Workers' Compensation

Mediation with a Workers' Compensation Judge may be of value to the parties when a case is particularly complicated or when parties could benefit from a judge's viewpoint on a factual or legal issue.  The following judges are available to conduct mediations:

To request an OAH mediator, submit a Mediation Request Form via eFiling. Injured workers who are not represented by an attorney may also file by mailing the Mediation Request Form to PO Box 64620, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55164-0620, or by personal delivery to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 600 North Robert Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

Upon receipt, OAH will assign a case number and a mediator, and schedule a date for mediation. All OAH mediation files are maintained separately from dispute-related files.  As such, all documents filed on mediation cases must include the mediation case number.

Mediations are presumed to be held in person. Parties may move the court to use an alternative proceeding location on a case-by-case basis.

At least seven days prior to the scheduled mediation, the parties should each eFile a confidential mediation statement. The mediation statement should contain helpful background information, a medical summary, and any other information that is relevant to the matter.  A settlement analysis should also be included, along with any relevant medical or rehabilitation records.   

Parties should come prepared and with authority to fully participate in the mediation. Parties are expected to appear in person at the mediation. Out-of-state parties may attend by telephone by agreement of the parties and the mediator. Parties appearing by telephone should sign and return to OAH the Mediation and Confidentiality Agreement prior to the scheduled mediation date.

Administrative Law

OAH provides state and local government agencies with Administrative Law Judges to facilitate settlement discussions among parties to a dispute. All Administrative Law Judges have received training as mediators and several have extensive mediation experience.

Advantages

Mediation is less adversarial, helps the parties preserve a relationship, and saves time and financial resources. Administrative Law Judges are experienced in limiting mediations to relevant issues, remaining impartial, and handling mediations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Cost

OAH bills for mediation services at the hourly rate approved for all judicial services. Hourly charges include mediation time and travel time. Expenses such as lodging, meals and mileage are also billed when the judge must travel outside the metro area.

Locations

Mediations are usually conducted at OAH's St. Paul office. OAH's mediators can agree to conduct mediations at other locations upon request. Common mediation facilities include conference rooms, jury rooms, city council chambers, county commissioner boardrooms, or courtrooms.

Requesting mediation

To request mediation in an Administrative Law matter, complete the Mediation Request Form.