Stephen’s practice currently focuses on workers’ compensation defense, representing employers, insurers, and third-party administrators. Before joining Brown & Carlson in 2024, he built an extensive background advocating for employees as a plaintiff-side workers’ compensation and long-term disability attorney. His experience on both sides of the table provides him with a unique and valuable perspective, enabling him to develop comprehensive, client-focused strategies to deliver effective representation when negotiating settlements or defending claims at hearing.
Quick to synthesize complex information, Stephen’s analytical mindset is a strong asset to his clients. Backed by a quick wit and a good sense of humor, he’s a valued presence both in and out of the courtroom. Outside the office, Stephen enjoys archery and hitting the mountain bike trails—where he coaches young riders, helps maintain local paths, and gets out for a ride whenever he can.
In the past, injuries occurring at employer-sponsored recreational programs and sponsored social events were most often viewed as not arising out of and in the course and scope of employment under Minnesota Statute 176.021, subd. 9, unless the employee was
The Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA) recently decided the case of Nash v. Diocese of Duluth/St. Joseph’s Church and addressed two important issues: reasonableness and medical necessity of a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) implant trial and the continuation
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently held in Brunner v. Post Consumer Brands that an injured employee retains the right to assert a direct claim for medical expenses under the Workers’ Compensation Act—even where those expenses were initially paid by a