News

OSHA recently released two sets of updated guidance. First, OSHA released an emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) to protect at-risk health care workers from COVID-19. The ETS is a binding and enforceable OSHA standard, but is only applicable to the healthcare industry.

Arthur Chapman was recognized as a 2021 National Standard Star Tribune Top Workplace. This designation places the Firm among an elite group of companies.

Arthur Chapman is proud to be part of the upcoming Women, Diversity & Change [Virtual Summit]. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we become active participants in driving progressive change and equality in the legal community. Attorney Sarah Bushnell is speaking on the Caregiving & Career: Mastering the Balancing Act panel on Wednesday, June 16.

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is a mid-sized law firm seeking an attorney to join our busy Minnesota and Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Practice Group. We are a team-oriented firm committed to providing our clients with superior legal services. Candidates must be currently licensed in either Minnesota or Wisconsin, and be committed to obtaining a license in the other state. Candidates must also possess a strong work ethic with excellent communication and writing skills. Candidates with workers’ compensation experience preferred. Our firm offers a competitive compensation/benefits package and is dedicated to creating a collegial, diverse workplace. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is a mid-sized defense law firm located in downtown Minneapolis. This is an opportunity for a hard working attorney to complement a growing medical malpractice team and integrate into a solid book of existing medical malpractice business. This is a great opportunity to ultimately assume a book of business. We seek a highly motivated lateral associate or junior level partner with at least three years of medical malpractice, products liability, and/or professional liability law related experience to join our growing litigation practice group. Preferred experience includes deposition and trial experience. Candidates should have excellent writing skills, and possess a strong attention to detail. A strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a team-oriented atmosphere are essential. We are motivated to attract and recruit talented and diverse attorneys. Salary is commensurate with experience.

As occurs in most years, the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council proposed new legislation in 2021, amending the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act. The legislation was advanced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and it was passed by both legislative houses. It was signed into law by Governor Walz on April 26, 2021. Here is a breakdown of the new legislation:

ACKSP Brief provides regular communications from our attorneys to keep you connected and updated on current legal issues and decisions that impact your businesses and claims handling.

On April 14, 2021, the Minnesota Supreme Court released King’s Cove Marina, LLC v. United Fire & Cas. Co., providing guidance on the Products Completed Operations Hazard (“PCOH”) limit and on Miller-Shugart allocation. In the underlying liability case, the insured, Lambert, entered a Miller-Shugart settlement agreement with the liability plaintiff, King’s Cove. Lambert stipulated to a $2 million dollar judgment being entered against it to be collected from Lambert’s insurer, United Fire. King’s Cove then brought a garnishment action against United Fire, alleging all of the claims in the liability case were for covered damages, and that the Miller-Shugart settlement agreement was enforceable.

ACKSP Brief provides regular communications from our attorneys to keep you connected and updated on current legal issues and decisions that impact your businesses and claims handling.

ACKSP Brief provides regular communications from our attorneys to keep you connected and updated on current legal issues and decisions that impact your businesses and claims handling.

ACKSP Brief provides regular communications from our attorneys to keep you connected and updated on current legal issues and decisions that impact your businesses and claims handling.

The Minnesota Supreme Court offered a reminder to employers in its February 3, 2021 decision, Hall v. City of Plainview: carefully draft your employee handbooks and follow your own policies. If the handbook contains ambiguous disclaimers and concrete compensation policies, it can be enforced against the employer as a unilateral contract.

Our attorneys are well-versed in handling and defending COVID-19 business interruption claims. Shayne Hamann, Steven Erffmeyer and Gregory Duncan are presently handling a case for IMT Insurance Company in the United States District Court – District of Minnesota. To date, they have obtained positive results for their client. Read more on the case here: https://bit.ly/3toiTQ6

Construction Law attorney, Jonathon Zentner, joined Acuity Insurance to share insights on avoiding legal issues in construction. Tune in to hear more from Jon and others in this webinar.

While 2020 was a year with more bad news than good, the Minnesota Court of Appeals offered something to celebrate when it released its decision in Else v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company in late-December. The Court’s decision, agreeing with Attorneys Tim Tobin and Marissa Linden of Arthur Chapman, holds that first-party insurance policy limits operate as a cap on pre-judgment (or pre-award) interest. While unreported, Else is a favorable outcome for insurers and is anticipated to have persuasive value in other first-party coverage matters as we head into the brighter days of 2021.

Congratulations to appellate attorneys Jeff Markowitz and Steve Warner for a stellar win at the North Dakota Supreme Court. A commercial landlord tried to collect a windfall of more than $2,000,000 from their client. Arthur Chapman trial attorneys Mike Ryan, Jonathon Zentner, Corey Bronczyk, and Bradley Idelkope secured summary judgment against the claim, and Jeff and Steve defended the win on appeal. Great team effort.

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. has announced the election of Jeffrey M. Markowitz as shareholder at the firm.

Attorney, Sally Ferguson, was recognized at the ABOTA meeting last week for her contributions as 2020 President of the Minnesota ABOTA Chapter. She was recognized for her leadership and guidance through a difficult year as well as for her resourcefulness, ingenuity, and embodying stability and professionalism. Congratulations, Sally!

The Executive Order also brings new regulations for the construction industry. COVID-19 Construction under Executive Order 20-99 explains the new requirements as follows: