IN THE LINE OF DUTY
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is mandatory insurance that the state of Minnesota requires most employers to have, for it insures and reimburses expenses derived from work-related injuries or illnesses. Much like mandatory automobile insurance, workers’ comp seeks to guard against the potential of an injured… Read more »
PART FIVE—OPINION—Should “Unjustified” Be Defined in the Context of Minnesota Animal Cruelty Law?
In the fifth and final article of this five-part series, I discuss the current state of animal cruelty laws in the state of Minnesota and how these laws could be improved to provide a clearer standard for the public. To learn about… Read more »
The Life Cycle of a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The workers’ compensation system in Minnesota is an administrative process and, therefore, is different than a civil lawsuit. As a result, clients aren’t as familiar with the work comp process and what to expect during the duration of the time… Read more »
Part Four—Animal Cruelty Cases After The State v. Gerard Decision
This is the fourth article of a five-part series on animal cruelty laws in Minnesota. This article will discuss the State v. Gerard decision and examine the impact the decision may have on the “unjustifiable” standard. While the court of appeals has… Read more »
Why Has My Work Comp PTSD Claim Been Denied?
Since October 1, 2013, workers who have developed PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as a result of exposure to traumatic events while in the course and scope of their employment are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in the state of Minnesota. Many of… Read more »
Part Three—A Look At The Case Law: What Is An “Unjustified” Action Under The Minnesota Animal Cruelty Statute?
In this third article of a five-part series on animal cruelty, we will learn what is considered an “unjustified” action in Minnesota. To prove animal torture or cruelty, the State must provide evidence that shows beyond a reasonable doubt the… Read more »
Part II: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Minnesota Work Comp is an Occupational Disease, Not a Specific Mental Injury
This second article in a two-part series on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder work comp claims examines how the courts should interpret PTSD claims in the context of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation statute. The first article explained why the date of injury in work… Read more »
A Brief History Of The Animal Cruelty Standard In Minnesota
CONTENT: In this second article of a five-part series on animal cruelty, we will look at the history of animal cruelty laws in Minnesota. Early Standard Animal cruelty laws did not exist at common law; rather, such laws are statutory… Read more »
Part I: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Minnesota Work Comp is an Occupational Disease, Not a Specific Mental Injury
Under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act, in particular Minnesota Statute § 176.011, subdivision 15, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) is defined as an occupational disease. Because PTSD is defined as an occupational disease, the date the employee became disabled is the date of injury,… Read more »
What Constitutes Justifiable Action under the Minnesota Animal Cruelty Statute?
The law in Minnesota regarding dog bites is favorable to dog bite victims. The law covers bites and other injuries, incorporates an expansive definition of “owner,” including someone who merely harbors or keeps the dog, and it is not subject to the comparative negligence… Read more »