What is a NOID or Notice of Intention to Discontinue Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

What is a NOID or Notice of Intention to Discontinue Workers’ Compensation Benefits? An official document known as Notice of Intention to Discontinue Workers’ Compensation Benefits, or NOID, originates from employers or their insurance providers in Minnesota. The NOID informs injured workers about upcoming termination or reduction of their wage-loss benefits and medical assistance. After being submitted to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), the NOID reaches the injured worker, who must reply within a restricted period.

If you received a NOID, don’t wait. Contact Atkinson Gerber at 651-333-3636 to schedule a free consultation. We have over 50 years of combined experience, which enables us to help you protect your rights and benefits.

Why Did I Receive a NOID?

When you receive a NOID, it indicates that your employer or their insurance company believes they are legally justified in ending your benefit payments. Common reasons for filing a NOID include:

Your doctor confirmed your readiness to resume work responsibilities.
Surveillance suggests you are no longer injured.
You have resumed your job while earning equivalent or higher wages than before.
You failed to show up for the Independent Medical Examination (IME).
The medical professional states that your injury is no longer connected to your work duties.
You reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

These reasons for discontinuation do not necessarily demonstrate that the action is legal. Atkinson Gerber can evaluate your case to decide whether challenging the NOID is feasible.

What Benefits Can Be Discontinued with a NOID?

A NOID can be used to stop or reduce a number of different types of benefits, including:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Rehabilitation or vocational services

Medical benefits can also be affected, although these often require a different legal process.

How Long Do I Have to Respond to a NOID?

You must request a hearing within 12 days of a NOID filing to contest the decision. That’s not much time. Within the 12-day period, your action can prevent the insurance company from stopping your benefits until the case goes before a judge. Once the 12-day period ends without any objections, the insurer has the right to terminate your benefits without further action.

Through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), you can initiate an Administrative Conference to challenge a discontinuation. An Administrative Conference serves as an informal hearing conducted by a Compensation Judge at the DLI. The Administrative Conference allows both parties to present evidence and testimony, yet operates in a less formal manner than a traditional trial. A judge typically renders a decision in a few days.

It is crucial to consult with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys immediately after receiving a NOID to prevent unwarranted loss of benefits. Atkinson Gerber is ready to act quickly on your behalf.

What If the Judge Agrees With the Discontinuation?

Should the judge decide in the employer’s or insurer’s favor during the administrative conference, your wage-loss and medical benefits may legally end. This negative ruling at the administrative conference does not eliminate all possible options for you. You can appeal the decision made during the administrative conference, and you might qualify for different benefits based on your health and employment situation.

Other potential benefits available to you after such a decision could consist of permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits or vocational rehabilitation support, along with ongoing medical treatment coverage. Each workers’ compensation case presents unique circumstances that require a thorough understanding of available legal options.

What Should I Do If I Get a NOID While Still Injured?

Immediate action is essential when you receive a Notice of Intention to Discontinue your workers’ compensation benefits during your injury recovery period. Many injured workers mistakenly believe that the insurance company’s decision stands as definitive or correct, although this belief can be inaccurate.

Insurance companies can make NOID decisions based on either outdated medical records or doctors’ reports that are misinterpreted during Independent Medical Examinations, which may not be in your best interests. Avoid signing documents or agreeing to benefit changes, and ensure you respond promptly. Collect your latest medical documentation and ensure you have copies of your work restrictions as well as any findings from Independent Medical Examinations. Retain every document received from your insurer, as well as the NOID notice.

Schedule A Free Consultation

We recognize the stress of receiving a NOID during your injury recovery, and we offer guidance for the next steps.

We assist in contesting your claim rejection, preparing for hearings, and establishing effective communication with your insurance provider. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances are of maintaining your benefits.

Atkinson Gerber offers straightforward free consultations that may significantly impact your workers’ compensation case results. Dial 651-333-3636 to talk to our skilled legal staff.

Your aggressive handling of this work comp case was first rate. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past but appreciated the personal attention you provided me in this matter. Thank you!

- Cathy M.

Finally, I found the attorney that works for the injured worker, after two previous attorneys’ work for us seemed inadequate. Tom and his staff have the commitment to take it to trial if necessary rather than the other attorneys’ inertia and reluctance to do so. He has the integrity that you rarely find in the work comp arena anymore. Your involvement in my case resulted in returning us to some sense of dignity in this battle. I thought that with the multiple near-fatal catastrophic injuries I sustained that the opposing side would do the right thing. Don’t deceive yourself with this notion. You must have the right attorney by your side. With all the overwhelming tasks to complete while recovering, I thought I needed an attorney that was located near me. Again, I was wrong as they accommodated us however we needed it. Please don’t choose a work comp attorney based on location no matter how tempting that may be. Tom and staff thank you for making us believe in justice again.

- Scott H.

I just want to say a big “thank you” for representing me in my Social Security case. Without your help, I know that I would not have been successful. I am very fortunate that you represented me because you have the experience and knowledge that obtained the favorable ruling

- Dana D.

I received my settlement check this weekend and I want to thank you and all of your staff for taking on this case and pursuing it to a positive conclusion. These proceedings were not without their share of frustration but I always felt confident in my representation and your efforts to best represent me. I don’t believe I could do what you do- I would be too tempted to reach across the table and strangle the opposing counsel. I am very pleased with the outcome and am glad it is over.

- Gary S.

Tom and Marci were a tremendous help in that you made it so easy for someone like me who was stressed out about it all, especially with all the little things. I would have had a hard time relaxing enough to deal with everything effectively if you had not been so helpful. I also thought that Tom was very effective in the courtroom and had the facts of my case organized well and was informed so that he could tell where the judge wanted to go with his questions and was able to present the facts in a way that helped my case be viewed favorably by the judge. I was very pleased with the results. Thank you.

- Dan N.

You kicked butt. I am so happy with my results and I couldn’t have done it without you

- Teresa H.

Listen up every employee who has suffered a work comp injury in this state! If you think you don’t need a lawyer because everything is going fine, the adjuster is nice, and the QRC they assigned you seems to have your interest at heart; you are WRONG! The longer you wait to hire a lawyer the more disadvantaged you become. Tom Atkinson and his staff are aggressive and experienced workers’ compensation experts. Tom got me more than I ever thought I would get and NEVER charged a fee until he obtained benefits on my behalf. Thank you Tom, Marci, Gene and Cassie; I couldn’t have done it without you on my side.

- Thomas Hoaby

Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. I’m so proud to have you as my lawyer as you are absolutely wonderful at your job… Not to mention hilarious:) Whatever the outcome of today, I truly appreciate all you have done for me.

- Stacey B.

The day I met Tom, was the day I knew I would get all I needed from the Work Comp. company. For me, it was never about getting a big settlement. I only wanted what my doctor was recommending. Tom supported my decision not to settle, and took it all the way to a hearing to get me what I needed. It seems as though every step of the way has been a battle, but never once have I had any doubts in his ability to succeed. In the end, I got the surgery I needed and Tom still ended up getting me a bigger settlement than they offered in the beginning. Tom and his staff are a wonderful, caring group of people, and I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.

- Sandy

Tom and his team are the top tier in the worker compensation field as I experienced the professionalism personally. I was injured at work and after two other well publicized and awarded attorneys failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, Tom and his team proved how a dedicated, genuine, caring, honest team can get the better than expected results for a client.

- DR

Dana and her staff are the most professional and outstanding lawyer I have ever dealt with and I would highly recommend anybody that would need a lawyer contact her. They made me feel more like a friend or family. When dealing with them and made the whole process, go smoothly as possible. There’s not enough words to describe the gratitude I feel for her and her staff. Thank you for a job well done. I would highly recommend her at her staff to anybody that would need legal assistance.

- Les A.

Dana has been incredibly helpful in representing me. She made the entire process easy, addressing any issues with professionalism and care. Her team was equally wonderful, providing excellent support throughout. I highly recommend Dana and her team to anyone seeking assistance with workers’ compensation.

- Attas

Amazing Workman’s Comp attorneys. Tom did everything he said he would. His paralegal team and staff are amazing too and very quick to get back to you. Fought for me until the very end. Will recommend this team to anyone having Workman’s Comp issues.

- Taylor K.

Words can not express how amazing Dana and the family at Atkinson Gerber Law are! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Dana and Morgan where prompt, knowledgeable and so so kind. I can not recommend them enough if you or a loved one ever needs legal help. Getting injured is stressful but with this phenomenal team in your corner, it really helps ease some stress. I can’t thank them enough!

- Amber N.

Despite that my case ended about 10 months ago, I actually went back to place this review because Tom and his team did so well and help me through a very, very difficult time in my life. I want to thank the entire staff for all their help.