In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in May 2020, riots and protests ensued for nearly two weeks in the Twin Cities. The destruction and violence associated with the riots generated international attention that placed Minneapolis front and center of the headlines as it dealt with the civil unrest. Many of the headlines involved the trauma that police officers and first responders were exposed to while carrying out their duties of protecting the communities; trauma that often includes actual physical harm and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that continue to scar them on a daily basis.

Injured workers often ask, “If I cannot do my job, because of my work injury, should I just quit?”

This is a trick question. Workers’ compensation provides wage-loss benefits for injured workers, who are unable to return to suitable gainful employment as a result of their work-related injuries. But, if you quit your job, then you put your ability to receive wage-loss benefits at risk.

Forward by Ron Meuser, Jr.

Jen Yackley and I originally met with Dana (who wrote the story below), her husband Ed and his service dog Rex to hear their story and learn how I can help. They founded an organization called Soldier’s 6 whose mission is to provide honorable discharged veterans, police officers, and firefighters with specially trained K-9 dogs. The support they provide these brave individuals is nothing short of amazing and, unfortunately, very much needed. We hear from our police officer and firefighter clients with PTSD that the suffering doesn’t end when the job is over and many don’t want the job to end. Dana and Ed’s story is very real, heartbreaking, and a reminder that we must be continuously supportive in any way we can. Please join Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. in supporting this worthy organization by going to https://www.soldiers6.com/how-can-i-help

Hi, my name is Scott Rowland, an attorney here at Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. I represent individuals injured both at work and outside of work. I also represent Minnesota’s peace officers and firefighters in obtaining their disability benefits and healthcare under both PERA and MSRS.