State Highway Patrol Officers Face Greater Risk
Winter is here. Unfortunately, winter weather conditions bring increased risk to State Highway Patrol Officers. The number of motor vehicle collisions involving State Highway Patrol Officers has risen in the last several years. A quick sampling of your colleagues will reveal that a significant number have been involved in collisions during their career, many of […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Minnesota Work Comp Benefits Are Non-Taxable
The filing deadline for the 2021 tax year is April 18, 2022. With tax season upon us, you may wonder if you will be obligated to report Minnesota workers’ compensation wage loss, permanent partial disability, or a settlement received in 2021. The answer is no, you are not required to pay income taxes on your […]
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 […]
Applying for Duty Disability and Social Security Benefits
Some first responders have the ability to apply for both PERA or MSRS Duty Disability benefits and Social Security benefits. There are different criteria for these different types of benefits and you may be eligible for both depending on how many years of service you’ve contributed into both plans. It is important to remember that […]
