WORKERS' COMPENSATION DEFENSE

DMGZ is recognized as one of the leading firms in the state practicing in the area of defense of workers' compensation matters, representing both insurance companies and large self-insured entities. We work closely with clients and provide hands-on management of each claim. We believe in a team approach to defense of workers’ compensation claims. Our team includes the adjuster, the employer, and the lawyer, paralegal and support staff. We believe the team approach is productive and cost-effective and is a formula that we believe serves our clients well.

Our attorneys handle all stages of compensation claims, frequently appearing before Alaska’s Workers’ Compensation Board, Appeals Commission and Alaska Supreme Court. We also work to recover money for the clients through subrogation actions and claims against the second injury fund. We counsel clients on preventive measures to minimize litigation exposure and provide advice on reducing

reserves and avoiding additional liability in existing and potential claims. Our attorneys have experience handling complex medical and legal issues including asbestos exposure, nuclear waste exposure, stress claims, heart attacks and multiple party matters. We also bring to the table experience and knowledge of other employment acts such as the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) which may complicate the resolution of some cases.

Our attorneys are very active on a number of business-based committees which have written amendments to the workers' compensation statute in Alaska. Our workers’ compensation attorneys lecture extensively to help clients stay apprised of developments in this dynamic area of law. We have a philosophy that workers compensation is a balancing of the rights of both the employers and the employees. We handle claims with the goal of protecting the interests of the employers while trying to be sure that the Act is applied in a neutral and even-handed manner.