Can I Receive Social Security And Minnesota Workers Compensation Benefits? YES.

If you are currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits and have an old work injury with permanent restrictions, contact our office TODAY.  We have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for SSDI recipients merely by reviewing their old Minnesota workers compensation files and in some cases there old settlement documents.  If you don't have your documents call Atkinson Law Office, we can obtain a copy of those documents from the State of Minnesota on your behalf.

How do we do this?  We investigate whether your old work injury is a substantial contributing cause to your permanent disability.  If it is, in some cases we can bring a claim for permanent total disability for your workers compensation claims, regardless of whether it occured last year or 20 years ago.  We know how to do it and have done it many times, often recovering tens of thousands of dollars in benefits.

Do you have to pay Atkinson Law Office up front to review your documents or pursue your claim?  The answer is always the same; NO!  We only get paid if we obtain benefits for you.  Visit us today at Atkinson Law Office. 651-333-3636.  Our lawyers are Minnesota workers compensation experts who have all been named as Super Lawyers

Has Your Doctor Recommended An Artificial Lumbar Or Cervical Disc For Your Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury?

Having undergone multiple spine surgeries myself, the use of artificial discs in the area of Minnesota workers compensation cases is more than a professional interest for me...it's personal.  I have had multiple cervical and lumbar spine surgeries over the course of 30 years.  During that time, there was no such thing as an artificial disc being used her in Minnesota.  

Over the last decade multiple companies have used a form of artificial disc for both lumbar and cervical surgeries.  What they have learned and I have experienced with or clients, is that they often don't work in the lumbar spine but have been extraordinary successful in the cervical spine.  If you think about it, there is far less weight and stressors on the neck in comparison to the low back.  One of the struggles with a lumbar artificial disc is described in a recent Minnesota Workers Compensation Court of Appeals case I handled.   Our client had an unsuccessful artificial lumbar disc surgery which resulted in him being permanently and totally disabled.  If you would like to read about our victory and the case follow this link.

The Mobi C is the most popular and in my opinion the most successful artificial disc being used today in cervical spine surgeries.  I have spoken on this topic at seminars with a few surgeons in Minnesota including Drs. Mary Dunn and Nick Will (one is a neurosurgeon and the other is an orthopedic surgeon) and they both speak very highly of the Mobi C.  I have had dozens of clients use the Mobi C in the cervical spine and so far, they have experienced excellent results.  Though there is always a risk involving any surgery there seems to be less complications with the Mobi C then in a normal cervical fusion.  Clients have experienced greater neck flexibility, less chance of infection and faster recovery times over a standard fusion.  Below is a video which describes the procedure and the device.

If you have sustained a Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury you should always speak to an experienced workers compensation expert.  You may believe, incorrectly, that everything is being paid properly and you are getting the maximum benefit.  Well, that's rarely the case.  We offer absolutely FREE and no pressure phone or in person meetings to discuss your injury.  We are one of Minnesota's largest and most successful workers compensation law firms.  All of our lawyers have been recognized by our peers and judges as Superlawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for our clients every year, and we achieve larger settlements than most firms because the insurance companies know the lawyers at Atkinson Law Office have tried hundreds of cases to hearing and aren't afraid to fight when necessary.  Our phones are answered 24 hours/day, call today 651-333-3636.  We represent Minnesota workers who have have been injured across the entire state and throughout the Unites States.  Atkinson Law Office; we are Minnesota's number one workers compensation law firm.

Have You Received or Are Receiving PERA Retirement and MN Workers Compensation Permanent Total Disability Benefits?

You may be entitled to your share of MILLIONS of dollars in unpaid or underpaid workers compensation benefits. Recent changes to Minnesota law has resulted in unpaid benefits to thousands of public employees who have received or are receiving workers compensation permanent total disability benefits.

The workers compensation specialists at Atkinson Law Office have over half a century of combined workers compensation experience.  We are aggressively pursuing reimbursement of potentially large sums of money as the result of insurance companies illegally reducing your workers compensation payments by the amount of PERA (public employee retirement association) retirement benefits.  We can assist you in obtaining the benefits you or your loved ones are owed.  Our office specializes in Minnesota workers compensation.  Various lawyers at Atkinson Law Office have been recognized as Super Lawyers, rated as "10" by AVVO, and recognized as Civil Trial Specialists by the Minnesota State Bar Association.  Every year our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in benefits to clients every years.

Contact the lawyers at Atkinson Law Office today at 651-333-3636 for a free consultation.  There is no fee unless we obtain recovery of lost benefits for you.  Visit our website today for more information www.mndisability.com

How To Choose The Best Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorney For You? I'll Tell You How For Free!

I have specialized in Minnesota workers compensation for nearly a quarter century.  When I began, injured workers found lawyers by word of mouth, family friends and the yellow pages.  How times have changed.  Now injured workers are tech savvy.  Whether you live in a town in the Northwest Angle of Minnesota or in Minneapolis, most people turn to their smartphones or computer to search for a lawyer on Google.  Clients who come to see me are usually far more informed than they were just 10 years ago.  What a difference a decade has made.

The purpose of this blog is to WARN YOU that there are lawyers and law firms out there that at a minimum exaggerate and others that I believe lie in their internet advertising.  They use terms like "the largest and most respected workers compensation law firm in Minnesota" or claim they have a "depth of experience".  The claims make me laugh at first and then make me very, very angry.  The reason is that YOU the injured worker will pay the same fee whether you hire a lawyer with 2-3 years experience as you do with 25 years experience.  I will tell you that I'm an excellent lawyer who has won many awards and frequently lectures on workers compensation throughout Minnesota.  However, there are other lawyers who are equally as good as I am...not many but I'm not alone.  You have to find the lawyer who is a good fit for you and I have always offered to give prospective clients the names of two additional lawyers outside of my firm to speak to after our initial meeting.  I do this freely and without hesitation.  It's not a gimmick.  I want you only if you want me.  We must fit.

What concerns me more is that you the injured worker will end up a a law firm that is a "mill" and churns and burns files without really having an understanding of Minnesota work comp.  Though a few law firms come to mind, you have to do your research and ask just a few questions.  The most important questions are as follows:  Does you firm EXCLUSIVELY practice in the area of Minnesota Workers Compensation.  That will narrow the list of 75 law firms in Minnesota down to just a handful.  Next ask do YOU THE LAWYER personally have more than 20 years of experience limited to Minnesota workers compensation.  You can now count the law firms on one hand.  These are the law firms you should be meeting with.  These are the ONLY law firms you should be meeting with.  If they do personal injury, car accidents, etc. they do not specialize in Minnesota workers compensation.  They specialize in general personal injury which is very, very different.

I'm personally at the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings or Minnesota Department of Labor on workers compensation matters 2-3 times every single week of the year.  I know every judge and every defense lawyer by name and they know me.  I have tried cases before every single workers compensation judge in the Twin Cities, most dozens of times.  Ask others if they can say the same.  Ask these tough questions and I can assure you that you will find the best lawyer for you.

At Atkinson Law Office we are all former insurance company lawyers with decades of experience handling Minnesota Workers Compensation Cases.  Both Kerry and Tom Atkinson had there first workers compensation hearings in 1993 the year they graduated from law school here in Minnesota. We will show you the secrets insurance companies don't want you to know.   Call us today for a free consultation.  There is never, ever a fee unless we recover benefits for you.  You will never be asked to pay us with a retainer check to handle your dispute.  Call 651-333-3636 today!  Visit us at Atkinson Law Office.

I Was You. How I Recovered From My Lumbar Surgery Following My Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury.

As a Minnesota Workers Compensation attorney I bring a very unique background in representing my clients.  I began my career as an attorney representing insurance companies and employers in workers compensation matters.  During that time I had three spine surgeries; cervical spine surgery followed by lumbar spine surgery and lastly my third and final repeat lumbar spine surgery.

All three of my surgeries were necessary to repair herniated discs impinging foraminal nerves creating "radicular" symptoms in my arms and legs.  I was unlucky enough to have had two work related low back injuries over the years as the result of slips and falls.  The first occured when I slipped on ice exiting my car in the company parking the lot and years later while running to catch a phone call. 

The surgery to my neck was a cervical microdiscectomy and laminectomy.  I had a slightly different procedure to my lumbar spine in the nature of a microdiscectomy and hemilaminectomy.  In my next blog article I will describe both of these procedures in more detail. 

My recovery times varied dramatically with my surgeries.  My cervical surgery had a 6-8 week recovery time followed by extensive physical therapy.  Though 22 years later I consider the surgery a success, I was left with some residual numbness in my left arm and diminished grip strength.  My lumbar surgeries were a bit more complicated with one recovery lasting about 6 months and the last one taking nearly a year due to complications.

I am nearly 8 years post surgery and in that time I have had some ups and downs but I am very happy with the outcome of all of my surgeries.  This said the choice for surgery is a personal decision that you should discuss with you physician and your family.  As an attorney who has represented hundreds of individuals undergoing surgery, I NEVER tell them what to do.  I share my experiences and remind them that any surgery has risks and the potential for complications.  I have seen absolutely outstanding outcomes and some extremely horrific life changing surgical results.

One of the reasons I started Atkinson Law Office years ago was because of my personal experience litigating my work related lumbar back injury.  Call it Karma or simply bad luck but I experienced what so many of the injured workers with whom I had cases against experienced.  Frustration, anger, disappointment, depression, and the sense that this can't be happening...to me.  Like many of my clients I resolved my dispute without having to go to hearing but the experience has shaped how I represent my clients.  My firm is dedicated to zealously representing the injured worker.

For nearly a decade the Attorney and staff of Atkinson Law Office have represented injured workers.  Our past experience as defenses attorneys and even claims adjusters allows us to share the tricks and secrets of Minnesota's worker compensation system with our clients.  There is never a fee to consult with our lawyers and despite your fear that you have to pay a retainer agreement to hire us, it simply is not true.  We only get paid if we recover benefits for you.  Call us for a free consultation.  651-333-3636.  We represent Minnesota injured workers throughout Minnesota and across the entire United States.  We are Minnesota's workers compensation experts.  Visit us at www.mndisability.com

Minnesota Workers Compnsation Secrets From An Expert.

You have sustained a Minnesota work related injury.  You may live in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Worthington, International Falls or perhaps you don't even live in Minnesota.  Our lawyers have handled thousands of workers compensation cases over the past 20 years.  During this time we have gained valuable insight and secrets that insurance companies hope you don't find out.  How did we find out these secrets?  Our lawyers are former insurance company attorneys and many of our staff members are former insurance company employees, including work comp claims adjusters.  Some of our staff and lawyers have themselves sustained work related injuries for which they also had to fight insurance companies for their benefits.  With our insider information and first hand experience we have compiled a list of secrets very few if any law firms can share.  Below are some of the secrets we will share.

• You do NOT need to sign a blanket employment and medical release for insurance companies in all cases. 
• Insurance companies will often have their staff nurses and doctors call your physicians and try to convince them to limit your treatment and lift your restrictions.  You can refuse to allow this.
•  Nurse case managers are NOT neutral.  They work solely for the insurance company to limit your treatment and rush your return to work.  You can prohibit them from working on your file.
• You have the right to chose the QRC.  Some QRCs are actually employee's of the insurance company.  Can they really be neutral?  You can and MUST chose your own QRC.

These are just some of the Secrets From A Former Insurance Company Attorney we can share with you online.  Contact attorneys Tom Atkinson or Kerry Atkinson to schedule a free consultation to learn even more secrets.  There is never a fee unless we recover benefits for you.  Visit our website at www.mndisability.com or call 651-333-3636 today.

You Just Suffered A Work Related Rotator Cuff Injury. What Should You Do Now?

There are many different types of shoulder injuries but as with all injuries, you need to report your injury to your supervisor or manager immediately.  Then seek medical attention and PLEASE for your sake tell everyone you see at the hospital or clinic how the injury happened at work.  Document, document, document! If you are given work restrictions, save a copy for yourself and give a copy to your employer. 

There are three common shoulder injuries; rotator cuff, tendonitis and dislocation.  This article will deal with rotator cuff tears.


Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is made of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place.  A rotator cuff injury, such as a tear, may happen suddenly such as when falling onto an outstretched arm or develop over time with repetitive activities.  The later is referred to as a Gillette injury in Minnesota.  Both of these claims are compensable Minnesota workers compensation injuries.

There are many common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear though injured workers may experience symptoms differently.  The most customary symptoms often include:

• recurring pain especially with common activities
• difficulty sleeping on the injured side due to pain
• grating or cracking sounds with movement of the arm
• difficulty moving your arm
• noticeable arm weakness

If you have sustained a work related rotator cuff tear or injury contact Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability immediately.  We can advise you of your rights for FREE.  You have the right to wage replacement, you can choose your own doctor, you are entitled to wage loss benefits, and more.  For your free consultation call 651-333-3636 today.  We represent clients across the entire state of Minnesota and those outside of our state who suffered injuries while working for Minnesota employers.

Should You Choose A Minnesota Workers Compensation Attorney Based On A Website?

NO.  Let me emphasize this; absolutely NOT.  Websites are useful to obtain answers to some of your questions and to get a sense of the law firm but you really need to look for answers to the following questions and if you don't find them, BEWARE.

Questions & Answers

1.  Does the lawyer or law firm specialize in Minnesota workers compensation?  

Minnesota does not recognize a "specialty" in workers compensation but out of the few hundred lawyers that attempt to handle workers compensation, only a few limit their practice to work comp.  These people are known affectionately as "comp heads".  If you had a DUI would you trust a lawyer who handles a couple of DUI cases a year, in addition to drafting wills, handling personal injury cases and doing the occasional divorce?  Then why would you want a lawyer whose website promises to handle you with any legal issue you may have or is a general "personal injury" attorney.

2.  How many years has the lawyer been practicing law?

Experience matters.  There is a prominent  law firm that advertises on radio, television and the internet with approximately 4 lawyers.  The firms "work comp lawyers" have a total combined legal experience of just over 10 years total.  That's an average of 2.5 years each.  They are very nice people, but if you've just sustained a work injury...would they really be the ones' to call?  Who is supervising these lawyers?  I don't think a workers compensation judge in our state would even recognize the lawyer whose last name graces the firm's letterhead if he walked into a workers compensation court.  Another lawyer on the internet advertises himself as "The authority for workers compensation in Minnesota for more than 30 years".  Really? Up until last year I had never heard of him and I know EVERY single workers compensation lawyer across then entire state of Minnesota...and they know me.  Ask the lawyer; "How many years have you been licensed to practice law?" Next ask, "How many years have you been practicing exclusively workers compensation?"  I have over 21 years experience practicing exclusively Minnesota workers compensation.  If your lawyer doesn't have significant workers compensation experience RUN and find a lawyer who does.  Experience matters.

3.  Does the lawyer have experience as a defense attorney, insurance adjuster or even as an injured worker?

There are a few excellent lawyers who have only represented injured workers during their career.  I would argue that in some cases, a lawyer with experience as a former defense attorney, workers compensation adjuster or one who has even sustained a contested workers compensation injury brings an entirely different perspective and skills to a case.  Having been a defense attorney for nearly 15 years before opening my firm and limiting my practice to injured workers, I'm able to share secrets I have learned from the insurance companies.  Why they deny claims, how the evaluate settlement, what are the weaknesses of their medical experts.  Having sustained a work related back injury requiring surgery, I also understand first hand the fear and anxiety associated with work injuries.  Experience matters.

4.  Does the lawyer have a true team to support them? 

Is your lawyer supported by his wife who answers his calls, sorts the mail and types the letters?  Does the lawyer have employees with any relevant personal workers compensation experience?  Does the lawyer even have a "team".  Atkinson Law Office has investigators and paralegals with real relevant experience.  One of our members is a former workers compensation adjuster with a specialty in construction related injuries.  Another member has undergone 2 low back surgeries after falling off a ladder at her prior employer.  ALL of attorneys Kerry Atkinson, Dana Gerber and Tom Atkinson are FORMER insurance company lawyers who know the secrets that insurance companies don't want you to know.  Because we are often in court or depositions, our staff works as a team to assist you with answers to your questions.  You are free to contact ANY of our staff to assist you should another member be unavailable at the time of your call.  Our combined experiences have combined to create one of the most formidable workers compensation law firms in Minnesota.  Experience matters.

5.  Has the lawyer ever been disciplined? 

 Lawyers can make mistakes, but when they make serious mistakes they can be disciplined by the Minnesota Supreme Court.  This link will assist you searching your lawyers background.

You Are Employed By A Minnesota Employer And You Were Hurt At Work. What Should You Do?

We get this question almost every week.  One of the many concerns employee's have is that they will be considered a "traitor" or no longer a "team player".  Some employees even worry that they could be terminated for reporting a work injury.

If you have suffered a work injury DO NOT give in to the pressure.  You may think the injury will pass so as directed by the supervisor you tell the ER or doctor that the injury happened at home and in exchange the employer promises to cover all your medical bills.  Well that is illegal AND as soon as the condition becomes worse the employer no had documented proof that the injury did not happen at work and you and your doctor are the witnesses.  Please don't lie for your employer.  I have seen so many employees burned by this trick. 

Report the injury to your supervisor, human resources and/or the safety director.  I prefer emails as they create evidence of the notice of injury.   If you need to seek emergency medical attention do that first, but then contact your employer as soon as possible. It's important that you document the nature and extent of your injuries and how the injury occurred.  If there was no "specific injury" be sure to describe you work activity in the days, hours and moments before you notice the symptoms.  If your employer will not complete a First Report of Injury (FROI) form, the attorneys and paralegals at Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability are happy to assist you for FREE.  We can provide you with the proper form, assist you in completing it and then file it with with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.  Feel free to contact us at 651-333-3636 and visit us at our website www.mndisability.com   There is never a fee to meet with us and we only collect a fee if benefits are recovered for you.

Have You Suffered A Work Related Car Accident? Then You Are Entitled To Minnesota Workers Compensation.

Between this past April when we had our last snowfall and today, a lot of people forgot how to drive in Minnesota winters.  With only a few inches of snow this evening, our roads were littered with banged up cars and injured drivers and passengers.  Unfortunately there were 3 car accident related fatalities today around the state of Minnesota related to the the weather.  Many of these accidents involved people performing duties on behalf of their employer and are therefore entitled to Minnesota workers compensation benefits.

Aside from urging everyone to slow down and be more attentive while driving, I also want to remind you that if you were in ANY WAY performing duties or activity on behalf of your employer, your auto accident may be work related.  Were you driving from your office to a meeting?  Were you running an errand for your company or boss?  Were you driving between job sites?  Were you working out of state on a temporary job assignment?  If your answer was "YES" to any of these questions, you may be entitled to unlimited medical coverage, wage replacement benefits, college retraining benefits, and monetary damages for your permanent injury from Minnesota workers compensation system.  Don't assume that your employer or supervisor will advise you of the same.  In a FREE, short conversation with the attorneys of Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability, we can advise you whether you have a work related injury.

We represent clients throughout Minnesota and across the United States who have sustained injuries while driving on Minnesota roads or while traveling outside of Minnesota for their Minnesota employer.  Call the attorneys and staff of Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability today to discuss your car accident.  We can advise you whether your accident is work related and provide you with legal advice pertaining to your workers compensation benefits.  We also work with expert personal injury attorneys who can assist you with the personal injury aspect of your claim.  Call us today at 651-333-3636.  There is NEVER a fee unless we recover benefits for you.  Attorneys Thomas and Kerry Atkinson are waiting to assist you today and represent clients throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota Workers Compensation Claims For PTSD / Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.

Post traumatic stress disorder is classified as an anxiety; the characteristic symptoms of which are not present before exposure to a violently traumatic event. Typically the individual with PTSD persistently avoids all thoughts, emotions and discussion of the stressor event and may experience amnesia for it.  However, the event is commonly relived by the individual through intrusive, recurrent recollections, flashbacks and nightmares.  The characteristic symptoms are considered acute if lasting less than three months, chronic if persisting three months or more, and with delayed onset if the symptoms first occur after six months or some years later. PTSD is distinct from the briefer than acute stress disorder and can cause clinical impairment in significant areas of functioning.

Causes

PTSD is believed to be caused by the experience of a wide range of traumatic events and, particularly if the trauma is extreme, can occur in persons with no predisposing conditions.  Persons considered at risk include combat military personnel, victims of natural disasters, and victims of violent crime.   PTSD can also be caused from those suffering work place injuries or being involved in traumatic work place incidents.  You do NOT necessarily need to sustain a physical injury in Minnesota to be found to have sustained an injury.  Individuals not infrequently experience "survivor's guilt" for remaining alive while others died. Causes of the symptoms of PTSD are the experiencing or witnessing of a stressor event involving death, serious injury or such threat to the self or others in a situation in which the individual felt intense fear, horror, or powerlessness.  Persons who are employed in occupations which expose them to violence firefighters, police officers, construction workers or disasters are also at risk.

The lawyers at Minnesota Disability and Atkinson Law Office have a combined experience of over 40 years working with injured and disabled individuals.  Both Tom and Kerry Atkinson have previously defended employers and insurers and now exclusively represent injured workers.  Our consultations are absolutely FREE.  Call today at 651-333-3636 for a free consultation.  Remember there is never a fee unless we recover benefits for you.  Also visit us at www.mndisability.com 

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) And What Causes It?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complicated chronic pain condition that produces significant disability and dysfunction. In a majority of cases, CRPS follows acute trauma or major injury to an arm or leg. Surgery, such as carpal tunnel decompression, can also trigger CRPS. It may also be triggered by a minor injury, such as a strain, sprain or laceration, or spinal cord injury. 

CRPS usually affects the upper or lower extremities, although it can affect other areas of the body as well. The main symptom is constant pain, intensely burning and often out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury. Other symptoms may include dramatic changes in the color and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part, skin sensitivity and tenderness to touch, sweating, changes in skin texture, changes in hair and nail growth, swelling and stiffness in joints, and decreased motor ability, especially in the affected body part. Tremor and muscle spasm may develop, and edema of the affected limb can be marked. Muscle atrophy and joint contracture may occur, and bones of the limb can become osteoporotic. 

The cause of CRPS is not entirely understood, although in some cases is thought to stem from dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system that controls blood flow and sweat gland activity. While it is normal for the sympathetic nervous system to respond to injury, the response normally quiets down as healing occurs; however, in individuals with CRPS, it can remain active despite a lack of ongoing trauma. 

At Atkinson Law Office, P.A. and Minnesota Disability, we represent injured workers with Minnesota workers' compensation injuries every day.  Every year we recover millions of dollars in benefits for injured workers; including medical, wage loss, retraining assistance and monetary benefits for permanent injuries.  Though attorneys Thomas Atkinson and Kerry Atkinson will litigate your matter on your behalf, we have a team approach in assuring we stay on top of your case day in and day out.

Nearly every one of our staff members has personal experience in the struggles of workers compensation injuries or has worked for work comp insurance companies before coming to work for our office.  They know the secret tips to obtaining benefits for you.  Whether you have had a back injury or such from chronic pain, we are ready to assist.

Contact Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability today at 651-333-3636 and visit our website for more information.  You can also submit your questions online by following this link.  Remember your consultation is FREE and there is never a fee until we recover benefits for you. 

Minnesota Workers Compensation Indpendent Medical Examinations. Guess What? They Aren't Independent!

Every week at Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability we receive notices that our clients are scheduled for independent medical examinations, "IME".  We send notices out to our clients advising them that the IME is usually a precursor to every disputed Minnesota Workers Compensation claim.  Below are some suggestions that we provide our clients.

1.  Don't Be Intimidated By An IME
2.  Be Prepared To Answer The Doctors Questions TRUTHFULLY!
3.  Answer Every Question To The Best Of Your Ability
4.  Make Sure You Consult An Attorney Before You Attend

Don't Be Intimidated By An IME

Easy for me to say right?  Well I have attended two allegedly independent medical examinations and by following my rules, one of the doctors actually found my injury to be caused by my work activities.  A rareity but it does happen.  Be polite, don't be a jerk, and know that whatever happens, you have the right to contest the findings if they are unfavorable with the assistance of your attorney and own doctors.

Be Prepared To Answer The Doctors Questions Truthfully

Don't wing the IME.  Go prepared.  This isn't the time to guess how you may have been injured or the circumstances regarding your treatment, etc.  Review your medical records, discuss the facts pertaining to your injury with your attorney.  Be PREPARED!

Answer Every Question To The Best Of Your Ability

Most clients report that the independent medical examination takes no more than 10-15 minutes and the doctor has little interest in hearing about how the injury occurred. Don’t be discouraged simply try your best to answer any questions asked.  Don’t exaggerate or fake your symptoms. This can be discovered during the physical exam and will destroy your case.

Make Sure You Consult An Attorney Before You Attend

There is never a cost to consult an attorney AND if you retain an attorney we can NOT and do not charge you a fee unless there is a dispute.  And even then the fee is paid by the employer's insurance company.  A free consultation means just that...it's free.  Give one of our experienced attorneys a call today at 651-333-3636.   At Atkinson Law Office we have over 40 years of combined legal experience just waiting to assist you.

I Need A Minnesota Workers' Compensation Attorney. But How Do I Chose With So Many Choices?

You have a lot of choices out on the internet for a lawyer to assist you with your Minnesota workers' compensation injury.  I believe that you need an attorney who limits his/her practice to workers compensation.  Ask yourself whether the lawyer and law firm also practice personal injury, family law, criminal law, and wills.  Do you really want to a lawyer who practices workers compensation "part-time"?  Because if they advertise that they handle a wide range of legal matters, they have very little time to keep up on the ever changing laws that affect your case.

At Atkinson Law Office, P.A. and Minnesota Disability, we live, eat, and breath Minnesota workers' compensation.  Every year we recover millions of dollars in benefits for injured workers; including medical, wage loss, retraining assistance and monetary benefits for permanent injuries.  Though attorney Thomas Atkinson will litigate your matter on your behalf, we have a team approach in assuring we stay on top of your case day in and day out.

Nearly every one of our staff members has personal experience in the struggles of workers compensation injuries or has worked for work comp insurance companies before coming to work for our office.  They know the secret tips to obtaining benefits for you.  Whether you have had a back injury or such from chronic pain, we are ready to assist.

Contact Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability today at 651-333-3636 and visit our website for more information.  You can also submit your questions online by following this link.  Remember your consultation is FREE and there is never a fee until we recover benefits for you.

The Workers Compensation Insurer Is Paying My Benefits. Do I Really Need An Attorney?

Some injured workers think that an insurance company that is paying them some forms of Minnesota work comp benefits is looking out for them.  Unfortunately this is generally a false presumption and they are not getting  ALL of the benefits they are entitled to receive.  I hate to burst new clients bubbles but almost with exception this notion is wrong.  Wrong I say?  But the adjuster is so nice and they hooked me up with another "nice" QRC who goes with me to the doctor and says nice things...almost like they are my new best friend.   Really?  Do you honestly believe that a for profit insurance company is looking out for you the injured worker?  I have been on the other side; I have been an injured worker; I have represented hundreds and hundreds of injured workers and I can tell you that insurance companies and most employers only care about returning you to work as fast as possible.  This means steering you to doctors who believe that "occupational medicine" requires a finding of returning to work without restrictions as fast as possible, damn the consequences.

I previously worked on the "dark side" of Minnesota's workers compensation system for over 15 years and I can assure you that you are paid only those benefits that are absolutely mandatory and nothing...and I mean nothing more.  Cutting costs, reducing "lost time" claims, steering you towards insurance friendly doctors is a daily activity driven by employers and claims managers.  Don't get me wrong, there are well meaning, kind and thoughtful adjusters who try to work within the limits of their insurance company managers.  But most are like the wonderful actors and actresses of Broadway and those that are truly thoughtful and kind, are overseen by taskmaster management that meet every week to discuss how to manage costs and move cases towards closure as fast and cheap as possible.  This is the real world and you would be shocked, very shocked to know the truth.  Very few of my fellow attorneys who limit their practices to representing injured workers like myself have seen this side of the Minnesota Workers Compensation system. Let me show you the secrets to ensure you get the benefits your are entitled to today.  Feel free to explore my background and learn tips to obtaining all the benefits you are entitled to.  Contact my office for an absolutely free no pressure visit.  651-333-3636

I Think I Have A Work Injury. How Long Can I Wait To Bring A Claim?

If you have been injured at work OR believe that your work activities have caused, aggravated or accelerated an injury (even a pre-existing non work injury), time is your enemy.  Recent Minnesota Workers Compensation court decisions state that when you believe you have been injured at work, the clock begins to tick even though a doctor may not necessarily support your belief.  You may have to file a claim before you have obtained a narrative medical report just to prevent the "statute of limitations" lapse on your claim.  We can provide you with the information on filing the claim while you obtain firm support for you claim.  Though the initial medical records may be vague or unclear, often times medical specialists are just as clueless about the rules on "causation" as you the injured worker.

Contacting an experienced workers' compensation attorney such as those at Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability for a free consultation is an excellent first step.  Thomas Atkinson has over 2 decades of experience in workers compensation matters having formerly represented insurance companies and now limiting his practice to representing injured workers.  Thomas has received numerous recognitions by his peers, spoken at many continuing legal educations seminars, counseled other lawyers in the area of workers compensation, and even been hired to provided expert testimony on the proper handling of workers compensation claims.  Let Thomas share with you the workers compensation secrets that the insurance companies want to hide from you. 

If you have been injured it's very, very important that you call for a FREE consultation.  Atkinson Law Office, P.A will help you determine whether you have a claim or even assist you in obtaining the medical support you need to prove your injury.  Contact our office today at 651-333-3636 or visit our website for more information.  www.mndisability.com

I Have A Minnesota Work Comp Injury And Now Have Pain That Won't Go Away. Is There Help?

Chronic pain and Minnesota workers compensation injuries; there is help!

Employers and insurance companies frequently disregard subjective complaints of pain and send people back to work without restriction. Unfortunately, this does not always tell the whole story.
Pain is a complicated issue in the context of a Minnesota Workers Compensation Injury. There is no magic test that can prove what a person is feeling. We see individuals who are told to go back to work even though they cannot tolerate the pain.

The best method to protect yourself with your work comp injury is to communicate openly with your doctor.  Our practice regularly sees new clients who needlessly suffer in pain because they do not know what options are available.  Frankly a lot of doctors simply pretend to be too busy to help injured workers suffering from chronic pain when the real reason is the subject of chronic pain is outside their expertise.

You are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical care for your work injury. This includes hiring a pain specialist if necessary. This is especially true if you have been diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) which is also referred to as complex regional pain syndrome.

If you cannot work, you may be entitled to temporary total disability wage loss benefits.  If you make less money than you did before your injury then you may be entitled to reimbursement for your wage loss through temporary partial disability.  The sooner you get appropriate medical care, the faster you can get back to work.

The attorneys at Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability work their clients in obtaining proper treatment with chronic pain doctors throughout Minnesota every week.  We are familiar with the Minnesota Workers Compensation protocol and procedures for chronic pain benefits and can help you obtain the help you need.  Contact our office today at 651-333-3636 or visit our website for more information www.mndisability.com  You are NEVER charged a fee unless we recover benefits for you.  Call today!

You Have Been Injured At Work. What Should You Do First.

Under Minn. Stat. § 176.141 Minnesota workers’ compensation case law, an employee must give notice of injury no more than 180 days after it becomes reasonably apparent to the employee that the injury has resulted in, or is likely to cause, a compensable disability.  For years it was believed that an employee who sustained a work injury over many months or years did not have to advise their employer of a work injury until their doctor gave them expert medical advise of the same.  However late this summer the Minnesota Supreme Court decision Anderson v. Frontier Communications.

In Anderson v. Frontier Communications, the employee claimed a repetitive trauma injury known as a "Gillette" injury to his low back injury from his work as a lineman from 1986 through 2007. He employee did not initially seek medical treatment for his back condition until 2007. At trial the employee admitted he knew that his work activities were aggravating his low back problems in 2007. His doctors did not place any restrictions on him and the injury was not reported to the employer. The employee went off work for low back surgery in 2007. After soliciting reports from his surgeons in May 2009, nearly two years after the last day he worked, the employee gave written notice of his injury to the employer.

The Supreme Court created a new rule that essentially means that if you are injured you MUST notify your employer within 180 days that you were injured regardless of how minor your injured may initially be.  If you cut your hand, get a sliver in your eye, twist your back, sprain your knee tell your supervisor or employer safety director immediately.  Due NOT wait, hoping it gets better.  If your supervisor won't get you a form to report the injury, call my office and we will do it for FREE!  YES FOR FREE!

At Atkinson Law Office and Minnesota Disability we have an award winning team of staff and lawyers with decades of experience working with injured workers.  Our telephones are answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  Your consultation is free and there is never a fee unless we recover benefits.  And we have staff to assist you filling out First Reports of Injury to protect your right to Minnesota Workers Compensation benefits.  Call today 651-333-3636 in the Twin Cities or throughout the entire state of Minnesota.

I've Been Injured At Work And I Need Help. What Do I Do First?

Failing to report an accident can lead to several problems.  If you do not report an accident on time, your employer can deny you medical treatment and out of work benefits.  The workers’ compensation insurance carrier will also question why your employer did not report the accident on time.  More often however, if you do not report an injury when it happens, your employer can deny the accident occurred or may claim it happened outside of work.  

What should you do?  The first thing you need to do is report the injury and DOCUMENT the fact that you reported the injury.  I love email and there is no better way to document an injury than emailing your team leader, supervisor, company HR, etc.  I have seem dozens of situations where an injured worker is encouraged not to report the injury because the employer will "take care" of the employee directly.  Employers may even lie to employees by telling them that if they report the injury to the insurance company other employees may need to be laid off, bonuses missed and possibly even a loss of job just because you had the bad luck of getting injured. Formally report the accident to your employer in writing, even if you think you are not seriously hurt.  By reporting the accident, you protect yourself against the employer who might claim that you were injured away from the workplace.  When possible, report the accident in writing or in the presence of a friend or reliable witness.  If you are a union member, you should also report the accident to your union representative in addition to your employer.      

If you are injured at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits including wage loss, medical benefits and possibly retraining.  Atkinson Law Office, P.A. and Minnesota Disability have represented working families with sound legal advice and guidance when they need a lawyer most.   You will received a FREE consultation...yes, it's absolutely FREE!  We have a team of Workers’ Compensation attorneys and professional who work tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers.  We provide free consultations to inform you of your rights and obligations under the law and strongly recommend that you call us today if you have been hurt at work.  Our phones are answered 24/7 and you can frequently speak to an attorney any time of the day or night.  651-414-078.  We represent clients throughout the entire state of Minnesota.  Visit us at www.mndisability.com

I Have Had Both Neck Surgery And Back Surgery; Do You Need Back Or Neck Surgery?

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Since my neck surgery I have run a marathon, and following my back surgeries I have run a half marathon and many 10k races.  I share this with you not so that you take surgery lightly, but to recognize that there are very successful outcomes to back and neck surgery.  

For most injured workers, spine surgery is “elective”, meaning that it is considered as a possible approach to enhance an injured worker’s ability to function and decrease pain. However, just because spine surgery is elective or recommended by a spine surgeon does not mean the workers compensation insurance company will agree to pay for it.  Almost without exception, the work comp insurer will require an independent medical examination.

"Elective" just means that surgery of the spine is rarely an absolute necessity. Like myself, most often surgery is performed to relieve significant pain or reduce symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness or tingling down one’s legs or arms.  Only in rare instances, such as for patients who have a progressive neurological loss of function or sudden onset of bowel or bladder incontinence, is spinal surgery actually necessary on an emergency basis.

Spine surgery can basically accomplish two tasks:

1. Decompress a nerve root or the spinal cord
2. Stabilize an unstable or painful segment with cervical, thoracic or lumbar fusion

Some injure workers with back or neck pain wonder by a surgeon doesn’t perform exploratory surgery.  I have never heard of exploratory spine surgery. The cause of a patient’s pain is not readily apparent with opening and exploring the spine. The preoperative evaluation and imaging results are what identify the problem and guide the design of the procedure.

If you have been injured, contact the attorneys of Minnesota Disability and Atkinson Law Office, P.A. For a FREE consultation call 651-333-3636.  Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.