Here you’ll find the most recent news, events and caselaw updates from Fitch Johnson Larson.
- Rowe v. City of MinneapolisRowe v. City of Minneapolis, No. A24-1465 (Minn. 2026). The Employee, a 25-year old Minneapolis police officer exposed to severe trauma, was initially diagnosed with PTSD under the DSM-5 by Dr. Aleknavicius in March 2022, just days after the publication of the DSM-5-TR. The Employer’s IME doctor, Dr. Young, evaluated the Employee in November 2022 using the DSM-5, concluding that he did not meet PTSD criteria and instead suffered from alcohol use disorder while also criticizing the methodology of the Employee’s initial evaluation. The compensation
- Ocla Bellamy v. Midwest Special Services, Inc.Ocla Bellamy v. Midwest Special Services, Inc., No. WC25-6632 (WCCA, July 17, 2026). The employee claimed to have suffered a right eye specific and/ or occupational injury. She worked as a direct support professional and did personal care, which included diapering and toileting. She did have prior right eye problems from a BB gun accident when she was a child. She had a right eye implant surgery done in 2007 and two revision surgeries in 2009. In 2012, she underwent an orbital reconstruction and had
- Mohamud (deceased) by Samira Farah v. Bashka Express, LLC and Ali Ibrahim (uninsured) and Capital Express, Inc.Mohamud (deceased) by Samira Farah v. Bashka Express, LLC and Ali Ibrahim (uninsured) and Capital Express, Inc., WCCA No. WC25-6627 (WCCA, June 25, 2026). The issues before the Court were (1) whether Mrs. Farah met the definition of putative spouse and whether she was entitled to dependency benefits; and (2) whether the award of penalties by the compensation judge should be higher. The Employee, Mohamud Mohamud, was working as a truck driver for Bashka Express, owned by Ali Ibrahim, when he was killed in a
- Debra J. Heisick v. Zurich N. Am. Ins. Co.Debra J. Heisick v. Zurich N. Am. Ins. Co., No. WC25-6623 (W.C.C.A. June 3, 2026). In this case heard by the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, two issues were before the Court. First, whether the compensation judge’s finding that a 1999 work injury was not a substantial contributing factor to her current condition, disability, and need for treatment was clearly erroneous. And if it was clearly erroneous, whether the evidence supports a finding that the 1999 work injury is a substantial contributing factor. The employee
- McClain v. Eagle Intermodal Services, Inc.McClain v. Eagle Intermodal Services, Inc., No. WC25-6626 (WCCA May 27, 2026). On August 1, 2007, Employee Danny McClain sustained an admitted right wrist injury while throwing heavy semi-tractor trailer tires. The Employee underwent three right wrist surgeries between 2008 and 2010 (arthroscopic repair, fusion surgery, and exploratory nerve resection) due to chronic pain. Medical providers noted potential complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) symptoms as early as 2008, but the Employee’s primary provider and IMEs for the Employer and Insurer denied the diagnosis. A March
- Searle v. Legacy Restoration Holdings, LLCSearle v. Legacy Restoration Holdings, LLC, No. WC25-6612 (WCCA April 16, 2026). Compensation Judge: David Bateson The Employee, John Searle, was a sales representative for Legacy Restoration Holdings. As part of the hiring process, he was provided with an employee handbook and a vehicle safety manual. The vehicle safety manual outlined driver safety guidelines, cell phone safe use guidelines, driver selections, motor vehicle records, vehicle maintenance, accident reporting, and disciplinary action. The Employee signed an acknowledgement form indicating he had read and understood the policies.
- Cindy Ludwig v. Dakota CountyCindy Ludwig v. Dakota County, No. WC24-6562 (SUPREME COURT. April 22, 2026). Cindy Ludwig worked for Dakota County, doing full-time clerical work. She typically left for work around 7:30am to arrive at 8:00am. Due to the 2020 pandemic, the County required Ludwig to work from home full-time. So, she took her County-owned equipment home, including: her laptop, monitors, cords, docking station, keyboard, headset, binders, and an office chair. Eventually, Ludwig’s managers informed her she would be required to return to the office on September 8,
- Roderick Elzie v. University of MinnesotaRoderick Elzie v. University of Minnesota., No. A25-2156l, WCCA No. WC25-6603 (Minn., March 30, 2026). The issue before the Court was to review whether the WCCA’s decision affirming the compensation judge’s decision in awarding Roderick Elzie a penalty. The dates here are important! The WCCA decision was served and filed on November 18, 2025. Elzie appealed this decision by filing a petition for writ of certiorari on December 18, 2025. The writ of certiorari was issued on December 19, 2025. On January 19, 2026, the
- Charlie Anderson v. Country Sun Farms & GreenhousesCharlie Anderson v. Country Sun Farms & Greenhouses, No. WC25-6613 (W.C.C.A. March 25, 2026). In this case heard by the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, two issues were before the Court. First, whether an employment relationship existed versus a casual employment as defined by Minn. Stat. § 176.041, subd. 1. And, whether the injury arose in the course and scope of employment. The Employer, Country Sun Farms, operates a retail business, farm and greenhouses. They sell flowers, pumpkins, and Christmas trees along with other holiday
- Risa Jenko v. Cleveland CliffsRisa Jenko v. Cleveland Cliffs, No. WC25-6610 (W.C.C.A. January 25, 2026). The Employee worked as a dump truck operator for an iron mining facility. She alleged neck and left shoulder injuries from a January 31, 2023 date of injury. Following the injury, she treated with urgent care and was released to work a few days later. Then she treated at the ER, where she was taken off work for two weeks. Occupational medicine also saw the Employee who released the Employee to light duty with