Gries Lendhardt Allen Attorneys at Law P.L.L.P.

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Gries Lendhardt Allen Attorneys at Law P.L.L.P.
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Representing Employers In Complex Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation defense provides employers with the legal support to handle any workers’ compensation claim that comes their way. This can include litigation defense, disputes or appeals, consulting and risk management to help protect your business.

The attorneys at Gries Lenhardt Allen, P.L.L.P., are skilled at tackling these complex claims that can range from individual cases to class action lawsuits. Our firm has locations in St. Michael, Blaine and Bloomington to better serve the Twin Cities metropolitan area and its neighboring communities. We can represent your business to help ensure you don’t have to pay out more than necessary.

How Can An Attorney Help?

Workers’ compensation claims can have a big impact on businesses and insurance companies. Working together with an attorney can help minimize the risk that workers’ compensation claims pose to your business.

Our knowledgeable lawyers know how to thoroughly review a case from start to finish, including determining exactly how the accident occurred and inspecting medical records and other related documents. We can also help obtain independent medical opinions and consult with other experts to get a full picture of the situation and develop a strategy that will bolster you through a defense hearing or in court. And, if necessary, we can guide you through the appeals process.

These cases can be tricky, and we’re here to work with you step by step. We will answer any questions you may have during the process and help protect your interests. By building a strong case, you can confidently dispute an employee’s claim and ensure that you’re not paying them more than they’re entitled to receive.

Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation Defense

Employers have a right to guard against frivolous, fictional and exaggerated workers’ compensation claims. Here are some of the questions our clients frequently ask:

If applicable, you must help the employee receive medical treatment – such as calling an ambulance for them. You must also provide the employee with information about their rights and the workers’ compensation claim process and assist them with their claim. You must also report the claim to your insurer and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry by filing a First Report of Injury.
You cannot fire an employee solely for filing a workers’ compensation claim, but you can terminate them for legitimate business reasons that are unrelated to their injury and claim, such as poor job performance or theft.
If you, as their employer, filed a First Report of Injury, the injured worker must file a claim within three years of the date of injury shown on the report. If the First Report of Injury was not filed, the injured worker has six years from the date of injury to file a claim.
As an employer, you are obligated to work closely with your worker’s compensation insurance provider to dispute claims that you believe are invalid. Your insurer will typically handle the formal contest of the claim, but you may be asked to gather relevant information such as medical reports, witness statements and any other evidence that could support your position.
Typical workers’ compensation claims include slips, trips and falls, overexertion injuries, repetitive motion injuries (RSIs), struck-by object injuries, motor vehicle accidents and injuries related to workplace violence.
A workers’ compensation defense lawyer can evaluate the validity of the worker’s claim and gather evidence that supports the employer’s position and offer guidance on potential settlement options. They can also work to negotiate a fair settlement that does not allow the worker to take advantage of the employer or their insurer. If the claim should be contested, they can file the appropriate denial for the claim and advocate for the employer’s interests during subsequent workers’ compensation hearings and trials.
 

Start Preparing Your Defense Today

Our attorneys know how to handle tough workers’ compensation defenses with a straightforward and thorough approach. Working together with our team will help you prepare a strong defense strategy that can protect your company.

Contact our firm today at 612-568-0023 to schedule an appointment. You may also complete our online contact form to send us information about your legal needs; however, the submission of the online contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship.