RJB udpated
  • Raymond J. Benning
  • Shareholder
  • Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • 612-375-5924  direct dial
  • 612-339-7655  fax

  • rjbenning@arthurchapman.com
LinkedIn vCard Print Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.

Ray counsels employers and insurers on the overlapping issues involving workers compensation and employment law matters. He focuses his practice on workers’ compensation and employment law defense in Minnesota and Iowa.  

Ray believes in a proactive approach by educating clients to contain future claims. He also keeps clients abreast of the most recent legislative and case law. Clients often call upon Ray to speak on workers’ compensation topics and he is a regular speaker at the Firm’s annual workers’ compensation seminars. Ray is happy to answer questions as they arise and always appreciates a call from a client.

An avid Johnnie football fan, Ray enjoys spending time outdoors with his three sons and travels to Iowa to see family often.

Presentations

  • “Ring of Fire: Settlement Issues and Strategies,” “Magicians, Wizards and Fortune Tellers: Common Questions/Issues/Missteps,” Workers Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2023
  • "Specific Topics of Interest Panel," Workers Compensation Seminars, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2022
  • "Closing Ceremony: Round Table Discussion of Hot Topics in MN and WI Workers Compensation" Webinar, Arthur, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2021
  • "Wrestling with MSA and Workers Compensation Settlements" Webinar, Arthur, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., August 2021
  • “The ABCs of Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2019
  • “What is Ethics? Major Themes and Minnesota Statute 72B – Minnesota Insurance Adjuster Laws,” Ethics Issues for Adjusters Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., Nov. 2018
  • “Uncovering the Importance of the Mechanism of an Injury” and “Solved Mysteries Investigation of Claims,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2018
  • “Checkmate! Winning Strategies for Effective NOIDs,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2017
  • “Let’s Take a Ride in the Cash Cab! Permanent Total Disability and Retirement,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2016
  • “Call the Medic” and “Hitting Our Stride, Or Hitting the Wall?: NOIDS, Rehab Conferences, and Medical Issues,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2015
  • “Rules to Keep on Your Radar,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2014
  • “Retroactive Denial of Liability,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2013
  • “Minnesota Defenses to Claims for Indemnity Benefits,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2012
  • “Hot Button Topics for Insurers/TPAs,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2011
  • “Indemnity Benefits: Maximums, Minimums, and Duration,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2010
  • “Economy & Workers’ Compensation: Tightening the Belt, Saving Money, and Obtaining Reimbursement,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2009
  • “Recorded Statements--Investigation,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2007

Education

Drake University Law School, J.D., 1990
St. John’s University, B.A., 1987


Bar Admissions

Iowa, 1991
Minnesota, 1990
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1998


Professional Associations and Memberships

American Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association

Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Twin Cities Chapter of the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University Alumnae/Alumni Board (past)


Licenses

Iowa
Minnesota

Practice Areas


Legal Team