Workers’ compensation strategies and representation

Overview

Employers need experienced and specialized legal counsel to guide them through the process of assessing and defending workers’ compensation claims. At McDonald Hopkins, we work with our clients to understand the nature of their business and identify the best approach to defending workers’ compensation legal needs. Attorneys in our workers’ compensation practice assist private and public employers in a wide range of services, including:

• Claim management of injury and/or occupational disease, additional allowances
• Temporary Total Disability compensation (TTD), wage loss, salary continuation 
• Light Duty and Return to Work issues, medical releases 
• Permanent Partial Disability award (PPD)
• Loss of Use award (amputation)
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
• Death claims
• Handicap Reimbursement
• Appellate, mandamus, lawsuits, and settlement
• Violations of Specific Safety Requirements (VSSR)
• Workers’ compensation retaliation lawsuit
• COVID-19 issues
• Defenses such as voluntary abandonment, horse play, under the influence of drugs/alcohol, self-inflicted injuries, and idiopathic medical condition
• Interplay with union contract
• Employer intentional tort actions
• Interplay between workers’ compensation and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and unemployment
• Third Party Administrator restrictions (cannot cross examine witnesses, give legal opinion regarding evidence, witness credibility, question the qualification of a treating physician; or argue statutory and administrative provisions or case law)

Workers’ compensation claims involve a myriad of issues that can impact your operations, premium rates and your workforce. Our focus is on helping clients navigate the medical assessments and complex issues to identify and pursue your business’s best interests. Attorneys in our workers’ compensation practice provide insights and counseling to guide and defend clients through these difficult issues in an efficient and effective manner.