Minnesota Continuing Legal Education.<br />
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Jen and defense attorney Mark Kleinschmidt of Cousineau, Waldhauser and Kieselbach, P.A, sat on the same side of the table for a change to present to their peers on the topic of <i>Landmines in Drafting Stipulations for Settlement</i>, from both a plaintiff attorney’s perspective, and a defense attorney’s perspective.<br />
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When a <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> case settles, the settlement is memorialized in a special type of contract called a Stipulation for Settlement, which sets forth the terms of the agreement. This type of contract is unique in that it requires a Workers’ Compensation Judge to review and approve the contract. Jen and Mark discussed ways to avoid stipulation drafting issues that might cause a judge to not approve a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-i-be-offered-settlement-on-my.html">Stipulation for Settlement</a>. They also discussed issues that come up in terms of ambiguity in a Stipulation for Settlement. The goal of drafting a Stipulation for Settlement – or any contract for that matter – is to ensure that it accurately reflects the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-adjuster-refuses-to-pay-my-benefits.html">agreement of the parties</a>. You don’t want an issue to come up years later leading to a dispute regarding what the parties intended when they settled. Jen and Mark also discussed issues in drafting a Stipulation for Settlement regarding third party rights, such as intervenors, government agencies, and Medicare.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-i-be-offered-settlement-on-my.html">Settlements</a> in the Minnesota workers’ compensation system are extremely common, and there are many different ways to approach settlement of a workers’ compensation case. Even after the parties get to “yes;” however, it’s important that the Stipulation for Settlement is carefully drafted to accurately reflect the agreement of the parties, and to protect an injured worker’s future rights.<br />
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<a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen’s</a> broad deep knowledge of the nuanced areas of Minnesota <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> law make her an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">excellent advocate</a> on complex cases. For a free, no obligation to learn more about your rights under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act, contact <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-76574317283896593612018-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:002018-05-09T10:42:05.859-07:00Fired for Cause: The Complex Issue of Misconduct and PTSD in Law Enforcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf918itakodUQblFOuf41b1O0_0t62WjlYUGX7ohhwGJQua-1roLfODsaG1nDp3FRaeBqJrqDnCQgZdwBI0wF4vx1Gtmh_PqxB2oEgFbyTks8NNDl5cv0KrMTBMgroiGDYR78GImG5tMj/s1600/PoliceOfficerNYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf918itakodUQblFOuf41b1O0_0t62WjlYUGX7ohhwGJQua-1roLfODsaG1nDp3FRaeBqJrqDnCQgZdwBI0wF4vx1Gtmh_PqxB2oEgFbyTks8NNDl5cv0KrMTBMgroiGDYR78GImG5tMj/s200/PoliceOfficerNYC.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Allegations of misconduct are not necessarily a barrier to asserting a claim for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS Duty Disability</a> benefits for Minnesota police officers and firefighters.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-is-ptsd.html">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a> is finally getting <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/05/important-changes-regarding-post.html">recognition as a serious problem</a> for Minnesota’s law enforcement officers. Since October 2013, Minnesota worker’ compensation law now <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-if-critical-incidents-which-cause.html">recognizes PTSD</a> as a compensable injury, as does PERA and MSRS for purposes of Duty Disability benefits and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">Continuation of Healthcare Benefits</a> in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 299A.465. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has been litigating PTSD claims for over a decade, and our track record speaks for itself.<br />
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One issue that occasionally arises in <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/ptsd-and-psychological-injuries.html">claims involving PTSD</a> is allegations of misconduct, administrative leave, internal investigations, and disciplinary actions. All too often, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">police officers suffering silently</a> with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">don’t seek help until there is a crisis</a>. For some there is an alcohol abuse problem and the officer tests positive for alcohol at work. Some officers are involved in an alcohol-related criminal issue, such as a DWI. Unfortunately for some, there are allegations of domestic abuse or infidelity. Sadly, sometimes an officer has attempted or threatened suicide. Too often due to the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">symptoms of PTSD</a>, an officer begins to make mistakes – big or small – on the job, and they suffer discipline as a result.<br />
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Post-traumatic stress disorder <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/is-my-ptsd-still-compensable-if-caused.html">causes a variety of symptoms</a> that can seriously interfere with an officer’s ability to effectively and safely perform his or her job. For example:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Sleep disturbance, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep –</b> lack of sleep may affect job performance.</li>
<li><b>Nightmares –</b> can cause sleep disruption.</li>
<li><b>Avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of traumatic events –</b> may result in an officer delaying or avoiding performing certain job duties that cause symptoms.</li>
<li><b>Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response –</b> an increased state of arousal that is out of proportion to the threat. This can cause a variety of problems, such as outbursts of anger causing problems with co-workers or supervisors. Most problematic, hypervigilance can cause an officer to over-react in response to a threat, leading to allegations of excessive use of force or abusive conduct. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> also believes that hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response may also play a role in controversial shooting situations. </li>
<li><b>Difficulty concentrating –</b> concentration problems can result in making mistakes in writing reports, missing evidence, or worst-case, overlooking a dangerous situation.</li>
<li><b>Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others –</b> can cause feelings of being cut off from family, friends, and colleagues, which can cause interpersonal work problems.</li>
<li><b>Physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic events –</b> PTSD can cause stress-related physical symptoms, such as nausea, stomach upset, and headaches. It can also cause panic-attack-like symptoms such as rapid heart-beat, tremors and shaking, excessive sweating, and tunnel vision. An officer suffering serious physical stress symptoms in the midst of responding to a call may be physically incapable of carrying out his or her duties.</li>
<li><b>Irritable or aggressive behavior –</b> changes in behavior can have a serious negative impact on an officer’s home and work life, and can result in breakdown of a marriage, interpersonal issues with colleagues or superiors, or allegations of abusive behavior or excessive use of force during interactions with the public.</li>
<li><b>Engaging in self-destructive or risk-taking behaviors –</b> “bad” behavior and poor decision-making is unfortunately, a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. This can be excessive alcohol use or abuse, marital infidelity, driving at excessive speeds and engaging in risky driving, pathological gambling, responding to calls without wearing a vest, taking unnecessary risks during calls, or other means of “self-sabotage.” These behaviors sometimes result in disciplinary action.</li>
</ul>
All too often, officers who are suffering from mental health issues <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/minnesota-state-troopers-and-post.html">do not seek help until these symptoms cause a serious problem</a> at home at work, placing their family or livelihood at risk. In hindsight, it’s often evident that the officer going through a disciplinary issue has been having issues for years, and that the behavior that resulted in discipline was due to a serious untreated mental health condition.<br />
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An officer who is subject to disciplinary action, including internal affairs investigations, administrative leave, probation or suspension, or even <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/11/injured-police-officer-and-firefighter.html">termination</a>, and who is also suffering symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder or another work-related mental health condition may still be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, PERA/MSRS Duty Disability benefits, 299A.465 healthcare continuation benefits, and/or <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.html">workers’ compensation benefits</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has successfully represented dozens of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">police officers suffering from PTSD</a> who found themselves subject to discipline, including administrative leave, investigations, suspension, and even termination. Often, in addition to securing Duty Disability benefits and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation benefits</a> on behalf of the officer, we are able to assist in coordinating a separation agreement with the officer’s employer to avoid a formal termination for misconduct on terms that are favorable to the officer. You don’t have to go through this process on your own.<br />
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If you or someone you know is a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">Minnesota police officer or firefighter</a> facing discipline for misconduct based on behavior that may be the result of a mental health condition, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">contact Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> can help make the process easier to navigate. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us today</a> for a confidential, free, no-obligation consultation by calling <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-82141716138265673832018-04-12T10:03:00.000-07:002018-04-25T22:09:07.226-07:00299A.465 Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits and Cash Waivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTrm_AtbXibhXcDdDGSJs4-0pVrhVJdKeQFArRRf0bIajaV5Y2eC96K5eO8zW1I6_CQ5Q4tVlUHG2nDHEFhBx3Z_-ULPvpwhd6uF0PmTi5xEbf2IeBD5kIpnjBgEJs87C19S4Zdg-QA1/s1600/Fire+Captain+Pointing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTrm_AtbXibhXcDdDGSJs4-0pVrhVJdKeQFArRRf0bIajaV5Y2eC96K5eO8zW1I6_CQ5Q4tVlUHG2nDHEFhBx3Z_-ULPvpwhd6uF0PmTi5xEbf2IeBD5kIpnjBgEJs87C19S4Zdg-QA1/s200/Fire+Captain+Pointing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In Minnesota, a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officer or firefighter</a> who suffers from a physical or mental condition that limits their <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">ability to perform the normal duties</a> of their position for a period of at least one year, and where that condition is the direct result of an injury or illness arising out of or incurred during the performance of inherently dangerous duties, is eligible for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)</a> Police and Fire Plan Duty Disability benefits. In turn, a police officer or firefighter who is determined to be <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/pera-police-and-firefighter-duty.html">eligible for</a> PERA Duty Disability benefits is also eligible for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits</a> in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 299A.465. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/overview-of-benefits-available-to-state.html">State Troopers</a>, DNR Officers, and BCA Officers who are determined to be eligible for Duty Disability benefits under the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/MSRS-SP" target="_blank">Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) State Patrol Plan</a> are also eligible for this benefit.<br />
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<b>Minnesota Statute 299A.465 Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits</b><br />
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This statute provides, in relevant part, that any <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PolicePTSDFAQ" target="_blank">peace officer</a> or firefighter who is deemed to be eligible for Duty Disability benefits, is also entitled to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">Continuation of Health Insurance benefits</a>. In other words, the officer or firefighter’s employer shall continue to provide health insurance coverage for the officer or firefighter, and the officer or firefighter’s dependents if the officer or firefighter had family coverage at the time of injury. The employer is required to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/pera-police-and-firefighter-duty.html">continue paying the employer’s contribution for said health insurance</a> coverage until the officer reaches, or would have reached age 65, in the case of dependent coverage.<br />
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Given the ever-rising cost of health insurance, this benefit can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for a disabled police officer or firefighter. It also means that it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for the officer or firefighter’s employer. Notably, an employer does have the right to contest via <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/12/continuation-of-health-insurance.html">administrative contested case hearing</a> whether an officer or firefighter is eligible for these benefits, and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> is frequently involved in litigation on this type of case.<br />
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<b>Health Insurance Cash Waiver Incentive Plans</b><br />
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Health insurance costs have risen exponentially over the last several years, and there is increased uncertainty in the markets given the political maneuvering over subsidized insurance. Some public employers have sought to reduce their health insurance costs by offering their employees incentivized alternatives to health insurance coverage through their group health plans. One such alternative that we are seeing more and more frequently are <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search?q=cash+waiver+plans">cash waiver plans</a>.<br />
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Cash waiver plans can be offered in a variety of ways. In general, they offer an employee the option of waiving health insurance coverage in exchange for some form of monetary benefit. For example, we have handled cases involving:<br />
<ul>
<li>An annual cash benefit offered as an alternative to family coverage for those employees who are eligible for family coverage, but choose to waive it</li>
<li>A monthly cash benefit, paid as an increase in the employee’s monthly salary, for those employees who waive single coverage and are able to demonstrate coverage elsewhere</li>
<li>A monthly employer contribution towards a Health Care Savings account on a high deductible plan where the employer required two married officers to waive their respective single coverage plans, and enroll in a family plan</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search?q=cash+waiver+plans">Cash waiver plans</a> invariably also provide that if the person waiving coverage loses their alternative coverage elsewhere, they will have the option of re-enrolling in the employer’s group health plan. These plans also generally allow an employee to opt out of the cash waiver plan and to re-enroll in the employer’s group health plan during annual enrollment.<br />
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These types of plans are perfectly legal, and they unequivocally save an employer substantial amounts of money in the form of reduced premium costs for insuring their employees. Since they come with a cash incentive – sometimes worth several hundred dollars a month – it can be financially advantageous for an employee to elect coverage under these types of plans.<br />
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<b>Litigation and Case Law Update</b><br />
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The problem with these cash waiver plans; however, is the uncertainty that they generate in the context of statutory § 299A.465 continuation of health insurance coverage eligibility if an officer or firefighter loses his or her job due to a work-related injury. We have been involved in litigation on several cases where the employer has argued that an officer or firefighter who had been enrolled in a cash waiver plan at the time of injury gave up their right to continuation of health insurance benefits under Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 and are therefore not eligible for any ongoing cash payment or insurance coverage.<br />
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Unfortunately, the statue itself says nothing about how the law is to apply in this circumstance, but thus far, the courts who have heard cases involving cash waivers have generally held that the policy reasons behind § 299A.465 – providing <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/police-officers-and-firefighters-come_22.html">access to health insurance coverage</a> to disabled police officers and firefighters – should guide how the law applies in these cases. Here’s how a few of these cases have been determined in the courts so far:<br />
<ul>
<li>Administrative law decision – An <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">officer with PTSD</a> primarily due to traumatic incidents experienced while employed by a major metropolitan city, subsequently became employed by a smaller city in outstate Minnesota. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">The symptoms</a> did not become disabling until the officer had been employed by the smaller city police department for a few years. The officer was determined to be eligible for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/11/injured-police-officer-and-firefighter.html">PERA Duty Disability benefits</a>, and PERA ordered the current department to pay health insurance. The current employer appealed and joined the officer’s prior employer to the litigation. Both cities argued about the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/ptsd-and-psychological-injuries.html">cause of the PTSD</a> – in other words, which of the employers was “more” responsible for the officer’s PTSD. But, the current employer also pointed out that the officer opted for a cash waiver benefit and waived health insurance coverage, and that therefore, they were not required to continue offering insurance. The current employer moved for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search?q=summary+judgment">summary judgment</a> on this issue. After a summary judgment hearing, the administrative law judge held that the employee electing a cash waiver plan rather than health insurance coverage did not waive eligibility for insurance, and that the employer was required to continue to offer the opportunity to enroll in their group health plan. The parties, including both of the officer’s employers, subsequently reached a settlement on a cash basis.</li>
<li>District court decision – <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/is-my-ptsd-still-compensable-if-caused.html">An officer with PTSD</a> had been deemed to be eligible for Duty Disability benefits by PERA. The employer enrolled the officer in single coverage and had continued said coverage for a number of years. Prior to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/pera-police-and-fire-plan-18-month.html">termination from employment</a>, the officer had elected to waive eligibility for family coverage in exchange for an annual cash incentive. The employer argued the officer was not entitled to either the cash payment on an ongoing basis, or the family coverage. The District Court held that the City was not required to pay the cash payment, as Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 did not specifically describe cash payments as “insurance;” however, the Court did hold that the City was required to offer the officer the opportunity to elect family coverage, rather than just single coverage.</li>
<li>Consolidated district court cases – three cases involving police officers and firefighters from the same employer were consolidated for the district court to address the cash waiver issue. In all three of the cases, the officer or firefighter had enrolled in a cash waiver plan prior to their disabling injuries, meaning they received a monthly cash payment from the employer rather than health insurance coverage through the City. There was no dispute that all three were disabled as the result of injuries in-the-line-of-duty. The City argued that by having waived coverage in exchange for the cash incentive, each of the employees had given up their right to claim continuation of health insurance benefits in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 299A.465. In this heavily contested case, both parties moved for summary judgment. The district court found in favor of the disabled officers and firefighter. The judge found that the disabled officers and firefighters had not waived their rights to benefits in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 but left it up to the employer as to whether to pay the cash incentive or to offer the officers and firefighters the opportunity to enroll in coverage.</li>
</ul>
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If you are a Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officer or firefighter</a> who has experienced a significant work-related injury, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">contact Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and consultation. The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> take the time with each client to help determine which benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act you are entitled as well as discuss <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA Duty Disability</a> benefits and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">Healthcare Continuation Benefits</a> under Minnesota Statute § 299A.465 and help guide you through the complex process to ensure your rights are protected. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-29440152180287256462018-04-03T09:21:00.000-07:002018-04-05T07:49:01.600-07:00‘Tis the Season! Remember, Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Non-Taxable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s1600/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s200/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The clock is ticking! Remember, this year’s tax filing deadline is April 17, 2018. If you’re doing your taxes on your own, you may be wondering if you need to report Minnesota <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">workers’ compensation wage loss</a>, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/09/permanent-partial-disability-ppd.html">permanent partial disability</a>, or a settlement received in 2017. The answer is <b>NO!</b><br />
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You are not required to pay income taxes on your <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">work comp</a> benefits, regardless of whether you received them on a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-i-be-offered-settlement-on-my.html">weekly basis or as a lump sum settlement</a>. Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits are considered to be compensation for a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/personal-injury-faq" target="_blank">personal injury</a> under the Federal Tax Code and are therefore non-taxable.<br />
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Other <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">types of benefits</a> that are payable as a result of a work-related injury may also be non-taxable, including <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">PERA Police and Fire Plan</a> or <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERAC" target="_blank">Corrections Plan Duty Disability Benefits</a>, and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/MSRS-SP" target="_blank">MSRS State Patrol Plan</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/MSRSC" target="_blank">Corrections Plan Duty Disability Benefits</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> is one of the few <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">workers’ compensation law firms</a> in the state of Minnesota that also handles <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">PERA</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">MSRS</a> disability claims. We’ve successfully represented hundreds of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/in-line-of-duty-injuries-minnesota.html">State Patrol</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officers and firefighters</a> throughout the state for both <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS</a> disability claims. As <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">your attorney</a>, we will explain what rights you have and make recommendations to you in terms of how to best protect your rights to those benefits. The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> can help make the process easier to navigate. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us today</a> for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-67813706276204759642018-03-20T12:40:00.000-07:002018-04-19T12:46:31.503-07:00Retraining and Work Comp in Minnesota<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1b2_Zfq3zkxDNjsILCfgiTG0b6p3SMJqiX0QuEwYR0dPe_ShxQPzMGmZUzYFhOmaz1GcrAAxZUlTXOEH_Q57qRhqyzAhsxNNSpktxKx6xFCYHLm4NWQ6kCox-4zsj2xu8hLUWfclVZ_t/s1600/first_respondersmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1b2_Zfq3zkxDNjsILCfgiTG0b6p3SMJqiX0QuEwYR0dPe_ShxQPzMGmZUzYFhOmaz1GcrAAxZUlTXOEH_Q57qRhqyzAhsxNNSpktxKx6xFCYHLm4NWQ6kCox-4zsj2xu8hLUWfclVZ_t/s200/first_respondersmall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Retraining is a benefit available in the state of Minnesota under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Workers’ Compensation Act</a>. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/am-i-candidate-for-retraining.html">Retraining</a> is a formal education program paid by the work comp insurer which is designed to assist an employee in returning to suitable gainful employment. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/am-i-candidate-for-retraining.html">Retraining may include</a> vocational technical programs or post-secondary education, depending on the employee’s skillset and physical restrictions.<br />
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Retraining differs from other types of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-am-i-entitled-to-rehabilitation.html">rehabilitation benefits</a>, wherein an employee may engage in job search with the assistance of a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/11/30/qualified-rehabilitation-consultant-qrc" target="_blank">QRC (Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant)</a> to find suitable gainful employment outside of the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/employees-who-separate-from-date-of.html">date of injury employer</a>. Retraining is also different than <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/mn-pera-police-and-fire-plan-retirement.html">permanent total disability</a> benefits, wherein an employee is not able to return to suitable gainful employment at all.<br />
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The <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">retraining program</a> must be approved by the insurer or court ordered and must be requested before 208 weeks of a combination of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/my-employer-offered-me-light-duty-work.html">temporary total</a> or temporary partial <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/mn-pera-police-and-fire-plan-retirement.html">disability benefits</a> are paid. Under Minnesota Statute 176.102, subdivision 11 (d) insurer must provide employees notice of the 208-week limitation for filing a request.<br />
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While an employee is in a retraining program, he or she is also entitled to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">wage loss benefits</a> for up to 156 weeks. These benefits are paid out at the same rate as temporary total disability benefits (TTD) or two-thirds of an employee’s <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/05/can-pera-ptd-benefits-and-ptd-work-comp.html">average weekly wage</a>. These benefits are also <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/04/tis-season-remember-minnesota-workers.html">non-taxable</a>. These benefits are separate and distinct from temporary total disability benefits and temporary partial disability benefits; therefore, even if an employee reaches the 130-week cap on TTD or 225-week cap on TPD, he or she may still be entitled to retraining <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-can-i-expect-to-receive-in-workers.html">wage loss benefits</a>.<br />
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First a QRC will perform an evaluation to determine whether retraining is appropriate. This evaluation may include vocational testing and an examination of the employee’s scholastic skills and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">physical capabilities</a> as well as a labor market study. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2014/11/05/am-i-entitled-to-a-qualified-rehabilitation-consultant" target="_blank">The QRC</a> will then create a retraining plan proposal that will include: the type of program, costs, appropriateness and feasibility that the employee will complete the program. The QRC’s role in formulating an appropriate retraining plan cannot be understated and it’s an important reason to request your own QRC, not the one assigned by the insurer or employer. You have up to 60 days to elect a change in a QRC, after the QRC has filed his or her <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/am-i-eligible-for-rehabilitation.html">rehabilitation plan</a>.<br />
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Typically, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officers or firefighters</a> whose public service careers are cut short by a life-changing injury or injuries make excellent retraining candidates. Police officers and firefighters may have worked in his or her field for an extended period of time, have a limited educational background in law enforcement or fire science, and are high wage earners. They also may have another 10 - 15 years before he or she reaches <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/police-officers-and-firefighters-come_22.html" target="_blank">retirement age</a>. These <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injured workers</a> may need additional education to assist them return to work in a field that pays comparable to their pre-injury careers.<br />
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The formulation and approval of a retraining plan is a lengthy and often tedious process with frequent court involvement. Typically, employees must perform extensive job search efforts before retraining is even considered. Some employees prefer to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-can-i-expect-to-receive-in-workers.html" target="_blank">negotiate a settlement</a> and use the monies to pursue their choice of study rather than jump through the work comp insurer’s hoops to be approved for a program in a field he or she may not truly want to study.<br />
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If you believe that you are eligible for retraining benefits or have questions regarding a potential <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claim, contact the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">experienced attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> We are one of the few workers’ compensation law firms in the state of Minnesota that also handles <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA and MSRS disability</a> claims. We have represented hundreds of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/MSRS-SP" target="_blank">State Patrol</a>, police officers and firefighters throughout the state for both <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS disability</a> claims. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> will explain what rights you have and make recommendations to you in terms of how to best protect your rights to those benefits. The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> can help make the process easier to navigate. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b> for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and consultation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-31884226156085867652018-03-08T11:43:00.000-08:002018-04-25T13:19:46.007-07:00Can You be Denied Workers’ Compensation Benefits Because of a Prior Injury?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF1gPMIntdmbmiZzE8hiuXPdOioOM4bg4mraFtMIJ5aLtt_rpLXc51adps42_xYdEvDczd2FjdjvzjITSMY-3hsDdm-9v-LYJ0SNjjcZtG8-hoteczuAhgL2GzkJpY4riPTP45KsvunU3/s1600/PoliceOfficerWithBelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF1gPMIntdmbmiZzE8hiuXPdOioOM4bg4mraFtMIJ5aLtt_rpLXc51adps42_xYdEvDczd2FjdjvzjITSMY-3hsDdm-9v-LYJ0SNjjcZtG8-hoteczuAhgL2GzkJpY4riPTP45KsvunU3/s200/PoliceOfficerWithBelt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Many injured workers are <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">denied Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits</a> because of prior injuries. For example, a workers’ compensation insurer may see that you filed a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claim with a former employer for the same body part and deny your claim, alleging that your current symptoms are the result of the prior injury. Or, an insurer may review your medical records and discover that you sustained an injury while playing basketball fifteen years earlier. This can be true even if you have been working full-duty for several years without any physical issues.<br />
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<b>What do you do when your claim is denied?</b><br />
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Dealing with a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">denied workers’ compensation claim</a> can be very frustrating. Many injured workers reasonably assume that because they were <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/do-i-need-work-restrictions-to-make_15.html">injured at work</a>, everything will be taken care of by their <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/is-my-employer-required-to-carry.html">employer and its insurance company</a>. Unfortunately, for many injured workers, this is not the case and they find themselves incurring thousands of dollars in <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss</a> and medical bills, the employee has lost several weeks of wages and run up hundreds, or thousands, of dollars in medical bills.<br />
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In this situation, you have a couple of options. The insurance company hopes that you will simply walk away. If you have health insurance or are willing to go back to work despite your injury (and many times, against your <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">treating doctor’s advice</a>), you can simply avoid the fight and walk away from the claim. Many insurance companies count on the fact that employees will do this instead of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">contacting an attorney</a> and taking definitive steps to prove their claim. The choice to not make a workers’ compensation claim can have dire consequences if the injury turns out to be a serious or long-term issue. Under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Workers’ Compensation Act</a>, employees must file their workers’ compensation claims with the state within a prescribed period of time or they will be <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">forever barred from bringing their claims</a>. It is important that you discuss these <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/pera-police-and-fire-plan-18-month.html">deadlines</a> (or statute of limitations) with an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">experienced attorney</a> so you can make an informed choice about whether to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">proceed with a claim</a>.<br />
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The second option is to fight the insurance company for the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2018/02/what-can-i-expect-to-receive-in-workers.html">wage loss and medical benefits</a> that you are entitled to under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act</a>. The first thing you will want to do is call an attorney experienced in the area of workers’ compensation to determine whether you have a viable claim. If the attorney believes that you have a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/faqs-timing-of-minnesota-workers.html">compensable claim</a>, they will work on your behalf to establish your claims by gathering <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/first-report-of-injury.html">medical evidence, including records and reports</a>; filing your claim with the <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Department of Labor and Industry</a>; and advocate on your behalf with the insurance company and its representatives.<br />
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<b>What if I had a prior injury to the same body part?</b><br />
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When I first speak to clients, I often hear that they do not want to bring a claim because of a prior injury to the same body part. Many people falsely believe that a prior injury will disqualify them from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This is categorically untrue. Prior injuries can make your claim more complicated in some circumstances; however, the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation </a>laws do not require that your work injury be the sole cause of your current injury or disability. The law only requires that the <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/05/21/the-life-cycle-of-a-workers-compensation-claim" target="_blank">work injury</a> be a substantial contributing cause or factor to the underlying condition or disability. In other words, your prior injury and your work injury may have combined to create your current condition—and that’s completely fine. You are still able to bring a workers’ compensation claim, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/mn-work-comp-permanent-partial.html">collect wage loss and have your medical bills covered</a>.<br />
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In Minnesota, the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-superseding-intervening-cause.html">workers’ compensation laws</a> actually go even a step further. If you have a pre-existing injury that is substantially re-aggravated or accelerated by a work injury or your work duties, you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. An example <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> frequently encounter is <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">police officers that develop PTSD</a> on the job relating to his or her job duties. Many <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/if-i-am-veteran-can-i-still-make-work_4.html">police officers have served in the military</a> prior to going into law enforcement and may have experienced traumatic events as a police officer and as a service member. This does not preclude them from receiving workers’ compensation benefits relating to his or her <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd1" target="_blank">PTSD condition</a>. This is true even if the police officer had been <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">diagnosed with PTSD</a> through the Veteran’s Administration and is collecting disability benefits.<br />
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The burden of proof in a Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claim is on the employee. This is significant because it means that when a claim is denied or disputed, an employee must prove that his or her <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/police-officer-duty-belts-and-gillette.html">work injury or duties</a> was a substantial contributing cause or factor to his or her current condition. An employee can establish this by filing a claim with the <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Department of Labor and Industry</a>, obtaining a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/narrative-request-vs-narrative-report.html">medical report (or a “narrative report”)</a> that supports the causal connection between the condition and the work duties, and resolving the claims through settlement or a hearing.<br />
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If you or someone you know has sustained an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injury on the job</a> and the workers’ compensation insurer has denied your claim, do not panic. As explained in this article, you are able to fight this determination, even if you have a pre-existing condition or prior injury. It is important that you contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the experienced attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a>, they will provide valuable guidance on the Minnesota workers’ compensation system and help you navigate through what can be a very stressful process. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us today</a> for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>
Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-7163979679727181322018-02-26T15:20:00.000-08:002018-04-05T07:34:21.347-07:00Move Over for Police Officers on the Side of the Road!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL7_6Fp472ZsTCnBnj2WCa4qOZMc333VrIyYwtGkztmbmaqXQu6cvZxSVnhXdoZAILTj5bI6CW30OmKviVQPZQMmJT-93m8oFTYBqqjOeVCjuP5Jdayk_TrRtnCrwdOfLwT3k30vBvkHz/s1600/StateTrooperWinter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL7_6Fp472ZsTCnBnj2WCa4qOZMc333VrIyYwtGkztmbmaqXQu6cvZxSVnhXdoZAILTj5bI6CW30OmKviVQPZQMmJT-93m8oFTYBqqjOeVCjuP5Jdayk_TrRtnCrwdOfLwT3k30vBvkHz/s200/StateTrooperWinter.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
When winter weather strikes, Minnesota’s <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/in-line-of-duty-injuries-minnesota.html">State Troopers</a>, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">police officers</a>, and sheriff’s deputies are out in full force to assist motorists involved in crashes or in need of assistance due to bad road conditions. Move over and slow down when you see an officer on the side of the road. Watch this powerful video from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MnStatePatrol/?hc_ref=ARST9ZZbmiUnbokc0AtTofnXLXJMwE7a4VSzNeBnm_i07k1Oqn9qlrePXzpQuZG4OIg&fref=nf" target="_blank">Minnesota State Patrol's Facebook page</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MnStatePatrol/videos/10155267944773144/">https://www.facebook.com/MnStatePatrol/videos/10155267944773144/</a><br />
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Unfortunately, while they are helping motorists in need of assistance, our State’s law enforcement officers are placed in harm’s way. Every winter, dozens of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">Minnesota police officers</a> suffer injuries as a result of a car accident. All too often, these crashes occur while an officer is assisting a motorist and another motorist loses control or is not paying attention and hits the officer who is stopped on the side of the road. An <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">officer is far more likely to be killed or seriously injured</a> as a result of a car crash than being killed or seriously injured by gunfire.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/MSRS-SP" target="_blank">State Troopers</a>, police officers and sheriff’s deputies who suffer injuries as the result of a car crash –whether it is on the side of the road during a stop, while helping motorists involved in a crash, during a pursuit, while responding to a call with lights and sirens, or while on patrol – may be <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.html">eligible for a number of different types of benefits</a>. Securing these <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/pera-permanent-and-total-disability-vs.html">benefit</a>s on behalf of the injured officer will ensure access to medical care and cover any <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">lost wages</a> that may occur:<br />
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<b>Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan Duty Disability Benefits or Minnesota State Retirement Association (MSRS) State Patrol Plan Duty Disability Benefits</b><br />
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A <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">State Trooper or police officer</a> who suffers serious injuries resulting in limitations on their ability to perform full duty for a period of at least a year may be eligible for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS Duty Disability</a> benefits. This monthly benefit provides a base rate of 60% of the injured officer’s <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/pera-police-and-firefighter-duty.html">high five salary</a>. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">These benefits</a> are non-taxable though age 55 or for 5 years, whichever is longer. Usually, injuries that are the result of an on-duty car crash will qualify for this benefit.<br />
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<b>Minnesota Statute 299A.465 Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PolicePTSDFAQ" target="_blank">Minnesota troopers and police officers</a> who are determined to be eligible for Duty Disability benefits through PERA or MSRS are also eligible for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits</a> in accordance with <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">Minn. Stat. § 299A.465</a>. This statute requires the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/overview-of-benefits-available-to-state.html">State Trooper</a> or police officer’s employer to continue to pay insurance premiums for health insurance coverage for the officer, and the officer’s family if the officer had family coverage at the time of the injury. This benefit continues through age 65.<br />
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<b>Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Benefits</b><br />
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Troopers and other law enforcement officers are also eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injuries suffered in the line of duty</a>, including injuries that occur as a result of a car crash. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> includes medical expense benefits, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss benefits</a>, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/mn-work-comp-permanent-partial.html">permanent partial disability benefits</a>, and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-am-i-entitled-to-rehabilitation.html">rehabilitation benefits</a>. In many cases, the officer may also be eligible for a lump sum settlement.<br />
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<b>Personal Injury Civil Liability Claims</b><br />
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In addition to disability pension benefits and workers’ compensation benefits, a police officer who suffers injuries as the result of a motor vehicle crash may also be able to assert a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">liability claim against the at-fault driver</a>. These claims allow an officer to make claims for past and future medical expenses, past and future wage loss, and past and future pain and suffering – which is not covered by workers’ compensation.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">Choosing the right lawyer matters</a>. For Minnesota police officers and State Troopers involved in car crashes, choosing the right lawyer is important. There are several large personal injury firms that do a fantastic job on <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">personal injury</a> claims. BUT, what they don’t do is just as important for Troopers and police officers – those large firms do not handle <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> or <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRSA</a> disability claims. That means that if you hire one of these firms to handle your personal injury claim, you will need to have a second lawyer to handle your workers’ compensation claim, and you are on your own or might even need to hire a third lawyer to help you with your pension claim.<br />
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We have heard it time and again – a police officer has <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">hired a lawyer</a> to assist them with their car accident claim, but they are getting no help or guidance on their workers’ compensation or pension claims. They don’t know what steps to take, how to deal with disputes that pop up on their workers’ compensation claims, how to deal with their employer, what to do about their <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">work restrictions</a> and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/my-employer-offered-me-light-duty-work.html">light duty</a>, and what to expect as far as whether they will be able to continue in their job.<br />
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At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we handle ALL claims arising out of an in the line of duty car crash for Minnesota police officers. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> is the pre-eminent law firm in the State of Minnesota for police officers and firefighters. Coordinating the various claims is complex and a misstep, such as <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/pera-police-and-fire-plan-18-month.html">missing a deadline</a>, not filling out paperwork properly, or simply not providing appropriate guidance can cost a officer hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in benefits.<br />
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As we get into the homestretch of winter, we can expect several more snowfalls and more bad road conditions. Don’t be the one that is responsible for injuring one of our State’s law enforcement officers. Slow down and move over if you see an officer on the side of the road!<br />
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If you are an officer who has suffered injuries due to a car crash, call us first! <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">The experienced attorneys</a> of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> will coordinate all of your potential claims to ensure you and your family have access to the full benefits you are entitled to. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-71305722162632199352018-02-15T16:10:00.000-08:002018-02-18T16:32:46.267-08:00Do I Need Work Restrictions to Make a Workers' Compensation Claim?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEWSspPGpmGlhvAdQhu335ZXPhE3WPD8Wqy4Rd6G_9FwHcsDia7JOc0GetYYyaRR8q_tsxpR-bE5QAhTYvxkaLQImDE4PP9WSsD2VyFf9PjbX-O3XvK32IAgpt-bcB2lHR2LYNNEmTL5p/s1600/TestimonialImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="691" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEWSspPGpmGlhvAdQhu335ZXPhE3WPD8Wqy4Rd6G_9FwHcsDia7JOc0GetYYyaRR8q_tsxpR-bE5QAhTYvxkaLQImDE4PP9WSsD2VyFf9PjbX-O3XvK32IAgpt-bcB2lHR2LYNNEmTL5p/s200/TestimonialImage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The simple answer is yes.<br />
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Following a work injury, it is of utmost importance that you <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">seek medical treatment</a>. In a typical Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers' compensation</a> case, an employee will go to the emergency room or urgent care for an evaluation and will be given work restrictions at that time. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">Work restrictions</a> can be as restrictive as "no work at all" until an employee can be evaluated by a specialist or have an MRI completed. Work restrictions may also be as simple as "no lifting more than 50 pounds." Once you receive work restrictions, you must <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/first-report-of-injury.html">provide documentation</a> of these restrictions to your human resources department or supervisor immediately.<br />
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When you <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2015/09/choosing-right-doctor.html">see your doctor</a> following a work injury, it is very important that you inform your doctor that you sustained an injury at work and how the injury occurred. Tell the truth and be consistent with what you tell your doctors. If you are inconsistent in your narrative of how the injury occurred, the workers' compensation insurer may <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">try to deny the claim</a> on this basis.<br />
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At some point, your treating physicians may determine that you can return back to full-duty work and release you back to work without formal physical restrictions. Your doctor may think that he's doing you a favor in allowing you to return to work; however, unless your injury was mild or temporary in nature, your treating physician releasing you to return to work without restrictions can be problematic for your workers' compensation claim, in addition to your overall physical well-being.<br />
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<b>What are my employer's responsibilities?</b><br />
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When you have restrictions relating to your work injury, your doctor will document the work injury and provide you with restrictions. An <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/service/blog/2014/09/16/can-i-get-fired-for-filing-a-work-comp-claim" target="_blank">employer cannot fire you for having work restrictions</a> and they cannot force you to work outside the scope of your physical restrictions. You may feel pressured by the employer to ask your doctor to lift your physical restrictions, but this could make the injury worse or cause re-injury. In addition, as a practical matter, returning to work without restrictions (even though you remain injured) puts you in a vulnerable position because if you are fired for being unable to perform your job, you will not be entitled to ongoing <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss benefits</a>. You need physical restrictions to receive wage loss benefits under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Minnesota Worker's Compensation Act</a>.<br />
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If you've sustained a work-related injury and have work restrictions, an employer must either accommodate your restrictions in your current position, find a light duty position within your physical restrictions, or <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">provide vocational rehabilitation and training</a> if you are unable to work in your previous position.<br />
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<b>Do I have to accept a light duty job?</b><br />
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When you have been injured at work and are unable to perform all the duties of your position, employers will often offer you <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/what-can-and-cant-i-do-while-on-work.html">light duty work</a>. To be acceptable, this work must be within the physical restrictions issued to you by your doctor. If the light duty position pays less, or provides you with fewer hours, you will be entitled to a wage loss benefit known as <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/employees-who-separate-from-date-of.html">temporary partial disability (TPD)</a>. The purpose of temporary partial disability is to return you to the economic status that you enjoyed before sustaining an injury on the job, and as such, it pays you the difference between what you were making at the time of the injury and what you are making in the light duty position.<br />
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Every <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/blog/2014/10/28/my-employer-offered-me-light-duty-work-do-i-have-to-accept-this-job" target="_blank">light duty job</a> is different. It is very important that you do not turn down or refuse a light duty job offer until you speak with an attorney. An <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">experienced attorney</a> will be able to analyze the job offer and determine whether it is physically and economically suitable. If it is, your safest course of action would be to accept the <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/11/06/what-to-do-when-offered-light-duty-work" target="_blank">light duty position</a>. If you do not, you run the risk of the workers' compensation insurer terminating your ongoing <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/12/pitfalls-of-receiving-wage-loss-benefits.html">wage loss benefits</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/06/25/when-should-you-hire-an-attorney-to-help-with-a-work-comp-claim" target="_blank">Don't wait to get an attorney involved</a> if you have a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">Minnesota workers' compensation</a> claim. The process can be complex and you want to be sure you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled. Contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation consultation and claim evaluation. At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we keep our clients informed of the process as well as <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">what to expect</a> each step of the way. <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-38522448763729788602018-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:002018-02-18T15:54:57.273-08:00Is My PTSD Still Compensable if Caused by Numerous Traumatic Events?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTrm_AtbXibhXcDdDGSJs4-0pVrhVJdKeQFArRRf0bIajaV5Y2eC96K5eO8zW1I6_CQ5Q4tVlUHG2nDHEFhBx3Z_-ULPvpwhd6uF0PmTi5xEbf2IeBD5kIpnjBgEJs87C19S4Zdg-QA1/s1600/Fire+Captain+Pointing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTrm_AtbXibhXcDdDGSJs4-0pVrhVJdKeQFArRRf0bIajaV5Y2eC96K5eO8zW1I6_CQ5Q4tVlUHG2nDHEFhBx3Z_-ULPvpwhd6uF0PmTi5xEbf2IeBD5kIpnjBgEJs87C19S4Zdg-QA1/s200/Fire+Captain+Pointing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Under the Minnesota Worker's Compensation Act, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd1">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a> may be characterized as a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">personal injury</a> or as an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/part-ii-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">occupational disease</a>. Minn. Stat. §176.011, subd. 15(a). <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">PTSD may develop</a> as a result of exposure to a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, which cause a person's capacity to cope with stress to be overwhelmed and clinically disabling. Particularly in cases involving <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/05/important-changes-regarding-post.html">law enforcement or firefighters</a>, a claimant's PTSD diagnosis cannot be tied to one particular event; rather, each new traumatic event compound stress until the stress becomes psychologically and physiologically disabling.<br />
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The Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act defines <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-is-ptsd.html">PTSD</a> as "the condition as described in the most recently published edition of the <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm" target="_blank">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a> by the American Psychiatric Association." Minn. Stat. 176,011, subd. 15(d). All the parties agree that the DSM-V is the most recently published edition of the DSM by the American Psychological Association. The statute requires psychiatrists, psychologists, and the court to use the DSM-V in determining whether an employee suffers from <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/re-introduced-bill-seeks-to-help-first.html">compensable PTSD</a>.<br />
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The DSM-V explicitly states that <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">PTSD may develop from an event or multiple events</a>, noting that a person may witness "<b>event(s)</b>" as it occurs to others and "experiencing <b>repeated</b>" exposures, specifically citing <b>police officers</b> performing job duties involving witnessing repeated trauma to others. (DSM p. 271). Based upon the plain language of the DSM-V, examinees are not required to tie their <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">symptoms</a> to a single traumatic event. If this were the intention of the American Psychiatric Association, the authors would have written "traumatic event" and not "traumatic event(s)." (DSM-V at 271-72). Prong 4 under Criteria A of the DSM-V also demonstrates that medical professionals must examine <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/ptsd-and-psychological-injuries.html">multiple traumatic events</a>. If an examinee qualifies only under the aversive details prong then they, by definition, would be referring to many or several incidents with regard to his or her symptoms listed in Criteria B-E because the fourth prong refers to <i>repeated</i> exposure.
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Unfortunately, insurers use <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/independent-psychological-evaluations.html">"independent psychological examiners" or "IPEs,"</a> who are paid experts hired to find that you do not suffer from PTSD and if you do suffer from a psychological condition, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">the condition is not PTSD</a> and is caused by non-work-related activities.<br />
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Typically, IPEs exclude employees from a PTSD diagnoses by attempting to circumvent the explicit text of the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-if-critical-incidents-which-cause.html">DSM-V</a> by imposing additional requirements. An IPE's personal interpretation of how physicians should diagnose PTSD is above and beyond what the Minnesota legislature requires in the statute as well as the actual authors of the DSM-V.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/independent-psychological-evaluations.html">IPE</a>s may use the CAP-5, a structure interview that mirrors the symptoms described in the DSM-5. Physicians use the CAPS-5 to track fluctuations in <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">PTSD symptoms</a>, for research and to determine if treatment is working. IPEs may limit the CAPS-5 interview is limited to several of an employee's "worst" traumatic events and only inquire of symptoms within the past 30 days. The CAPS-5 has a few different versions, the lifetime and the "current" version, which examines reported symptoms within the past 30 days. The DSM-V does not limit reported symptoms to a set time frame, unlike the CAPS-5. (DSM-V at 271-280).<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/independent-psychological-evaluations.html">IPE</a>s may also then creatively interpret psychometric testing to exclude claimants from a PTSD diagnosis. The MMPI-2 and the MMPI-2-RF are not diagnostic tools are not required by the DSM-V. As much as both the legal and scientific community would desire a brain scan or a blood test to check for PTSD or any other <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/part-i-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">mental health disorder,</a> that's simply not possible. Additionally, the MMPI-2 is the only test that contains a scale specially tailored to examine the likelihood of PTSD; yet, IPEs may use the MMPI-2 RF that does not contain that scale.<br />
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If you believe you or someone you love suffers from <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/ptsd-is-covered-under-minnesota-pera.html">work-related PTSD</a>, contact the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">experienced attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free, no-obligation intensive case consultation. You may be entitled to thousands of dollars in benefits from <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS</a>, or under the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-3532394748134582652018-02-02T09:22:00.000-08:002018-02-08T11:17:03.795-08:00What Can I Expect to Receive in a Workers' Compensation Settlement?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s1600/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s200/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
A <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/faqs-timing-of-minnesota-workers.html">question often asked</a> by clients when meeting for the first time is "how much is my claim worth?" While there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to estimating the value of a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers' compensation</a> claim, there are a variety of factors in every claim that help determine a fair settlement value or range.<br />
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<b>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How long have you been receiving wage loss benefits?</b><br />
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Most <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss benefits</a> in the workers' compensation system have temporal caps. For example, you can only receive 130 weeks of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">temporary total disability benefits (TTD)</a> for injuries <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-if-critical-incidents-which-cause.html">occurring on or after October 1, 2013</a>. In addition, you can only receive 225 weeks of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/employees-who-separate-from-date-of.html">temporary partial wage loss benefits (TPD)</a> or approximately four and a half years. Because these <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/12/pitfalls-of-receiving-wage-loss-benefits.html">wage loss benefits</a> are capped, the number of weeks you have received benefits will affect the value of a Minnesota workers' compensation claim.<br />
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<b>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Average weekly wage, i.e., how much were you earning on your date of injury?</b><br />
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If the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injured person</a> is a high wage earner, the value of the claim will be greater than someone earning a lower wage. The average weekly wage for a claim is calculated based upon average earnings for the six months preceding the date of injury. As such, it is important to have an <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/03/31/did-my-employer-correctly-calculate-my-average-weekly-wage" target="_blank">accurate average weekly wage calculation</a> and to be using the most recent date of injury to ensure the greatest possible settlement from workers' compensation is received.<br />
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<b>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Did the insurer accept or deny your workers' compensation claim?</b><br />
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When a workers' compensation claim is accepted by the insurer, you generally have a stronger position going into a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-are-primary-tools-for-settlement.html">settlement conference or mediation</a>. This is true because many times the insurer is <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">paying the employee ongoing benefits</a>. If your claim is accepted, there will still be a dispute with the insurer with regard to the "nature and extent" of the injury and the amount of the benefits owed but the insurer has admitted responsibility for the injury when a claim is accepted.<br />
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On the other hand, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-adjuster-refuses-to-pay-my-benefits.html">if a claim is denied</a> and litigation is pending, the insurance company knows that there is a chance that they will not have to pay anything for the claim. If you go to court, there is a chance the insurance company will win, and this is factored into the insurance company's exposure analysis for your claim. For example, let's say you have a 50% chance of winning your claim. The insurance company will typically look at the overall exposure for your claim, calculate how much you would receive if your case went to hearing and we won on each of the claims then reduce that amount by 50%, (i.e., the estimated chance of success for the claim).<br />
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<b>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Did you sustain a permanent or temporary injury? </b><br />
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This concept is relatively straightforward. If you sustained a serious injury and are issued <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/pera-permanent-and-total-disability-vs.html">permanent restrictions</a>, the insurance company will understand that you will likely collect most, if not all, of your wage loss benefits. In addition, you will likely be entitled to a benefit known as <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/09/permanent-partial-disability-ppd.html">permanent partial disability (PPD)</a> for the loss of use or functioning of the affected body part. This benefit is not available to employees that have sustained minor injuries. Conversely, if you sustained a relatively minor injury, the claim will likely have a limited settlement value because the injured person is expected to make a full recovery and return to the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/employees-who-separate-from-date-of.html">date of injury employer</a> at full wage earnings.<br />
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<b>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How strong is your medical support?</b><br />
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If there is <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/medical-treatment-minnesota-workers.html">medical support</a> from a treating physician, linking the injured individual's current condition to a work-injury, the claim tends to be stronger. This is especially true if the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2015/09/choosing-right-doctor.html">treating physician</a> is an experienced, well-respected specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, in the relevant area. Remember, the burden of proof in a workers' compensation claim is on the employee. This means that the injured employee is responsible for providing medical evidence to support the claims if the matter goes before a judge. As such, if a claims adjuster or a defense attorney gets a persuasive <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/narrative-request-vs-narrative-report.html">narrative report</a> from a treating physician that supports your claims, they will understand that you will be much more likely to be successful at hearing, which adds <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-i-be-offered-settlement-on-my.html">value to your claim</a>.<br />
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<b>6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Who is representing you?</b><br />
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If you choose to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/do-i-need-work-comp-attorney-if-im.html">represent yourself</a>, you will be at a serious disadvantage when it comes to settling your claims. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers' compensation</a> is a complex, confusing area of the law and you will not know whether you are getting all the benefits to which you are entitled unless you have an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">experienced workers' compensation attorney</a>. In addition, your employer will be represented by a claims adjuster or attorney that has significant experience in the area and they will not be looking out for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">your best interests</a>.<br />
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If you are thinking about <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-i-be-offered-settlement-on-my.html">settling your Minnesota workers' compensation claim</a>, it is of utmost importance that you check with a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">workers' compensation attorney</a> before you do. This is especially true if you are a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officer or firefighter</a> and also entitled to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA or MSRS benefits</a> because there are certain, applicable offset provisions that will apply to any <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers' compensation</a> settlement. A wrong decision could cost you thousands of dollars. Contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation consultation and claim evaluation. At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we keep our clients informed of the process as well as what to expect each step of the way. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-21287168734298313902018-01-09T10:19:00.000-08:002018-03-06T15:06:54.361-08:00Meuser Law Attorneys Speak to Burnsville Police Officers and Firefighters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are pleased to share that <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jennifer Yackley</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth Boyce</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a> of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> were invited recently to speak to the <a href="http://www.ci.burnsville.mn.us/" target="_blank">City of Burnsville</a> police officers, firefighters and HR Generalists. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron</a> and his team of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">experienced attorneys</a> were asked to educate the group of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/07/can-i-receive-minnesota-workers.html">first responders</a> and HR Generalists on the basics of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">PERA disability</a>, Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">work comp</a>, as well as other benefits available in the event an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injury occurs in the line of duty</a>.<br />
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Once combined, Burnsville's <a href="http://www.ci.burnsville.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=124" target="_blank">police</a> and <a href="http://www.ci.burnsville.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=133" target="_blank">fire</a> departments have been operating since 1981 as individual units with the shared commitment to the preservation of life, safety and protection of property for the city's residents, business owners, and visitors. Although highly trained in safety measures to not only keep the public safe, but also the city's first responders as well, injuries do occur. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/can-i-sue-suspect-who-injures-me-while.html">police officers are four times more likely</a> to be injured on the job than other occupations. The types of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-am-firefighter-with-cancer-am-i.html">injuries to firefighters, such as cancer</a>, are growing as well according to the National Fire Protection Agencies. The <a href="http://www.ci.burnsville.mn.us/" target="_blank">City of Burnsville</a> understands the increased danger the police officers and firefighters face each day and want to ensure their first responders <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-minnesota.html">know what steps to take</a> when an injury happens to ensure they receive the full benefits they are entitled, including <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">continuation of health insurance</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd1" target="_blank">PTSD</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDRP14qd1c8i21wCQtsFB_ge9fP5a9QTvacS4pncYTGdF7nR182aKsD7fmhulCi8uye5zoO0JOSfQjs29JmK8embq-UwvTAwrvh_OonP04sVLze55Sgy5O6VZgCPvCedYUl5oMhWhG79z/s1600/Meuser+Bville+Police+Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDRP14qd1c8i21wCQtsFB_ge9fP5a9QTvacS4pncYTGdF7nR182aKsD7fmhulCi8uye5zoO0JOSfQjs29JmK8embq-UwvTAwrvh_OonP04sVLze55Sgy5O6VZgCPvCedYUl5oMhWhG79z/s200/Meuser+Bville+Police+Fire.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley</a> met with the entire group and presented an overview and basic information. The attorneys went more in depth with the 20 police officers and 10 firefighters in attendance after the chiefs and HR Generalists exited the presentation. The following topics and others were discussed:<br />
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<li>The <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/11/injured-police-officer-and-firefighter.html">importance of timing</a> when reporting an injury</li>
<li>When to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">seek treatment</a> for an injury</li>
<li><a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">PTSD</a></li>
<li><a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/workers-compensation-benefits-for.html">Firefighters with cancer</a></li>
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Discussion included the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/12/continuation-of-health-insurance.html">types of benefits available</a> to first responders who are injured in the line of duty, and information regarding <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-is-ptsd.html">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a> including the new workers' compensation <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/re-introduced-bill-seeks-to-help-first.html">rules that govern PTSD claims</a>, as well as complex <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">timing</a> and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">coordination rules</a> that apply specifically to Minnesota's peace officers who receive <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/pera-police-and-fire-plan-18-month.html">Duty Disability and workers' compensation benefits</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> is one of the few <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers' compensation</a> law firms in the state of Minnesota that also handles <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">PERA and MSRS</a> disability claims. We've successfully represented hundreds of Minnesota's first responders for both work comp and PERA/MSRS disability claims. Sitting down with us to learn more about your potential claim is a lot like financial planning. We can explain what benefits you may be eligible for and make recommendations to you in terms of how to best protect your rights to those benefits. The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> can help the often-complex process easier to navigate.<br />
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Why choose <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for your <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers' compensation</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">personal injury</a> representation? The difference in experience between Meuser Law and an attorney who isn't as versed in this area of the law can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars to your claim. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact us today</a> for a free no-obligation consultation by calling <b>1-877-746-5680</b>. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> are available to speak at ANY police or fire department in Minnesota to educate and inform on the valuable information and ensure injured first responders are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ron Meuser" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG7TQ4LhnFv6BAXtuGIw5Q07ggVvrJFkq6HxvjOLcv-iV4137jjUYjMt7NTOlmaZBXY_Ai_HC-0UUuqimIEdvYmeDYraGBrcrXlQircsRycKTa8Lwsk87nT3Jxb3fbgEjxJ7Q9vDbqA3_/w280-h280-p/ron_copy_squarethumb.png" title="Ron Meuser" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ron%20Meuser">More posts by Ron</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-87896576482842772502017-12-28T10:03:00.000-08:002018-01-10T10:26:22.495-08:00Continuation of Health Insurance Benefits for Disabled Minnesota Firefighters and Police Officers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlETPNiMEiwWDtWPtbcIUJlZZvOjwCH-g1owVmCAnvzWM6JiAPYYbdqZaNkmumAhnUWxq2wkuUY4m8_SEHx2HnTsQkAHA3OZfjaNndr_3h20w81Bl-iYuBNfSqY8Aegi8aejqW34bwRUGc/s1600/first_respondersmall-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlETPNiMEiwWDtWPtbcIUJlZZvOjwCH-g1owVmCAnvzWM6JiAPYYbdqZaNkmumAhnUWxq2wkuUY4m8_SEHx2HnTsQkAHA3OZfjaNndr_3h20w81Bl-iYuBNfSqY8Aegi8aejqW34bwRUGc/s200/first_respondersmall-original.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In addition to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA disability benefits</a>, Minnesota’s <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">police officers and firefighters</a> who suffer disabling injuries while performing inherently dangerous duties are also eligible for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">continued health insurance</a> coverage.<br />
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Minnesota statute § 299A.465 requires that an employer of a police officer or firefighter who has been awarded <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/pera-police-and-firefighter-duty.html">PERA Duty Disability benefits</a> continue to pay their share of the police officer or firefighter’s health insurance premiums until the officer or firefighter reaches age 65. If the officer or firefighter’s dependents had coverage through the employer at the time of the officer or fighter’s injury, the employer must also continue to pay its share of the insurance premiums for those dependents.<br />
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In plain English, that means that if you are a Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">police officer or firefighter</a>, and you <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">suffer a career-ending injury</a> that was incurred while you were performing inherently dangerous duties, your employer has to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">continue to offer</a> you the same health insurance and continue to pay their share of the premium, as though you remained on the payroll through age 65.<br />
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Although this statute seems pretty straight-forward, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has seen a huge increase in the frequency of litigation on these claims. Given the rising costs of health insurance, more and more employers are trying to deny these types of claims, and we are seeing more and more situations where it isn’t 100% clear how this statute should apply.<br />
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Here are a few of the situations <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> have seen recently and how the courts have been deciding these issues. Notably, we are seeing different courts arrive at different conclusions.<br />
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<b>Employer Contested Case Hearings</b><br />
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After an officer or firefighter is <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/05/can-pera-ptd-benefits-and-ptd-work-comp.html">awarded PERA Duty Disability benefits</a>, an employer has the right to “appeal” that determination by requesting a Contested Case Hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings in front of a neutral Administrative Law Judge within 60 days of notice of PERA’s Duty Disability approval. Usually “appeals” in this context are based on an employer’s argument that the police officer or firefighter doesn’t meet the Duty Disability criteria for one reason or another. We have litigated several of these cases to a favorable conclusion in front of an Administrative Law Judge, and we have settled several other contested cases for a lump sum cash settlement. A Contested Case Hearing is like an informal trial, at which evidence and testimony will be submitted, and the Administrative Law Judge makes a decision as to whether the officer or firefighter is eligible for benefits. This is considered a final determination, and either side can appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Our office</a> recently had an interesting case involving two employers. Arguably, the officer’s <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/symptoms-of-ptsd-when-to-get-help.html">post-traumatic stress disorder</a> was caused by his traumatic exposures at two different law enforcement agencies, and arguably, both are partially responsible for his health insurance coverage. One employer requested a Contested Case Hearing, and the other did not. The employer who did not request a Contested Case Hearing filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, arguing that he had waived his right to future health insurance coverage via Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 because he had signed an employment law release in exchange for a severance when he left that department. The Court disagreed. In fact, the Court held that employer had no right to even contest this officer’s eligibility health insurance coverage since it failed to request a Contested Case Hearing within the statutory time frame.<br />
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<b>Suing an Employer in District Court</b><br />
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Even though Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 says that an employer has to request a Contested Case Hearing within 60 days of PERA’s notice of approval for Duty Disability benefits, often employers don’t do that. Instead, they admit that the disabled officer or firefighter meets the eligibility requirements for Duty Disability, but they argue that the disabled officer or firefighter is ineligible for Continued Health Insurance benefits for other reasons. Usually, these cases must then be sued out in district court. We have a couple cases currently pending in district court involving these issues, and we’ve been able to settle a few cases as well. Usually, the issues involved in cases in district court revolve around whether the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/pera-police-and-fire-plan-18-month.html">disabled officer or firefighter</a> is barred from health insurance because of a gap in coverage, because they were covered as a dependent on a spouse’s policy, or because they waived coverage in exchange for a cash benefit.<br />
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<b>Cases Involving More Than One Employer</b><br />
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As mentioned, we now have a handful of cases involving multiple employers. Two cases involved <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/ptsd-and-psychological-injuries.html">post-traumatic stress disorder</a> that was caused by an officer’s exposure to traumatic events at two different agencies, and a third case involved an officer who suffered a back injury that was re-injured with a different agency. In one of the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd" target="_blank">post-traumatic stress disorder</a> cases, notwithstanding both employers’ arguments to the contrary, the Administrative Law Judge held that even though Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 doesn’t explicitly address that situation, that a court may equitably apportion responsibility for continued health insurance coverage to two or more employers who may both be responsible for the officer’s underlying disabling condition. The second <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">post-traumatic stress disorder</a> case is still in litigation. On the case involving the back injury, even though two employers were both arguably responsible for the officer’s back injury, his most recent employer voluntarily agreed to pay his ongoing health insurance coverage.<br />
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<b>Cash Incentive Insurance Waivers</b><br />
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With ever-rising health insurance costs, we are seeing litigation involving cash incentive waiver plans much more frequently because we are seeing more and more public employers offering such plans. Employers can offer a variety of different types of cash waiver plans, but the concept is that an officer or firefighter waives health insurance coverage through their public employer in exchange for a monthly, quarterly, or annual cash benefit. For example, an officer may have the option of waiving <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/in-line-of-duty-injuries-minnesota.html">health insurance coverage</a> through his employer, go on his spouse’s family plan as a dependent, and receive $250 per month from his employer as an incentive for waiving coverage. Sounds like a pretty good deal, right? Well, not necessarily. In almost every case we have seen with a cash waiver plan, the employer has argued that the officer or firefighter is ineligible for health insurance benefits. What if that officer or firefighter’s spouse loses his or her job and insurance? What if the officer or firefighter goes through a divorce or their spouse dies? What if the officer or firefighter’s spouse retires? Who pays for that officer or firefighter’s insurance?<br />
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At this point, it is unclear. We have had different results in different courts on this issue. There is a Court of Appeals case our office handled a few years ago which found that a disabled firefighter who was a dependent on his spouse’s insurance policy was eligible for Continued Health Insurance Benefits in accordance with <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">Minn. Stat. § 299A.465</a>, even though he was not individually covered on the city’s health insurance plan.<br />
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We also recently had an Administrative Law case where the officer had elected to waive his coverage in exchange for cash benefit, and he was a dependent on his wife’s family policy. The employer argued that he gave up his right to benefits under Minn. Stat. § 299A.465 because he accepted the cash benefit and waived coverage. The court disagreed, holding that the employer was required to continue to offer him coverage.<br />
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We currently have a case in District Court involving three officers/firefighters from the same employer that all elected the cash waiver plan offered by their employer. We expect that this case will go to the Minnesota <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/12/what-to-expect-at-work-comp-hearing.html">Court of Appeals</a> to hopefully definitively answer whether an employer is required to “continue” health insurance for a disabled officer or firefighter who waived coverage.<br />
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Occasionally run into other types of cases involving disputes over exactly what benefits are provided by Minn. Stat. § 299A.465, including a case involving a cash incentive for waiver of family coverage, cases involving HSA contributions, and cases involving reimbursement for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">COBRA coverage</a>.<br />
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This is a very complex and evolving area of law. If you are a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">Minnesota police officer or firefighter</a> with questions about your rights under Minn. Stat. § 299A.465, we are happy to help.<br />
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There are a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">variety of benefits available</a> for Minnesota’s disabled police officers and firefighters, including, but not limited to, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> benefits, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA</a> disability benefits, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">Continuation of Health Insurance</a> benefits, and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">third-party liability</a> claims. Contact the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> to learn more about your rights. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-44022337454261021172017-12-14T10:25:00.001-08:002017-12-14T10:32:12.425-08:00Can I Be Fired for Reporting a Work Injury?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6kKwJ2pLjYdTiccGP7LO0qTHYOlWz_KzhG4PynpaA2SSX_X5809CFr__nbK1XLUZly8mCRh9-M54LE9rnVKd-imZadJ6KlKdCIQnvdnKio-EhDDq40WgaV9_Hqm8gX9cGbxySvQSVyfm/s1600/LawBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6kKwJ2pLjYdTiccGP7LO0qTHYOlWz_KzhG4PynpaA2SSX_X5809CFr__nbK1XLUZly8mCRh9-M54LE9rnVKd-imZadJ6KlKdCIQnvdnKio-EhDDq40WgaV9_Hqm8gX9cGbxySvQSVyfm/s200/LawBooks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The short answer is no, not legally. Technically, an employer can terminate you for any reason, legal or not, but there is recourse that can be taken if you are fired or threatened with termination after <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">sustaining an injury at work</a>.<br />
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An employer must fill out a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/first-report-of-injury.html">First Report of Injury</a> after you report a work injury however, despite completing and filing this form, an employer may still <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/what-is-claim-petition.html">doubt your veracity and the legitimacy</a> of your injury claim. If this belief is communicated to the Minnesota workers’ compensation insurer, your <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">claim may be denied</a>. After the denial, the employer may feel justified in disciplining or firing you for filing a “false claim.”<br />
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Minnesota law does not allow an employer from discharging or threatening to discharge an employee for seeking <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers' compensation benefits</a> or in any manner intentionally obstructing an employee seeking <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> benefits. This provision allows an injured worker to bring a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">civil claim</a> against his employer if the employee was fired or obstructed from bringing a workers’ compensation claim. In practice, these actions are fairly uncommon but they’re also essential. The action acts as a check against employers, allowing employees to recover the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">workers’ compensation benefits</a> that they would have received if not for the unlawful interference of their employer.<br />
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This law does not mean that an employee can never be fired legally after sustaining a work-related injury. For example, if an employee already has an extensive history of absenteeism and then misses several days from work after a work injury without providing restrictions from his doctor, the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">employee may be terminated</a> through the process set out in the employer’s standard policy. If your employer terminates you after filing a work injury and does not follow its standard policy, does not assist you in filing for workers’ compensation benefits, or does not allow you a reasonable opportunity to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">seek medical treatment</a>, you may be able to bring a successful retaliation claim.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/faqs-timing-of-minnesota-workers.html">Furthermore</a>, with regard to “false claims,” the employer may be able to fire you for reporting what they believe to be a false <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation claim</a>. This, however, is risky for the employer because the court seems to be asking whether the employer had a “reasonable belief” of claim falsification. What is a reasonable belief of claim falsification? Again, it depends, but the consensus seems to be that the employer must conduct a thorough investigation of the employee’s allegation of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-superseding-intervening-cause.html">work-related injury</a>. In completing this investigation, the court looks at whether the employer conducted a detailed and fair investigation, and was not simply results oriented. It also should make sure that any such investigation is complete and not results oriented.<br />
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It is also worth noting that practical concerns influence employers with regard to discharging employees. If an employee’s claim is admitted, the employer and insurer will be on the hook for ongoing <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">wage loss benefits</a>, if they choose to terminate you. This results in a very real financial incentive for employers to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">find work for you after sustaining a work injury</a>. This is still true, but to a lesser extent, for denied claims. Even if your <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">claim is denied</a> by the workers’ compensation insurer, you’re still able to fight for the benefits the insurer should have paid you and establish ongoing workers’ compensation payments from the date of termination forward.<br />
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Contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and consultation. The <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> take the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">time with each client</a> to help determine which benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act you are entitled. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-66078511091080813792017-11-29T10:19:00.000-08:002017-11-30T10:54:35.474-08:00Is My Employer Required To Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s1600/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I84aVJSr5UAC0SZIpAwmS3GQcg0Alw8zZ3E9gFfDCi6FMmAcHIS2ZMEUWvxpKyITP6zw1pOPpAYDcqa9lk8qCw0WFyCy8MyQYtiGCRpwEx-icOlU0LCXfVzztPyKl79Miri6SIz4fQpY/s200/Stack+of+Legal+Papers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Employers in Minnesota are mandated to carry <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation insurance</a> for their employees under Minnesota Statute §176.181, subdivision 2. The legislature wants to ensure that injured workers have access to recovery if he or she <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">suffers an injury on the job</a>. Employees are generally defined as a person who performs services for another for hire. Employees include minors, part-time workers and non-U.S. citizens. The <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry</a> is responsible for work comp insurance in Minnesota.<br />
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Under Minnesota Statute §176.041 in certain circumstances some types of employers are not required to carry work comp insurance. These types of employers include but are not limited to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Family farm employees (if paid less than $8,000 in cash wages over the last year)</li>
<li>Independent contractors</li>
<li>Household workers</li>
<li>LLC or limited liability companies</li>
<li>Closely held corporations</li>
<li>Nonprofit associations</li>
</ul>
However, these types of employers may still elect to carry <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">work comp insurance coverage</a> and many do, so if you work for one do not assume they do not carry work comp insurance. You may check on the <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry</a>’s website at <a href="http://www.inslookup.doli.state.mn.us/">http://www.inslookup.doli.state.mn.us/</a> to search whether your employer carries a policy. Employers are also required to post a Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Employee Rights and Responsibilities poster in a conspicuous location for its employees. The poster must show the employer’s insurance carrier information, including a name and phone number.<br />
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If you believe that a business does not have <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> coverage you may report that company to the <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Department of Labor and Industry</a>’s Special Compensation Fund by email or by phone at 651-284-5453.<br />
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If the employer is required to carry <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">work comp insurance</a> and fails to do so, injured employees may still receive benefits from the Minnesota Special Compensation Fund under Minnesota Statute §176.129. The Minnesota Special Compensation Fund may then receive reimbursement from the employer for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">benefits paid to the injured worker</a> plus monetary penalties. The Minnesota Special Compensation Fund also administers Supplementary Benefits, which are a complicated specific type of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss benefit</a> that may affect an injured worker who was injured before 1990. The Special Compensation fund also investigates whether the employer has coverage and steps in the place of the employer, if the employer failed to maintain coverage.<br />
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Some employers are self-insured as well, and thus responsible for paying out <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claims. Generally large public entities are self-insured, such as the State of Minnesota or the City of St. Paul. The Minnesota Commerce Department must issue its approval for an employer to be self-insured for the purposes of workers’ compensation. The employer must prove its financial capability to be self-insured.<br />
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If you have sustained an injury in the course and scope of your employment in the State of Minnesota, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">contact Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation case consultation. Don’t wait to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">get an attorney involved</a> if you have a Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claim. The process can be complex, but the knowledgeable attorneys at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> keep our clients informed of the process as well as what to expect each step of the way. We take the time with each client to help determine which benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act you are entitled. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-697663482595289872017-11-21T09:53:00.000-08:002017-11-27T10:09:29.152-08:00PERA Police and Fire Plan 18 Month Filing Deadline: Do Not Miss It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1b2_Zfq3zkxDNjsILCfgiTG0b6p3SMJqiX0QuEwYR0dPe_ShxQPzMGmZUzYFhOmaz1GcrAAxZUlTXOEH_Q57qRhqyzAhsxNNSpktxKx6xFCYHLm4NWQ6kCox-4zsj2xu8hLUWfclVZ_t/s1600/first_respondersmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1b2_Zfq3zkxDNjsILCfgiTG0b6p3SMJqiX0QuEwYR0dPe_ShxQPzMGmZUzYFhOmaz1GcrAAxZUlTXOEH_Q57qRhqyzAhsxNNSpktxKx6xFCYHLm4NWQ6kCox-4zsj2xu8hLUWfclVZ_t/s200/first_respondersmall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
There are several important deadlines that <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">Minnesota police officers and firefighters</a> need to be aware of when filing a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA disability benefits</a> claim, including the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">18-month post-termination filing deadline</a>.<br />
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Applications for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)</a> Police and Fire Plan Duty or Regular Disability Benefits <b>MUST</b> be filed within 18 months after the person’s termination from public service. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">If an application is not filed</a> within 18 months, an otherwise eligible disabled police officer or firefighter is barred from filing for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA disability benefits</a>. Missing this deadline can cost a disabled police officer or firefighter <b>hundreds of thousands of dollars</b>.<br />
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We have seen this issue come up several times. If a disabled police officer or firefighter has <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">missed the 18-month deadline</a>, no matter how strong his or her claim for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/pera-permanent-and-total-disability-vs.html">PERA Duty Disability</a> benefits and no matter how much we want to help, <b>there is nothing the attorney can do</b>.<br />
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Unfortunately, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> see this issue come up occasionally. For example:<br />
<ul>
<li>An <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">attorney in our office</a> was contacted by a police officer who was involved in an <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">on-duty</a> shooting incident. The officer developed some mental health issues as a result and went on a medical leave for a short period of time. At the officer’s request, the officer’s doctor cleared her to return to full duty, even though she was still having mental health issues. After a short time back on the job, she realized things weren’t going well and she knew she couldn’t continue. She resigned from her job and didn’t pursue anything even though she was suffering from serious <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/cumulative-post-traumatic-stress.html">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a> as a result of the on-duty shooting incident. Thankfully, a former colleague of hers suggested she <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">call Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> to see if she was <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">eligible for any benefits</a>. We got her application in just shy of the 18-month deadline, and this officer was awarded PERA Duty Disability benefits, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/msrs-disability-benefits-and-health.html">299A.465 Continuation of Health Insurance</a> benefits, and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/05/can-pera-ptd-benefits-and-ptd-work-comp.html">workers’ compensation benefits</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>An officer contacted us to evaluate his potential <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/07/can-i-receive-minnesota-workers.html">PERA Duty Disability</a> claim. He was referred to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> by his workers’ compensation lawyer, having just settled his workers’ compensation claim. This Minnesota police officer had suffered a low back injury while wrestling with a suspect which required surgery. After his <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">physical restrictions</a> due to his low back injury were deemed permanent, his employer terminated him based on his inability to perform his full duty job. Over the next two years, he collected various workers’ compensation benefits, and his work comp lawyer ultimately settled his workers’ compensation case. Unfortunately, his workers’ compensation lawyer also instructed him not to file for PERA Duty Disability benefits during that time. By the time he met with an <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">attorney in our office</a>, his <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/pera-police-and-firefighter-duty.html">PERA claim</a> was barred because he had <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/pera-police-and-fire-and-corrections.html">failed to file within 18 months of his termination</a>. There was nothing that we could do to help him. Because this officer’s workers’ compensation lawyer didn’t know the rules associated with PERA, he gave the officer bad advice that cost him several hundred thousand dollars.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>An <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">attorney in our office</a> met with a Minnesota police officer who had terminated from his employment over two years prior to our meeting. He had resigned as a police officer when he started to struggle with some mental health issues. Unfortunately, he didn’t seek help for his symptoms and he wasn’t diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder until more than two years after he terminated. Because he didn’t seek help and tried to manage it on his own, this officer didn’t even know he had <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/part-ii-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">PTSD</a> until two years after he resigned. This gentleman didn’t receive a diagnosis until after the 18-month deadline had passed, but currently <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/what-is-pera.html">PERA</a> does not have an exception for latent conditions that are not diagnosed until much later in time, such as <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-am-firefighter-with-cancer-am-i.html">cancer</a> or <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ptsd" target="_blank">post-traumatic stress disorder</a>.</li>
</ul>
For <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/peraPF" target="_blank">Minnesota’s police officers and firefighters</a> who suffer significant on-duty injuries, it is imperative to have the right lawyer from the beginning. At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a>, the first time we meet with a client, our <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable and experienced attorneys</a> evaluate every potential claim, including but not limited to, Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA/MSRS disability</a>, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Police-FirefighterCOBRA" target="_blank">Continuation of Health Insurance</a> claims, and <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">third-party claims</a>. Our <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">attorneys</a> develop a timeline and a plan to ensure every possible resource for benefits is explored, which includes the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/01/pera-police-and-fire-plan-benefits-dont.html">coordination of claims</a> every step of the way. Experience matters. For a free, no-obligation consultation, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">contact Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> Call us today at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Jen%20Yackley">More posts by Jen</a>
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-79689714968740282702017-11-09T09:11:00.000-08:002017-12-12T09:21:05.135-08:00The Adjuster Refuses to Pay My Benefits. Am I Eligible for Penalties?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFWr7Dq7G4L2GeONFBL-VibvzwlEFWUeMkDMf_t8Yksvk-bCvBy-j8j0EvzcT3ypEZHbe92QnS8piYGPaktjc04XoqcnfLfSamGWdJJedELYewVvDlAU1CoAJY5AMloaaR7nXyO6J2_PJ/s1600/Legal+Document+Eyeglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFWr7Dq7G4L2GeONFBL-VibvzwlEFWUeMkDMf_t8Yksvk-bCvBy-j8j0EvzcT3ypEZHbe92QnS8piYGPaktjc04XoqcnfLfSamGWdJJedELYewVvDlAU1CoAJY5AMloaaR7nXyO6J2_PJ/s200/Legal+Document+Eyeglasses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In rare circumstances employers and insurers may be subject to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/11/is-my-employer-required-to-carry.html">monetary penalties</a> for violating the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act</a>. Penalties serve as a deterrent to employers and insurers from flagrant disregard of the rules. Some penalties are payable to the State of Minnesota and some are payable to the employee.<br />
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<b>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frivolous Liability Denial</b><br />
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When an adjuster for an insurance company denies an injured worker’s claim, the adjuster must demonstrate a good-faith effort to investigate the claim. The adjuster may also not use clearly inaccurate statements of fact or applicable law under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act</a>. If a judge finds that an adjuster has violated Minnesota Statute §176.221, subdivision 1 and 176.225, subdivision 1, then the judge may issue a penalty against the insurance company payable to the State and the employee. An employee may be entitled to 30% of the amount of the delayed benefits.<br />
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At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we have recently brought a claim for penalties for the failure of an insurer and public employer to pay temporary total disability benefits and temporary partial disability benefits after the law enforcement officer separated from the date of injury employer in order to receive <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA Duty Disability</a> benefits. The insurer and employer admitted liability for the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">injury</a> and is in agreement with the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2014/08/independent-medical-exams-in-ptsd.html">Independent Medical Examiner</a> and treating physician’s restrictions for the employee. The employer and insurer refuses to pay despite the definitive case law on this issue under Boutto v. U.S. Steel Corp. (July 18, 2007 WC06-288).<br />
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<b>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Non-specific Denial of Liability</b><br />
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Similar to penalties for frivolous <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">denial of liability</a>, under Minnesota Statute 176.84 insurers must issue specific and clear reasons that the adjuster is denying the injury. The penalty for a non-specific denial of liability is $500 each violation.<br />
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<b>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Late Payments of Benefits</b><br />
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Insurers and employers are also required to make timely <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/10/faqs-timing-of-minnesota-workers.html">payment of benefits</a> under Minnesota Statute § 176.221, subdivision 1. An employee’s first temporary <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/mn-work-comp-permanent-partial.html">total disability payment</a> must be issued the 14th day after the first day of an employee’s disability or the date the employer received notice, whichever is later. The employee may be awarded 25% of the delayed benefits.<br />
<br />
<b>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Obstructing an Employee’s Minnesota Work Comp Benefits</b><br />
<br />
Under Minnesota Statute §176.82, subdivision 1, an insurer or an employer who fires or threatens to fire an employee for making a claim for <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> benefits is liable for <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">civil damages</a> in addition to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation benefits</a> owed. This violation also includes costs and reasonable <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2014/12/30/attorney-fees-for-workers-compensation-personal-injury-or-pera-disability-claims" target="_blank">attorney fees</a> in addition to punitive damages three times the amount of any compensation benefits to which an employee is owed.<br />
<br />
This violation may be difficult to prove but if an employee is able to offer concrete evidence, for example text messages, letter, or a saved voicemail with the employer threatening to fire the employee for filing a work comp claim, may be persuasive.<br />
<br />
<b>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Refusing to Offer Continued Employment</b><br />
<br />
Under Minnesota Statute §176.82, subdivision 2, an employer who has work available with the employee’s physical restrictions must offer continued employment. If an employer does not have reasonable cause to continue to offer suitable employment is liable for one year of the employee’s wages in a civil lawsuit. Employers with less than 15 full-time employees are exempt from this statute.<br />
<br />
<b>6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Failure to Ensure</b><br />
<br />
An uninsured employer may also be fined by the <a href="http://www.doli.state.mn.us/" target="_blank">Department of Labor and Industry</a> for failure to insure employees for workers’ compensation injuries, regardless if any employee has been injured. An employer may be required to pay a penalty up to $1,000 per employee per week for the time period the employee was not insured.<br />
<br />
<b>7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Failure to Pay Settlement Award</b><br />
<br />
After the parties agree to a settlement and the settlement is set forth in the stipulation for settlement, a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/12/what-to-expect-at-work-comp-hearing.html">workers’ compensation judge</a> must review and then issue an award on stipulation, which is a court-order dictating what the employer and insurer must pay. The employer and insurer must issue payment within 14 days of the award or be subject to fines.<br />
<br />
If you believe you may be entitled to penalties under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act or have a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> claim, contact the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation case evaluation. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>877-746-5680</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-18191130420585671632017-10-25T11:24:00.000-07:002017-12-12T11:33:12.183-08:00I Was Injured Commuting to or From Work. Am I Covered Under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAwDx2o1d4lUhvOYbrjTtL9EIVuhe-icpk0Rervef-XDMNTFyaIWVM-yYbNHeHMdJe8-Gg6TyZxTPe-0HaPUiOG_2wS6_06dV0q4VZWKecTbbL-N7lUUeUTX-R-KC0GdV22OIUyMGjf3w/s1600/WalkingOnSidewalk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAwDx2o1d4lUhvOYbrjTtL9EIVuhe-icpk0Rervef-XDMNTFyaIWVM-yYbNHeHMdJe8-Gg6TyZxTPe-0HaPUiOG_2wS6_06dV0q4VZWKecTbbL-N7lUUeUTX-R-KC0GdV22OIUyMGjf3w/s200/WalkingOnSidewalk.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
The general rules is, you will not be entitled to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> benefits if you were commuting to or from work at the time you were injured; however, there are a few exceptions to this rule.<br />
<br />
In Minnesota, the general rule is that <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation benefits</a> are available to employees who <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">sustain injuries</a> “while engaged in, on, or about the premises where the employee’s services require the employee’s presence as a part of that service at the time of the injury and during the hours of that service.” Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 16.<br />
<br />
One exception to what is often referred to as the “coming and going” rule is the responsibility of the employer to provide its employees with a safe ingress to or egress from the employment premises. To fall within this exception, an employee must show that the injured occurred within the following criteria:<br />
<br />
1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before or after the workday<br />
2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On an area that is considered a party of the employer’s premises<br />
3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Within a customary route of ingress and egress<br />
<br />
For example, if an employee falls, and is injured due to snow and ice the employer’s parking lot a few minutes after clocking out, this injury would likely be compensable. If the same injury occurred on the state-owned sidewalk in front of the employer’s premises, this injury would likely not be compensable.<br />
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One other factor that courts take into consideration is whether the employee was “engaged in activity reasonably incidental to her employment” at the time of the injury. For example, if a bartender clocks out but chooses to “hang out” at the bar, have drinks and socialize for an hour before leaving and sustaining an injury in the employer’s parking lot, this would not be a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/gillette-injuries-in-workers.html">compensable injury</a> because the employee was no longer engaged in an activity reasonably incidental to his or her employment.<br />
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The second exception to the “coming and going” rule is employer-furnished transportation. When the employer regularly furnishes transportation to employees to and from the place of employment, and the employee is injured during transport, the employee’s injury is compensable under Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> laws.<br />
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The third exception to the “coming and going” rule is travel between two work places. One of these work sites could be the employee’s home if a portion of the employee’s work is performed at home. Therefore, situations may arise in which an injury that occurs during the trip between the employee’s home and his employer’s premises falls within the scope of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> coverage. The most important factor when analyzing this exception is whether the employee’s conduct at the time he or she sustained an injury was connected with the demands or obligations of his or her employment.<br />
<br />
Lastly, if the employment requires travel, injuries sustained by the employee may be compensable if the injury occurs in the course of a business trip. The portion of this exception that is often the subject litigation is: “What does it mean to be in the course of a business trip?” To prove an employee was in the course of a business trip, the employee must show that the trip furthered the employer’s interest, the employee received complete or partial reimbursement for travel expenses or the employee received wages for the time spent traveling. However, if the employee deviates from the employer’s business during the course of the trip and engages in a “personal mission,” <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/when-am-i-entitled-to-rehabilitation.html" target="">workers’ compensation benefits</a> can be denied. An example of a personal mission is visiting a romantic partner or watching the football game at a bar for recreational purposes.<br />
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<a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">Don’t wait</a> to get an attorney involved if you have a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> claim. As this article illustrates, this area of the law is nuanced and complex. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">The attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> will help ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you’re entitled. Contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation consultation and claim evaluation. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-43561382724533403082017-10-19T09:46:00.000-07:002017-11-13T10:03:31.224-08:00Mounted Police Officers and Workers’ Compensation Injuries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the state of Minnesota, the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth maintain mounted patrol units. The <a href="http://www.mnmountedposseassn.com/home.html" target="_blank">Minnesota Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Association (MSMPA)</a> is comprised of volunteer and reserve units of mounted deputy sheriffs across the state who assist the County Sheriff whenever appropriate. Mounted patrol units help with crowd control, crime control, search and rescue, and community outreach. It is estimated that one mounted police officer has the effect of ten officers on foot. Horses provide size, weight, and every officer is 10 feet tall on horseback, enhancing visibility. Mounted police officers can travel quickly to places that squad cars cannot travel.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Unfortunately, while performing crowd control duties on horseback can increase safety for officers and the public, horseback riding is still <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/pera-and-two-year-rule.html" target="">a dangerous activity</a>. Although the horses used in mounted patrol units are chosen for their temperament and suitability for the job, horses are still animals who can react unpredictably in unknown situations. Even the sweetest most docile horse can trip, fall to the ground and inadvertently crush a rider.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
To ensure safety, officers should follow certain precautions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Safety equipment. Wearing a helmet can prevent very serious head injuries. There’s no excuse for not wearing a helmet while riding.</li>
<li>Wearing a helmet when working with horses while on the ground is also important. Loading and unloading horses into a trailer can be a very dangerous situation. While horses in the mounted patrol unit may be loaded and un-loaded multiple times a week, working with a 1,100-pound animal in a small space is hazardous. Turning out a horse at night back into the herd can also be dangerous. Some horses like other horses better than others and if you turn out into a group of horses standing near the gate and another horse bites the horse you are working with he may kick out and may even hurt you.</li>
<li>Wearing a helmet while walking out to the pasture to catch a horse is also a smart precautionary measure. Sometimes horses may gather around you and get pushy, hoping the human has a treat or looking for attention. A horse could nip another horse and then someone could kick out or knock you down out in the field. Horses can strike out with their front or back hooves.</li>
<li>Wear proper footwear around horses. Getting stepped on in boots versus flip flops is an entirely different experience.</li>
<li>Don’t stand directly behind a horse. Talk to the horse when you are working with him or her to let the horse know where you are standing and to prevent startling the horse.</li>
<li>Don’t loop a lead line, reins, or lunge lines around your hands. If the horse runs away you could become caught and dragged.</li>
<li>Properly lead a horse into its stall. When returning a horse to its stall don’t just unclip the lead line from his halter, lead the animal into the stall, walk around the stall, turn him to face the stall door and then back out. This prevents you from getting crushed or kicked in a confined space.</li>
<li>Tack and groom in the same way each time. This creates a pattern so it is less likely a crucial step is forgotten. Check and re-check girth tightness before you mount. Girths should be tightened slowly and each time the horse should be walked around before moving up an additional hole.</li>
</ul>
If you sustain an injury, even one which may seem minor at the time, it is important to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/first-report-of-injury.html">report the injury</a> to your supervisor. Waiting a few days after what seemed to be a sprain or strain and then <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">reporting the injury</a> may give the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/minnesota-workers-compensation-work.html">workers’ compensation</a> insurance carrier an excuse to <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">deny your claim</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact an attorney</a> early in the process. At <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we field calls from many police officers and deputy sheriffs <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">injured in the line of duty</a> who may just need a few questions answered. <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>877-746-5680</b> for a free no-obligation consultation with an experienced Minnesota <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">personal injury</a>, <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA disability</a>, and <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers' compensation</a> attorney.<br />
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For more information on mounted patrol units in Minnesota check out the following websites:<br />
<ul>
<li>MSMPA <a href="http://www.mnmountedposseassn.com/home.html" target="_blank">www.mnmountedposseassn.com/home.html</a></li>
<li>St. Paul <a href="http://www.stpaulmountedpolice.org/index.htm" target="_blank">www.stpaulmountedpolice.org/index.htm</a></li>
<li>Minneapolis <a href="http://www.minneapolismountedpolicefoundation.org/home.html" target="_blank">www.minneapolismountedpolicefoundation.org/home.html</a></li>
<li>Duluth <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DPDMOUNTEDPATROL" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/DPDMOUNTEDPATROL</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
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Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-45525109768900803602017-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:002017-11-13T09:19:45.235-08:00Will I Be Offered a Settlement on My Workers’ Compensation Case?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Individuals who suffer a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">work injury in Minnesota</a> often wonder if or when they will <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/06/do-i-need-work-comp-attorney-if-im.html">receive a settlement</a>. In fact, there are “work comp settlement calculators” on the Internet that mislead people into thinking that punching a few numbers into a form will give them a settlement estimate.<br />
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In Minnesota workers’ compensation is a “pay as you go” system, meaning that work comp benefits are paid on an ongoing basis, as long as you remain <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">entitled to benefits</a>. There is no such thing as an automatic “settlement” for your injuries.<br />
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That being said, settlement is a very common practice in Minnesota workers’ compensation cases, particularly where:<br />
<ul>
<li>There is a dispute over benefits</li>
<li>The person will be eligible for ongoing work comp benefits for an extended period of time</li>
</ul>
An experienced <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney</a> can help you decide whether a settlement of your case is in your best interest. With the guidance of <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">an attorney</a>, whether or not to settle your case is ultimately your decision. If you are considering settlement of your workers’ compensation case, you and your attorney will typically discuss the settlement process, which includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Making a settlement demand</li>
<li>Settlement negotiations</li>
<li>Strengths and weaknesses of your case</li>
<li>Approximate settlement value of your case</li>
</ul>
When calculating the settlement value of a Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> case, there are several factors that are taken into consideration, including past owed wage loss, future estimated <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/minnesota-workers-compensation-wage.html">wage loss</a>, rehabilitation and/or <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/am-i-candidate-for-retraining.html">retraining benefits</a>, <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/03/i-received-ppd-payment-is-my-minnesota.html">permanent partial disability benefits</a>, and outstanding medical expenses. Once the attorney has calculated a settlement demand, with client authorization to do so, the attorney will then send that demand to the defense attorney or the insurance adjuster. From there the defense attorney or adjuster will respond with an offer, and the parties negotiate back and forth, ultimately arriving at a number that is acceptable to both sides.<br />
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Beyond the numbers in a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> case, your lawyer will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and he or she will give you recommendations of the likelihood of success. The relative strength of a given case plays a huge role in the settlement value of the case. For example, if there is a case where the past and future wage loss is potentially worth $200,000, but the client only has a 25% chance of succeeding at trial, the case is worth far less than the potential past and future monetary value of the case.<br />
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Minnesota workers’ compensation settlement negotiations can take a variety of forms. Often, negotiating is an informal process of phone calls or emails back and forth. At times settlement discussions occur at a <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-are-primary-tools-for-settlement.html">Settlement Conference</a> at the <a href="https://mn.gov/oah/" target="_blank">Office of Administrative Hearings</a>, and frequently, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> utilizes a form of alternative dispute resolution called <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/blog/2015/12/17/what-is-a-mediation" target="_blank">mediation</a> in negotiating on a case. A mediation involves the services of an individual who is a third-party neutral to facilitate settlement discussions between the <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/mn-work-comp-permanent-partial.html">injured worker</a> and the employer/insurer.<br />
<br />
In addition to a dollar figure, the parties will also need to reach an agreement as to terms of the settlement. Is it a “to-date” settlement, meaning that the settlement only pertains to past owed benefits? Or is it on a full, final, complete basis, meaning that the settlement is for past and future benefits? Are future medical expenses open or closed – in other words, is the workers’ compensation insurer responsible for future <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/ptsd-and-psychological-injuries.html">medical expenses relative to the work injury</a>? Who is responsible for paying any outstanding medical expenses or <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/09/third-party-claims-and-workers.html">third party reimbursement claims</a>, such as unemployment or short/long-term disability, the injured worker or the employer/insurer? These are all issues that need to be worked out in addition to the settlement amount.<br />
<br />
Once you have reached a settlement on your workers’ compensation case, it typically takes a few weeks before things are finalized. You will ultimately sign a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2014/12/10/workers-compensation-the-stipulation-status-conference" target="_blank">Stipulation for Settlement</a>, which is a contract between you and the employer and their workers’ compensation insurer setting forth the terms of the settlement. Depending on the complexity of the case, it is not uncommon that it can take several weeks for this paperwork to be finalized. After the paperwork is signed by both sides, it is submitted to the <a href="https://mn.gov/oah/" target="_blank">Office of Administrative Hearings</a> for approval. Once a judge has reviewed and signed off on the settlement, the Court will issue an Award on Stipulation, which is simply a Court Order approving the settlement. The workers’ compensation insurer has 14 days from the date of the Award on Stipulation to issue payment.<br />
<br />
If you would like to discuss potential settlement of your <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> case, contact <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> to schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation. Our <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">knowledgeable attorneys</a> will help you understand the often-confusing Minnesota <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">work comp</a> law and ensure you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jennifer Yackley" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvCBVYrW0N3D6RjEw-FsBLug5NrDY6km_ygy4RG4srgX1eKAsdY_f8_0zDpxHXCsw6RdmVhFvgrVYX7Rngt-pEyvNtqsA_OIUIV8SULbhwGwo3evgp1JjfQFcwoqnkg2ZuBmSFmSLUu00/s200/jen_yackley.png" title="Jen Yackley" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Yackley" target="_blank">Jen Yackley</a><br />
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<br />Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-4378864736262756332017-10-04T09:07:00.000-07:002017-12-22T11:55:02.428-08:00FAQs: Timing of Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Payments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itxMEBVLSQaSgHMtDYn5HomqQuUggx2GFAyiZJ2d-cSNZRNcEtmvZpQxtaHXG8ExmjZ2yD_by87iNYehTl0kcdHddu6n-ANWcdzTjiEk7bW_AGDB5w6yx7XuWVC-72XD4l4q4hSkcDMu/s1600/work_comp_attorney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="250" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itxMEBVLSQaSgHMtDYn5HomqQuUggx2GFAyiZJ2d-cSNZRNcEtmvZpQxtaHXG8ExmjZ2yD_by87iNYehTl0kcdHddu6n-ANWcdzTjiEk7bW_AGDB5w6yx7XuWVC-72XD4l4q4hSkcDMu/s200/work_comp_attorney.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we are committed to ensuring our clients are kept informed during the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation claim</a> process and they know what to expect each step of the way. The process can be complex and confusing with <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">many questions</a> along the way. Here are some of the frequently asked questions:<br />
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<b><i>How long does the workers’ compensation insurer have to pay my medical bill?</i></b><br />
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This is a question <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> are asked often. The answer is, it depends.<br />
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Per Minnesota Statute, the insurer must make payment for your medical bills within 30 days of receiving the bill. Notably, the thirty-day time period does not start to run until the insurer actually receives the medical bill. The relevant date is not the date of service for the appointment.<br />
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If the insurer choses to deny a bill, or a portion of a bill, the insurer must provide the employee and the health care provider with written notification of the denial, providing the basis for the denial. The denial must be issued 30 days from the insurer’s receipt of the bill.<br />
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<b><i>When is my wage loss payment considered “late”?</i></b><br />
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Under Minnesota <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/types-of-benefits-for-minnesota-workers.html">workers’ compensation</a> law, the insurer must admit or deny liability for a workers’ compensation claim within 14 days of the employer receiving notice of the injury. <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/07/employees-who-separate-from-date-of.html">Wage loss benefits</a> begin three days after an injury occurs, but if your <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">injury</a> takes you out of work for more than ten days, wage loss will be due from the date your disability began (i.e., you will receive compensation for the first three days you missed work). If an insurer does not admit or <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-has-my-work-comp-ptsd-claim-been.html">deny liability</a> within this prescribed period or start your wage loss benefits within 14 days, the insurer is at risk for a penalty.<br />
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Once wage loss benefits start, an employee is paid every week or every other week, depending on how frequently the employee was paid when he or she was working. Penalties are available if the employee can provide proof that more than three <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/02/mn-pera-police-and-fire-plan-retirement.html">benefits payments</a> were issued more than three business days late. Unfortunately, there is no penalty for late payments unless it occurs more than three times and each of these late payments were more than three business days late. In terms of “proof,” the following is sufficient to prove you are entitled to an employer-paid penalty:<br />
<ul>
<li>A copy of your compensation check stubs (temporary total disability benefits); <b>or</b></li>
<li>Documentation of the date on which the wage loss documentation was sent to the insurer (temporary partial disability).</li>
</ul>
The amount of the penalty is determined by the length of the delay and the amount of the benefits delayed. The amount of the penalty ranges between six and thirty percent of the amount delayed, and the percentage is based upon the length of time that the payment is delayed.<br />
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<b><i>Can I request direct deposit (i.e., electronic funds transfer)?</i></b><br />
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One way to avoid late payments is to request direct deposit in lieu of paper checks for your weekly or biweekly workers’ compensation payments. One benefit of direct deposit is that you do not have to worry about national holidays or inclement weather slowing down the mail. In addition, you will be able to easily track and monitor the timing and amount of your <a href="https://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/mn-work-comp-permanent-partial.html">payments</a>.<br />
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The Minnesota State Legislature requires that employers set up direct deposit (or an electronic funds transfer) within 30 days of the employee making the request. If the employer-insurer does not have the electronic funds transfer system established, the employer-insurer must make efforts to establish the electronic funds transfer arrangement within 14 days of the employee’s request, and the insurer must make payment within 30 days of the request being fulfilled. <br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Contact Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and consultation. If you have questions regarding a <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> insurer’s late payment of your medical or wage loss benefits, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">the attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> will take the time to explain the laws that apply to your case and will make recommendations about how to proceed. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Biermann" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ashley_headshot.jpg" title="Ashley Biermann" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/biermann" target="_blank">Ashley Biermann</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Biermann">More posts by Ashley</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-81211563837458135962017-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:002017-11-30T10:28:29.090-08:00Police Officer Duty Belts and Gillette Low Back Work Injuries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Minnesota under the Workers’ Compensation Act the legislature recognizes numerous types of work injuries including <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-am-firefighter-with-cancer-am-i.html">specific injuries</a>, <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/gillette-injuries-in-workers.html" target=""><i>Gillette</i> injuries</a>, <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/04/part-i-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">occupational diseases</a>, and consequential injuries. The case <i>Gillette v. Harold, Inc.</i> established that injuries caused by repetitive minute trauma brought about by the performance of ordinary job duties is compensable under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act. (257 Minn. 313 (1960).) These types of injuries may be thought of generally as “wear and tear” injuries or repetitive motion injuries that are cumulative in a larger injury.<br />
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At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we frequently see law enforcement officers with <i><a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/gillette-injuries-in-workers.html">Gillette</a></i> low back injuries. While conducting patrol, police officers and deputy sheriffs wear duty belts that press up against his or her low back during a shift. The duty belt may weigh anywhere from 15 – 20 pounds and make handgun, handcuffs, flashlights, gloves, baton, radio, pepper spray, among other tools instantly accessible to officers. Additionally, officers may also have to wear a protective vest that puts additional strain on his or her back. Studies have shown that the equipment’s weight, the placement against the officer’s body, and the force exerted on the equipment when the officer is seated inside his or her squad car factor the amount of pain an officer suffers from wearing a duty belt.* Police officers and deputy sheriffs wear these heavy belts when entering and exiting squad cars, arresting or chasing non-compliant suspects, and when lifting patients into emergency vehicles. <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/in-line-of-duty-injuries-minnesota.html">Officers conducting patrol duties</a> in squad cars also face additional strain and pressure on his or her low back.<br />
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Over time, the everyday wear and tear on an officer’s low back due to his or her duty belt coupled with an officer’s normal job duties can cause serious disc issues in the officer’s lumbar spine. If the discs are damaged and further deteriorate, surgical intervention may be required in the future. If you are experiencing low back pain which you believe may be <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">work-related</a>, it is imperative you <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/02/dont-wait-to-seek-medical-treatment-if.html">seek medical attention immediately</a> and <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/01/first-report-of-injury.html">report your possible injury</a> to your employer.<br />
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If the duty belt exacerbates an underlying non-work related injury, you may still have a <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/part-ii-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">compensable work injury</a>. The Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act does not require that the <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">work-related injury</a> be the sole cause of a disabling condition. The law only requires that the work injury be a substantial contributing cause or fact to the employee’s condition. <i>Swanson v. Medtronics</i>, 443 N.W.2d 534 (1989). An injury is compensable when an injury aggravates or accelerates a pre-existing condition. <i>Wallace v. Hanson Silo Co.</i>, 235 N.W.2d 363 (Minn. 1975). So, while an officer may have had a prior low back injury from a motor vehicle collision, if the duties such as wearing a duty belt, entering and existing a squad car, among other patrol duties substantially aggravates or accelerates disc degeneration in his or her lumbar spine, then the injury may be compensable. In order to determine if the new injury is compensable the judge will consider:<br />
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•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nature and severity of the pre-existing condition and the extent of restrictions and disability resulting there from<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nature of the symptoms and extent of medical treatment prior to the aggravating incident<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nature and severity of the <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/05/part-ii-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html">aggravating incident</a> and the extent of the restrictions and disability resulting there from<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nature of the symptoms and the extent of medical treatment following the aggravating incident<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The nature and extent of the employee’s work duties and non-work activities during the relevant period<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Medical opinions on the issue. <i>McClellan v. Up North Plastics</i>, slip. op. (W.C.C.A. October 18, 1994)<br />
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If you are a Minnesota police officer with a low back injury you believe was incurred from work duties, contact the <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/AboutUs" target="_blank">experienced attorneys</a> at <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> immediately for a free, no-obligation case review. At <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> we have represented hundreds of police officers with low back injuries and have successfully been awarded <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/PERA-MSRS" target="_blank">PERA Duty Disability</a> benefits, <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">Health Care Continuation</a> benefits under Minnesota Statute 299A.465, and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> wage loss benefits and medical treatment. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
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* <i>Ergonomics and Safety in Law Enforcement</i>, by Fabrice Czarnecki and Ira Janowitz, 2003.<br />
<a href="http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Czarnecki/ergonomics_and_safety_in_law_enforcement.htm">http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Czarnecki/ergonomics_and_safety_in_law_enforcement.htm</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-84016283774993648202017-09-21T10:10:00.000-07:002017-09-21T10:10:11.996-07:00Third-Party Claims and Workers’ Compensation Subrogation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itxMEBVLSQaSgHMtDYn5HomqQuUggx2GFAyiZJ2d-cSNZRNcEtmvZpQxtaHXG8ExmjZ2yD_by87iNYehTl0kcdHddu6n-ANWcdzTjiEk7bW_AGDB5w6yx7XuWVC-72XD4l4q4hSkcDMu/s1600/work_comp_attorney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="250" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itxMEBVLSQaSgHMtDYn5HomqQuUggx2GFAyiZJ2d-cSNZRNcEtmvZpQxtaHXG8ExmjZ2yD_by87iNYehTl0kcdHddu6n-ANWcdzTjiEk7bW_AGDB5w6yx7XuWVC-72XD4l4q4hSkcDMu/s200/work_comp_attorney.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In certain limited circumstances, injured workers may bring a civil claim arising out of the incident that caused his or her work injury. These <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/can-i-sue-suspect-who-injures-me-while.html">civil claims</a> may include pain and suffering and other types of monetary damages not available under the <a href="http://www.dli.mn.gov/workcomp.asp" target="_blank">Minnesota Workers’ Compensation</a> system. The employee may not sue his or her employer for causing his or her injury, but the injured worker may sue a third-party who is at fault, meaning that the other person or entity’s negligence caused the injured worker’s injury. <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/sustained-injury-in-line-of-duty.html">Third-party claims</a> typically arise in work-related motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, products liability claims, or premise liability claims.<br />
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When a claimant brings a third-party claim against a separate party, the <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> insurance carrier maintains a “subrogation interest” in the litigation. The defendant in the civil law suit will have to pay back the workers’ compensation insurance carrier as the defendant’s negligence caused the injury and ensuring disability with monetary damages. This interplay creates a nuanced relationship between the <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">injured worker</a> and the employer and insurer, which may even be described as, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”<br />
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The third-party defendant or “tortfeasor” may sue the employer for contribution to the employee’s civil claim based on the employer’s negligence in causing the employee’s injury, as described in Lambertson v. Cincinnati Corporation, 257 N.W.2d 679 (Minn. 1977). In some cases, the work comp insurer may agree to “waive and walk” under Minnesota Statute § 176.061, subdivision 11, meaning the insurer will waive the subrogation claim as a part of a settlement and avoid a Lambertson claim in the civil context. The injured worker cannot recover from the employer for his or her <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/08/what-should-i-do-if-im-injured-on-job.html">work injury</a> so it is not in his or her best interest to allege <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2017/06/what-is-superseding-intervening-cause.html">negligence</a> on behalf of his employer. As a party of a work comp settlement with the employee, the insurer and employer may also agree to waive and assign his or her future subrogation interest as and for additional consideration. This future subrogation interest can be very valuable for the employee.<br />
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The quintessential case that describes this relationship between the employer and employer and insurer and the distinct types of settlements in third-party claims is Naig v. Bloomington Sanitation, 288 N.W.2d 891 (Minn. 1977). The workers’ compensation insurance carrier maintains a separate right of recovery as against the defendant; however, frequently it is in the parties’ best interest to unite against the civil defendant to maximize each party’s recovery. A work comp insurer could separately settle its <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensationFAQ" target="_blank">workers’ compensation</a> subrogation claim on an independent basis, which is commonly referred to as a reverse-Naig basis, as defined in Folstad v. Eder, 467 N.W. 2d 608 (1991).<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
If the employee and employer and insurer agree to “no-naig” and “no reverse-naig,” meaning neither party will <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-are-primary-tools-for-settlement.html">settle</a> out its interest as against the civil defendant without the other’s agreement, then the parties must agree on how to allocate the settlement proceeds. If the civil suit were to proceed to trial and the plaintiff, or employee, were to successfully recover damages against the civil defendant, the recovery is generally distributed as outlined by the formula in Minnesota Statute § 176.061, subdivision 6. The distribution formula allows for the possibility that the monetary damages recovered may not fully compensate the plaintiff for his or her losses. For example, the civil defendant may only have $500,000 in an insurance policy; however, the plaintiff’s damages may exceed $1 million. Rather than engage in drawn out litigation against a defendant who is “judgement proof,” meaning he or she may not have money in excess of the insurance policy limits, the defendant may offer the full policy limits. The plaintiff may then bring a claim against his or her own insurance policy for <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/03/overview-of-benefits-available-to-state.html">under-insured motorist coverage</a>, in the case of a motor vehicle collision. The distribution formula also allows that of the $500,000 recovered in the civil case, attorney fees are deducted as well as litigation costs. The workers’ compensation subrogation interest is then reduced by what is referred to as the “cost of collection”.<br />
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Don’t wait to <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/blog/2014/11/12/police-officers-firefighters-pera-workers-compensation-and-choosing-the-right-lawyer" target="_blank">get an attorney involved</a> if you believe you may have a third-party claim arising out of your <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/WorkersCompensation" target="_blank">Minnesota workers’ compensation</a> claim. The process can be complex and you want to be sure you <a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-should-i-expect-from-my-work-comp.html">receive the full benefits</a> to which you are entitled. Contact <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> for a free no-obligation consultation and claim evaluation. If you have a third-party claim it is imperative to use a firm with <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">experience in work comp</a> as well as <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/PersonalInjury" target="_blank">personal injury</a>. <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/ContactUs" target="_blank">Call us today</a> at <b>1-877-746-5680</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Beth Boyce" border="0" src="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/meuserlaw/ebs-custom-design/images/boyce/boyce_247x274.png" title="Mary Beth Boyce" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Mary%20Beth%20Boyce">More posts by Mary Beth</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-85280593651607050072017-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:002017-09-18T10:46:39.888-07:00Moot Court and Trial Competitions at University of St. Thomas Law School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-iyNrGkBlENCx4oLLoAwfvGDTpu-YmqY50PjgAvFuBvKm2Kq_kbLH-lRaUubunQp10HdmALYYvYzib_zSI8n5qu_BHVkIpWkPLEGI9jo7xN878QdYZtRFgPV4G6gNtbNJfC3JjzTnNRT/s1600/Gavel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-iyNrGkBlENCx4oLLoAwfvGDTpu-YmqY50PjgAvFuBvKm2Kq_kbLH-lRaUubunQp10HdmALYYvYzib_zSI8n5qu_BHVkIpWkPLEGI9jo7xN878QdYZtRFgPV4G6gNtbNJfC3JjzTnNRT/s200/Gavel2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a> and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth Boyce</a> of <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> are
proud to be part of this year’s University of St. Thomas Moot Court Intramural
Competition. Each year the <a href="http://www.stthomas.edu/law/" target="_blank">University of St. Thomas Law School</a> send students to
participate in national moot court, trial advocacy, and negotiations
competitions. These competitions offer students an opportunity to focus on
their written and oral advocacy skills, which are key skills when practicing
law. The intramural competition helps determine which students make the various
teams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In a moot court competition, students are tasked with
arguing a hypothetical case on appeal to the United Supreme Court. In
participating, the students are showing their ability to write and speak
clearly while thinking quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Boyce" target="_blank">Mary Beth</a> was invited to judge the initial rounds and <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron</a>
was asked to be a judge for the final round of the St. Thomas School of Law
Intramural Moot Court Competition held in September. <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron</a> had the honor to judge
alongside former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Dietzen and Professor Teresa
Collett. What an honor and great experience! Congratulations to all the
students who participated!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ron Meuser" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG7TQ4LhnFv6BAXtuGIw5Q07ggVvrJFkq6HxvjOLcv-iV4137jjUYjMt7NTOlmaZBXY_Ai_HC-0UUuqimIEdvYmeDYraGBrcrXlQircsRycKTa8Lwsk87nT3Jxb3fbgEjxJ7Q9vDbqA3_/w280-h280-p/ron_copy_squarethumb.png" title="Ron Meuser" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ron%20Meuser">More posts by Ron</a>
Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472873798892747995.post-87260121043611557872017-09-13T13:04:00.000-07:002017-09-13T14:09:22.757-07:00Remembering Officer William Mathews of the Wayzata, Minnesota Police Department<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bA34IMAamF2yPb9Ozcnfn1M5Qwpshscx47on5f6I5dUdm3i1nenLjI3bJKOxyJe9lQ6826HnWthxZdnKpqsiBQsb5X47CoDSbpsZvb-yWLfhK-Y2DYfZDAsRWBgkaNv0oClpXAZnFpk/s1600/WayzataPolice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bA34IMAamF2yPb9Ozcnfn1M5Qwpshscx47on5f6I5dUdm3i1nenLjI3bJKOxyJe9lQ6826HnWthxZdnKpqsiBQsb5X47CoDSbpsZvb-yWLfhK-Y2DYfZDAsRWBgkaNv0oClpXAZnFpk/s200/WayzataPolice.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
On behalf of <a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a>, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer William Mathews, 47, who was struck and killed by a motorist in the early afternoon on September 8, 2017. Officer Mathews was removing dangerous debris in the roadway when he was hit by an SUV and died of his injuries.<br />
<br />
Officer Mathews is a nine-year department veteran who was proud to serve the Wayzata and Long Lake communities. His family says law enforcement was his “calling” and he loved his life serving as a police officer. Officer Mathews leaves behind a wife and young son.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://meuserlaw.com/pages/home" target="_blank">Meuser Law Office, P.A.</a> has represented hundreds of police officers, firefighters, state troopers, and paramedics and understand the dangers faced each day they put on their uniform. Motor vehicle accidents pose a great risk to first responders. We respect the risks they take performing their daily duties to keep our communities safe and take this time to simply say thank you.<br />
<br />
Please keep Officer Mathews’ family, friends, and fellow officers in your prayers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ron Meuser" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnG7TQ4LhnFv6BAXtuGIw5Q07ggVvrJFkq6HxvjOLcv-iV4137jjUYjMt7NTOlmaZBXY_Ai_HC-0UUuqimIEdvYmeDYraGBrcrXlQircsRycKTa8Lwsk87nT3Jxb3fbgEjxJ7Q9vDbqA3_/w280-h280-p/ron_copy_squarethumb.png" title="Ron Meuser" width="45" /></a>by <a href="http://www.meuserlaw.com/pages/Meuser" target="_blank">Ron Meuser</a><br />
<a href="http://peraworkcompattorneymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Ron%20Meuser">More posts by Ron</a>Ron Meuserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17296003811230678389noreply@blogger.com0