News & Recent Cases | Rochester MN

Dahlberg named to forums

Paul Dahlberg, of Rochester, has been certified as a life member for both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum recognizes attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. The organization was founded in 1993 and has approximately 3,000 members throughout the country.

Dahlberg is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law. His practice is focused on representing people injured in accidents such as car and truck, motorcycle, farm or other serious accidents resulting in personal injury or wrongful death.

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=7&a=435174

Employer and Insurer Found Liable for Employee's injuries in Workers' Compensation Case
Patterson & Associates represented a Home Health Care worker who injured his neck in a work related motor vehicle accident. After accepting liability for more than six months, the workers' compensation insurer obtained an independent medical evaluation supporting the Employer and Insurer's defense that the Employee had sustained only a temporary injury to his pre-existing degenerative neck condition. Patterson & Associates obtained expert testimony from the Employee's treating surgeon as well as their own independent medical report from an orthopedic surgeon, and established compensability. At a worker's compensation hearing, the Employer and Insurer were found liable for his injury and they were ordered to pay for the Employee's two level cervical fusion. In addition, the judge ordered payment of 104 weeks of wage loss benefits and a 15% permanent partial disability. The Employee was also provided the assistance of a qualified rehabilitation consultant to help medically manage his case and assist with finding future employment within his physical capabilities.

Felony charge dismissed in Goodhue County
Zach Bauer represented a young man who was charged with Terroristic Threats in Goodhue County. After an extensive investigation and review of the criminal case by Mr. Bauer and his investigator, all charges against our client were dismissed by the prosecutor.

Successful Workers' Compensation Settlement
Patterson & Associates represented a worker who sustained multiple unreported low back injuries, between 1995 through 2005 with multiple Employers and Insurers. Patterson & Associates obtained expert testimony from an orthopedic surgeon who opined that the Employee's prior unreported injuries, as well his current work duties, were a substantial contributing factor to his need for surgery. The four separate Employers and Insurers each obtained independent medical reports opining that the Employee's condition was not work related. Patterson & Associates successfully negotiated a $155,000.00 settlement on behalf of the Employee.

Multiple Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges Dismissed
Mr. Bauer represented two different individuals in Olmsted County that were charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree. After an extensive investigation and review of both of the criminal matters by our office, all charges against both of our clients were dismissed by the County Attorney's Office.

Employee Receives Total Disability Benefits
Patterson & Associates represented an Employee who injured his low back in 1984 and then again in 1991. Liability for the Employee's injuries was accepted by the Employer's workers' compensation Insurer. After terminating his employment with the date of injury Employer, the Employee worked for several different employers including working as a self-employed carpenter. More than ten years after terminating his employment with the date of injury Employer, the Employee's symptoms resulted in his inability to continue working. Patterson & Associates established that the Insurers for the Employee's 1984 and 1991 injuries were responsible for paying him permanent total disability benefits as well as an underpayment of wage loss benefits in excess of $60,000.00. The injured Employee continues to receive permanent total disability benefits, as well as payment of ongoing medical expenses.

Not Guilty Verdict in Dodge County
Mr. Bauer represented a young woman on multiple assault charges in Dodge County. After a two day trial the jury deliberated just over 30 minutes before returning a verdict of Not Guilty on all assault charges.

Local Convenience Store Employee is Ruled in Favor by Workers' Compensation Judge
A worker who was responsible for preparing donuts and breakfast sandwiches at a local convenience store claimed that her persistent numbness, tingling and wrist pain was caused by her work duties. Her Employer's workers' compensation Insurer denied primary liability for the Employee's carpal tunnel syndrome. Patterson & Associates obtained a medical report from the Employee's primary treating physician that the Employee's work duties were a substantial contributing factor to her diagnosed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. A Workers' Compensation Judge ruled in favor of the Employee and ordered the Insurer to pay her outstanding medical expenses, reimburse expenses paid by Minnesota Care, and pay wage loss benefits following her surgery.

Driving Under the Influence Charges Dismissed
Zach Bauer recently represented two men on seperate DUI charges. Mr. Bauer argued to the District Court judge that the stop of the motor vehicles in these two cases was unlawful and that the charges should be dismissed. After lengthy testimony the district court judge in both cases agreed and found the stops to be unconstitutional. The prosecutor was forced to dismiss all charges against both of our clients.

Employee With Pulmonary Condition Receives 100% of Wage Loss Benefits and More...
An Employee who was suffering from non-neocrotizing granulamatous inflammation and hypersensitivity pneumonia claimed that his exposure to cool, damp, and wet conditions at work substantially contributed to, aggravated or accelerated his pulmonary condition. The Employer and Insurer denied the existence of any mold at the work place and claimed that his exposure to mold was from his residence. Patterson & Associates obtained a report from the Employee's treating pulmonary specialist in which the specialist opined that there was a causal relationship between the Employee's symptoms and his exposure to his work environment. The Employer and Insurer obtained an independent medical evaluation supporting a contrary position. Patterson & Associates came to an agreement with the Employer and Insurer that resulted in payment of 100% of the Employee's wage loss benefits, payment of the Employee's medical expenses for treatment of his pulmonary condition and allowed for his continued employment with the Employer in a position away from the offending work environment.