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We know that there are many levels of benefits available to injured workers, and we can help determine which benefits align with specific situations and treatment plans. We never want anyone to go without a paycheck, so exploring the benefits covered under the Worker’s Compensation Act with information provided by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry regarding wage loss benefits, medical benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits available under the work comp system, can make a big difference for many people.

Workers’ compensation attorneys pull all the details together to challenge insurance companies that don’t want to pay out what injured workers are owed.

2. Work comp attorneys know what treatment options are covered by the law.

Attorneys that specialize in workers’ compensation have studied the complex laws that protect injured workers, and we know that they’re entitled to chiropractic treatment. We know that chiropractors can be listed as a patient’s primary healthcare provider and that primary healthcare providers can deem various chiropractic treatments necessary for optimal recovery, including:

• Joint adjustment or manipulation
• Thermal treatment, including deep heating and cooling
• Electrical muscle stimulation
• Mechanical traction
• Acupuncture
• Massage and other manual therapies
• Phoresis, iontophoresis and phonophoresis

These treatments are eligible for an initial 12 weeks of care, which can make a significant impact on the road to recovery. Sometimes, more care is needed, and a work comp attorney can help clients gain access to an additional 12 visits over the course of a year if certain conditions are met.

Imagine how much improvement your patients could make after a year’s worth of treatment. Let’s make it happen together.

3.   Work comp attorneys invest in your patients’ recovery.

The team at Schroeder & Mandel fights for our clients at no cost out of pocket. We get paid when we win benefits, settlements and proper treatment for your patients. Our team has deep experience on both sides of the case. We’ve worked alongside insurance companies, so we have insider knowledge about how the system is designed to benefit corporations, not individuals.

We know what your patients are up against, and we’re on their side. Our goal is to do the heavy lifting and fight the legal battles, so injured workers can reclaim their lives and livelihoods.

Let’s work toward recovery for your work comp patients.

Trust Schroeder & Mandel with the legal side of workers’ compensation, no-fault arbitrations and personal injury benefits, so your patients can access the chiropractic treatment they need for pain. Refer your patients to us for a FREE consultation to discuss any questions pertaining to work-related injuries. We look forward to working together.

A Driver’s Guide to Motorcycle Hand Signals

Riding a motorcycle is one of life’s purest joys. It’s just you and the open road. Plus, all the other drivers who are generally unfamiliar with how to share the road with motorcyclists. We’ve all seen the “Start Seeing Motorcycles” bumper stickers, but seeing is not enough. Knowing how riders communicate can help drivers anticipate what a single rider or group of riders will do next – and that knowledge may just avoid a catastrophic accident.

Motorcycle riders use these 16 common motorcycle hand signals to communicate with one another. They can also clue drivers into riders’ intentions so that everyone can share the road safely. Note: all signals will be performed with the left arm, as the right hand must stay on the throttle to keep the engine running.

Left Turn – When a rider stretches their left arm out with their palm facing down, it indicates they’ll be turning left ahead. Watch for them to slow down and allow them time and space to complete the turn safely.

Right Turn – A left arm bent upwards at 90º with a clenched fist indicates the rider will be turning right ahead. Again, watch for the rider to slow down and allow them time and space to complete the turn safely.

Stop – Motorcycle brake lights are bright red, but since they’re smaller than a car’s, they can be easier to miss. When a rider extends their left arm bent down at 90º with an open palm, they’re communicating that they’re coming to a stop. Please slow down and come to a complete stop with plenty of space between your vehicle and the bike.

Speed Up – If a rider wants fellow riders in their group to speed up, they’ll raise their left arm upward with their palm facing up. Note: they’re not telling you or other cars to speed up, just the riders in their group. If you see this motion, know the group will start accelerating.

Slow Down – This is another signal riders use to tell their group to adjust speed. In this case, a left arm moving downward with an open palm means the group will be slowing down. When a motorcyclist eases off the throttle, their bike will decelerate without engaging the brake light. If you see this hand signal, know the rider or group will slow down. If you’re following a rider or group, pay attention and match their speed to avoid a rear-end collision.

Follow Me – When people ride together, they maintain order by appointing and following a leader. From time to time, leaders will switch to allow for breaks. If you see a rider raising their left arm with the palm facing forward, a new leader will move to the front of the group. The other riders will allow the leader to take the lead position and may shift to allow for passing.

You Lead/Come – If a rider points directly to a fellow rider’s bike and then points forward, they’re assigning that rider to take the lead. Watch for the new leader to accelerate toward the front of the group. If you want to pass the group, please wait and allow time for this leadership transition to take place before you take action.

Road Hazard – Debris or damage on the road can be extremely dangerous to motorcycles, and riders may have to make quick maneuvers to avoid potholes, rocks, trash or any other road hazards. Riders will point with their left arm to indicate a road hazard to their left or their right foot to indicate a road hazard to their right (because their right hand must remain on the throttle). 

Single File – A left arm raised with the index finger pointed upward tells a group of riders to move to a single file line. If you see this gesture, riders will merge into a single line. Follow from a safe distance and allow this transition to take place before taking any action to pass by the group. 

 Double File – Similar to the single file signal, but with two fingers pointed upwards, this signal tells riders to move to ride two-by-two. They’ll separate into two lines and take up more space on the road. Follow from a safe distance and allow this transition to take place before taking any action to pass by the group.

 Comfort Stop – Riding a motorcycle is incredibly fun and exhilarating, but long rides can get uncomfortable. If someone in a group of riders needs a stretch break, they’ll extend their left arm and move their fist up and down. The group will stop on the shoulder or pull off the road when it’s safe to do so. If you see this signal, know the riders will be slowing down soon.

 Refreshment Stop – Riding is thirsty work, and it’s not easy or safe to drink while riding, though hydration packs with long drinking tubes certainly help! If a rider wants to stop for a drink or snack break, they’ll make a “thumbs up” gesture and point toward their mouth or helmet. If you see this signal, know the riders will be slowing down soon.

Turn Signal On – Fun fact about motorcycles: turn signals don’t turn off automatically the way they do in cars. Riders must turn the signal off manually after completing a turn, but it’s easy to forget. If a rider notices someone has left their turn signal on, they’ll extend their left arm and spread their fingers out repeatedly until the other rider understands.

Pull Off – Waving an upraised left arm with the index finger pointing indicates that a rider will be pulling off the road for something other than a refreshment or comfort stop. The group will take the next exit or pull to the shoulder as soon as it is safe to do so. Allow the group time to slow down and pull off safely.

While all drivers don’t have to be fluent in motorcycle hand signals, knowing the basics and understanding that riders are communicating with each other and fellow drivers helps keep the road safe for everyone. 

When in doubt, give riders space. There’s room on the road for us all.

If you’re a motorcycle rider who has been involved in a crash, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Schroeder & Mandel for a FREE consultation. As motorcyclists and legal experts, we can help you win the settlement you deserve.

The information you discuss with your healthcare provider is private. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to establish a set of national standards for the protection of certain health information.

While some health information must be shared to enable providers to offer the best possible care, patient privacy is essential. The HIPAA Privacy Rule makes it possible for providers to access the details they need while protecting patient data privacy. It’s a delicate balance, and it is the core of high-quality healthcare.

If you get hurt at work, your employer or their insurance company may wish to speak with your doctor about your treatment and status. They may only do so with your express knowledge. 

Minnesota Statute § 176.138(a) states:

In all cases of a request for the data or discussion with a medical provider about the data, except when it is the employee who is making the request, the employee shall be sent written notification of the request by the party requesting the data at the same time the request is made or a written confirmation of the discussion.

This statute ensures that you are fully aware of any information your doctor’s office provides on your behalf.

2. Employers and insurance companies may request information from your doctor.

Injuries at work are more difficult simply because employers must be involved with the process. If a workers’ compensation claim is filed, insurance companies become involved as well. In these instances, employees should expect that some level of detail about their injury and care will be shared with their employer, their employer’s insurance company, or both.

Does that mean your employer should have free access to your medical data and history? Of course not. But they will need to know certain details about your prognosis and treatment so they can prepare for your safe return to work, and prepare the necessary documents for filing a claim with their insurance provider.

If you have questions about your employer’s processes and procedures pertaining to workplace injuries, please consult your employee handbook, HR team, supervisor or company leadership first for more information. Schroeder & Mandel is here to help facilitate these conversations, if necessary.

3. Different providers have different policies. Ask your provider about how they share private medical information.

Most doctors’ offices have a policy that they do not disclose information about their patients without written authorization. This enables patients to control the information shared and allows providers to share the necessary data while adhering to HIPAA compliance measures.

Schroeder & Mandel’s medical authorizations specifically state, “If you do not want to give your permission for a person from this health care facility to talk to a person from the organization requesting information, indicate that here (check or initial) _______.

Your decision on this important medical authorization is binding for your doctor. If you do not wish for them to speak with anyone outside the practice about your particular case, they cannot.

If you are an injured worker and you find out your doctor’s office has been disclosing information without your knowledge, contact one of the attorneys at Schroeder & Mandel for assistance. We’re on your side to fight for the justice you deserve.