Tag Archive for: Minnesota Employment Law

Does My Employer Have to Accommodate My Long-Haul COVID Symptoms?

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COVID-19 has presented many questions for employers and employees. One set of questions surrounds “long COVID,” or “long-haul COVID.”

President Biden announced that the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection can in fact be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This likely would apply under Minnesota’s Human Rights Act (MHRA) as well.

This means that employees who were infected with COVID-19 and still suffer from symptoms such as respiratory problems, brain fog, chronic pain, and fatigue that rise to the level of a disability are protected under federal law. Such symptoms rise to the level of a disability if they substantially limit a major life activity such as work. Employees with a disability are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

If you have questions about ADA accommodations, or if your employer is refusing to provide accommodations or discriminating against you because of a disability, contact us. Our experienced employment law attorneys would be happy to discuss your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Brian Rochel Selected to Serve Three-Year Term on Minnesota NELA Board

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Brian Rochel has been selected to serve as a Board member on the Minnesota Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (MN-NELA). MN-NELA is a highly-respected organization of lawyers who are dedicated to advancing the rights of workers by providing information, education, and advocacy on behalf of employees. MN-NELA works to advance employee rights by influencing judicial lawmaking, legislative lawmaking, and educating the bench, bar and public on issues that affect workers’ rights.

MN-NELA has had a profound impact in the rights of employees over the past several decades. Its major achievements include amicus briefing at the Minnesota Supreme Court, helping draft impact legislation, and facilitating collaboration across hundreds of lawyers and law firms who represent employees and workers across the state.

Brian has been a member of MN-NELA since 2010, served on the Board from 2014-2017, and is proud to continue serving the organization.