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Workers’ compensation statistics indicate good news for injured workers and employers in Minnesota

According to the latest Minnesota Workers’ Compensation System Report, which was released by the Department of Labor and Industry in April, insurance premiums for the 2018 calendar year are down 51 percent as compared with 1996, and are currently the lowest since that year, which is a good sign for employers who continue to strive to their workers’ safety on the job. Statistically, current work injuries add up to about 4 compensable claims per 100 full-time workers, which is more than a half lower than it used to in 1996. Despite this decrease in injuries and claims, according to the...
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Witness to History: 1914

This month is 1914, Greyhound Lines, Inc. began in Hibbing, MN. The first route transported iron ore miners between Hibbing and Alice, MN for 15 cents That same year, Harrison L. Schmitt, the founder of what would become Farrish Johnson Law Office, served as president of the Minnesota Bar Association. Greyhound Lines, Inc. Using a 7-passenger car, Carl Eric Wickman, a Swedish immigrant, began a bus service with Andy Anderson and C.A.A. Heed, transporting iron ore minors in Minnesota. The company got its first actual buses in 1921; they were grey and people started calling them greyhounds. It would take...
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Witness to History: 1984

This week in 1984, the Louisiana World Exposition, a World’s Fair, opened in New Orleans, Louisiana. There has not been another World’s Fair in the United States since the exposition in New Orleans. Also in 1984, Will Partridge was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Louisiana World Exposition The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition opened on Saturday, May 12 and closed on Sunday, November 11, 1984. Its theme was “The World of Rivers—Fresh Waters as a Source of Life.” The Fair was held along the Mississippi River front near the New Orleans Central Business District. It...
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Witness to History: 1990

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. Also in 1990, Terri Stoneburner, who began working with the firm in 1979, was appointed District Court Judge in the Fifth Judicial District. Americans with Disability Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to...
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Free Legal Checkups Being Offered to Public–KEYC

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, a nonprofit legal aid law firm, has launched once a month free legal checkups at the Open Door Health Center in Mankato. Farrish Johnson attorney Yuri Jelokov is a volunteer attorney for SMRLS. The checkups will occur on the third Monday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. at Open Door. Others will also be held at Centenary United Methodist church in Mankato during their homeless breakfast hours and at Wellcome Manor in Garden City. Although there may be some same-day availability, those interested are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance by calling SMRLS...
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The Standard of Review on Appeal – Explained Through Football!

Most football fans are familiar with the red “challenge flag.” The head coach of a football team keeps a special red flag with him throughout the game. If the head coach disagrees with a call, he will throw the red challenge flag onto the field. The referees then use instant replay to determine whether the ruling on the field will stand as called, or be reversed. But it is not as simple as getting a “second bite” at making the correct call. A decision was made by an official with a unique view of the field, and that call is...
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Witness to History: 2000

In 2000, camera phones were first introduced and sold to consumers around the world. Also in 2000, Scott Kelly was first selected for inclusion on the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. This prestigious honor, which he has received every year since, recognizes the top five percent of all lawyers in Minnesota. Camera Phones The first cell phone with a built-in camera was manufactured by Samsung and released in South Korea in June 2000. It was capable of taking 20 photos at a 0.35-megapixel resolution but it had to be hooked up to a computer to access the photos. In November of...
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Witness to History: 1961

In 1961, Franklin Rogers Park, home field of the Mankato Moondogs and Mankato West High School, was built. That same year, Robert G. Johnson joined the firm and became one of its namesakes. During his career, Johnson distinguished himself in the areas of medical and legal malpractice defense. Franklin Rogers Park Franklin Rogers Park, originally Key City Park, opened in 1961 at 601 Reed Street, in Mankato. Franklin Rogers served as sports editor and later as The Free Press’ editor and vice president. Rogers was also an active civic leader; in 1964 Governor Karl Rolvaag appointed him head of a...
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Payment of Wages Following Termination of Employment

Under Minnesota law, you are entitled to prompt payment of wages after leaving employment. If you have been terminated from employment, you have the right to demand all wages or commissions actually earned and unpaid at the time of discharge. Once a demand is made, the employer has 24 hours to pay these wages or commissions. If you quit employment, your wages are generally due on your regularly scheduled payday. If your employer fails to make payment when due, you have the right to demand payment and the employer must comply within 24 hours after the demand. In either case,...
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