How to Move on When Your Career in Law Enforcement or Firefighting Comes to an End
The attorneys at Meuser Law Office, P.A. have represented hundreds of police officers and firefighters in Minnesota workers’ compensation and PERA/MSRS disability claims over the years. Unfortunately, there are times when the injury is career-ending and the individual is left wondering what to do next. Oftentimes the police officer or firefighter is too young to […]
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 […]
Choosing Between Duty Disability Benefits and Retirement Benefits
If you are injured on duty and you’re close to retirement age, you may be trying to decide whether or not to pursue a retirement benefit or a Duty Disability benefit. We can help you with that process. There are many different benefits that you may be entitled to, including workers’ compensation and PERA/MSRS Duty […]
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 […]
The Timeline to Expect When a PERA Claim is Filed
Once you decide to file for PERA Duty Disability, the next question that is frequently asked is How long is this going to take? The reason for that question is obvious. We all have expenses that need to be paid. We have mortgages, we have rent, we have kids, we have college, we have bills […]
The Pitfalls of the Proposed PTSD Legislation
Mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are endemic among law enforcement officers, firefighters, and correctional officers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “[l]aw enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.”[1] Unfortunately, mental health concerns among first responders are often […]
What Are Indemnity Benefits?
In short, indemnity benefits are monetary payments you may be entitled to receive as compensation for lost wages or damages related to your workers’ compensation claim. There are different categories of benefits that injured workers are entitled to depending on the severity of their injury, and their position in the recovery process. These benefits include […]
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 […]
Minnesota State Highway Patrol Duty Disability Basics
As a State Highway Patrol Officer, you have agreed to serve your community and perform duties that are considered inherently dangerous. If through your dedicated service to the community you sustain an injury or illness that was incurred while performing these inherently dangerous duties specific to a State Highway Patrol Officer you may be eligible […]
