The Increased Risk of Heart Conditions in Law Enforcement Officers
It is well documented that law enforcement officers have a higher risk than the general public of developing certain occupational diseases such as Covid-19, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain heart conditions. The Minnesota legislature recognized this increased risk and enacted laws that presume that these conditions are work-related and presume that the officer (or […]
Special Benefits for Minnesota Police Officers, Firefighters, State Troopers, and Corrections Officers
If you are a police officer, firefighter, first responder, or correctional officer, and pay into Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) or Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) you are entitled to different benefits depending on your plan type. There are different plans and benefits that are available to members when they become ill or are injured, […]
Repetitive Injuries Common in Patrol Officers
As you are aware, patrol officers spend large amounts of time performing duties within their cruiser and are required to wear duty belts and vests that cause a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems over time. These repetitive type injuries occur as a result of the culmination of forces inflicted by the required equipment as well […]
Duty Disability Benefits: What PERA Members Will Receive
Police officers, firefighters, Hennepin County paramedics, and correctional officers who sustain a work-related injury or suffer from a work-related mental health condition may apply for Duty Disability benefits under their PERA pension plan. In order to qualify for Duty Disability benefits under either the PERA Police and Fire Plan or the PERA Correctional Plan, the […]
Basic Items Needed When Filing for PERA
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, injured police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers may be eligible for significant retirement and disability benefits, and more under the Minnesota Public Employee’s Retirement Association (PERA). To address some frequently asked questions, Meuser, Yackley & Rowland attorney, Katie Ebnet, provides some basic information and documentation required when filing for […]
Minnesota Corrections Association Annual Training Institute
I am proud to have represented Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. at this year’s MCA Annual Training Institute, hosted by Grandview Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota. The Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA) was founded in 1933 and works tirelessly to promote the “Professional development of individuals working in all aspects of the corrections field and to promote […]
Diamond Sponsor of MPPOA Law Enforcement Gala
Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. is proud to share that we are the Diamond Sponsor for the first annual MPPOA Law Enforcement Gala. We have a deep history of supporting the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and we understand the importance of staying involved, especially during times of intense debate and when terms such as “reform” […]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Police Officers
On January 1, 2019, a new law went into effect that may drastically change the way work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims are handled in Minnesota. For PTSD injuries that occur on or after January 1, 2019, there is a presumption for first responders that their PTSD is work-related. The PTSD presumption applies to licensed police officers, […]
New COVID-19 Legislation for Minnesota’s First Responders
In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, our state government has taken swift and decisive action to financially protect Minnesota’s first responders who contract the virus. Governor Tim Walz signed into law a revision to the Minnesota’s workers’ compensation statute that creates a presumption that COVID-19 is a work-related occupational disease for first responders. This revision increases […]
Caring for the Sheepdogs: Police Officer Suicide
Prayer of the Sheepdog By Roger Temple The Knights of Old were Men of Honor Who used their Might For Right! Today they’re known as Sheepdogs, Those who carry on the fight. I am a tired old Sheepdog, The guardian of my flock. I keep the predators at bay And stand watch around the clock. […]
