Bradt Law Offices Case Report: Shoulder surgery denied because of pre-existing arthritis

TYPE OF CASE: Workers’ Compensation FACTS: Our client was a 69-year-old man who injured his right shoulder at work. He sought immediate medical attention and the work comp insurer accepted his claim and began paying medical and wage loss benefits. He was right-handed and had no history of any prior right shoulder injuries or medical … Continue reading Bradt Law Offices Case Report: Shoulder surgery denied because of pre-existing arthritis

What Should I Do If I Receive a Notice of Intention to Discontinue Benefits on My Minnesota Work Comp Claim?

At some point in almost any work comp claim where you are paid wage loss benefits, you will receive a Notice of Intention to Discontinue benefits, commonly referred to as an NOID. An NOID is simply a form which the insurer is required to serve and file whenever they will be discontinuing wage loss benefits. … Continue reading What Should I Do If I Receive a Notice of Intention to Discontinue Benefits on My Minnesota Work Comp Claim?

What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?

At some point in your work comp claim, you will almost certainly receive a letter or notice from the insurance company advising you that you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).   After receiving such a notice, these are some of the questions you may have: What is MMI? Will it have an effect on … Continue reading What is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?

Are Work Restrictions Important in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?

The simple answer to this question is: Heck Yes!! As you progress through a typical work comp claim in Minnesota, you will likely be given work restrictions by your treating physician.  You may be off work completely for some period of time or you might be able to continue working within  restrictions.  At some point, … Continue reading Are Work Restrictions Important in a Minnesota Work Comp Case?

What If Work Comp Refuses to Pay for Surgery on Your Minnesota Work Injury Claim?

As I try to keep this blog updated, I spend part of each day reviewing the search terms that readers are using as they search for information about Minnesota work comp issues. Among the most common search terms I see are searches like this: “The workers’ compensation insurance company won’t pay for surgery-what can I … Continue reading What If Work Comp Refuses to Pay for Surgery on Your Minnesota Work Injury Claim?

How Much Is a Permanent Partial Disability Rating Worth in a Minnesota Work Comp Claim?

This is a very common question for someone who is in the work comp system and has been assigned a disability rating by a physician. The rating might come from your own doctor or from a doctor you have seen for an Independent Medical Examination (IME)  at the request of the insurance company. Either way, the … Continue reading How Much Is a Permanent Partial Disability Rating Worth in a Minnesota Work Comp Claim?

Bradt Law Offices Case Report: Permanent total disability benefits awarded following trial

Type of Case:   Workers’ Compensation Legal Issue or Dispute:   Permanent total disability  (even though our client was still working part-time). Facts:   Our client was 57 years old when she went to work on a part-time basis for the employer. She had some history of low back problems but did not have any restrictions … Continue reading Bradt Law Offices Case Report: Permanent total disability benefits awarded following trial

Questions to Ask Before You Hire A Lawyer for Your Minnesota Work Comp Case

You‘ve been injured at work.  You are either thinking about filing a claim or have already done so.  Perhaps you are dealing with an insurance company claims adjuster you don’t really trust.  Maybe the insurance company has scheduled you for an independent medical exam (IME), or assigned a QRC to your case.  No matter the … Continue reading Questions to Ask Before You Hire A Lawyer for Your Minnesota Work Comp Case

An Independent Medical Exam In Your Minnesota Work Comp Case

If you have been involved in a Minnesota work comp case lasting more than a few months, you may have had the experience of being ordered to attend an Independent Medical Examination (usually referred to as an IME).  Not everyone with a work comp claim will be subjected to an IME.  If your claim involves … Continue reading An Independent Medical Exam In Your Minnesota Work Comp Case

When Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A very common question.  In fact, a question that I am asked nearly every time I meet with someone about a work comp claim for the first time.  A very good question but one with no easy answer.  An easier question to answer would be  “when is it a good idea to talk to a … Continue reading When Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Claim?