CLT updated
  • Christine L. Tuft
  • Shareholder
  • Chair - Workers Compensation
  • Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • 612-375-5923  direct dial
  • 612-339-7655  fax

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

Chris works with insured and self-insured clients on matters related to workers’ compensation issues. Chris’ clients know that she is an aggressive advocate who understands their businesses and will help them reach their desired resolution, whether through settlement or by taking a case to trial. 

When representation is needed before the Department of Labor & Industry, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, or the Minnesota Supreme Court, it is important to have experience on which to draw. Chris’ more than twenty-five years of practice in the area of workers’ compensation means clients receive authoritative advice and representation in this often complicated area of the law. 

Through regular speaking engagements, the writing of articles and publications, and presentations before client groups, Chris provides education and analysis, as well as expertise on all aspects of Minnesota workers' compensation law.


Education

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1992
Nebraska Wesleyan University, B.A., 1989 (With Honors)


Click to see full Bio

Chris works with insured and self-insured clients on matters related to workers’ compensation issues. Chris’ clients know that she is an aggressive advocate who understands their businesses and will help them reach their desired resolution, whether through settlement or by taking a case to trial.

When representation is needed before the Department of Labor & Industry, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, or the Minnesota Supreme Court, it is important to have experience on which to draw. Chris’ more than twenty-five years of practice in the area of workers’ compensation means clients receive authoritative advice and representation in this often complicated area of the law. 

Through regular speaking engagements, the writing of articles and publications, and presentations before client groups, Chris provides education and analysis, as well as expertise on all aspects of Minnesota workers' compensation law.

Honors

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2024

Presentations

  • "Balancing Acrobats: Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Case Law and Legislative Update," Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2023
  • "The Past, Present and Future of Arising Out Of and In the Course Of Issues Workers Compensation Seminar," 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, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2021
  • "FOUL! How to Avoid and Defend Penalties and Bad Faith Claims in MN and WI Workers Compensation Matters" Webinar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., August 2021
  • "Ethical Issues for Adjusters" Webinar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2021
  • “Dizziness, Prism Glasses, and Headaches, Oh My!,” Webinar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2020
  • “Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Case Law Update” and “The Tools in the Rules,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2019
  • “The Angle – Hot Topics in Vocational Rehabilitation,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2018
  • “Community Chest – The Top Questions We Receive in Minnesota and Wisconsin,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2017
  • “The 'Big Wheel' of Average Weekly Wage,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar,  Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2016
  • “The Final Leg: Claim Resolution,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar,  Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2015
  • "Case Law Update, Minnesota Workers' Compensation," Minnesota Association of Occupational Health Nurses, May 2015
  • “Ethical Issues for Adjusters,” CEU Institute for Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., April 2015
  • "Anatomy of Risk Management from a Lawyer's Perspective," Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), April 2015
  • “Ethical Issues for Adjusters,” Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., November 2014
  • "Workers' Compensation and the Aging Workforce," Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), September 2012
  • “Minnesota Case Law Update,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar,  Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2007-2014, August 2007-2008
  • “Hot Button Topics for Employers,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2011
  • “Common Questions: A Panel Discussion,” Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2010
  • “Rehabilitation Issues: Gaining Control & Reducing Costs,” Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2009

Education

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1992
Nebraska Wesleyan University, B.A., 1989 (With Honors)


Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 1992
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1992


Publications

  • “Invasion of Privacy and the Workplace,” Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June, 1999
  • “Permanent Total Disability” Co-Author, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June, 1998
  • “Workers’ Compensation Treatment Parameters: Are the Benefits Worth the Burden?” Co-Author, Health Benefits Planner, July, 1995
  • “Keeping Current in Employment Law” Contributing Author, Minnesota Institute of Legal Education Employment Law Seminar, 1994 and 1995 Editions
  • “FMLA,” Keeping Current in Employment Law, 1995, Contributing Editor, Employment Law Update and Workers’ Compensation Update, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A.

Professional Associations and Memberships

American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
Hennepin County Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Section
Minnesota State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
Minnesota Women Lawyers


License

Minnesota

Practice Areas


Legal Team