COON RAPIDS, Minn., Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling in the case of Lindsay v. Minneapolis Public School District , determining that teachers who sustain injuries during after-school student activities are eligible for workers' compensation coverage. This decision, handed down on October 22, 2025, establishes a statewide precedent that offers protection to educators participating in student events beyond regular school hours and is expected to prompt reviews of existing policies across Minnesota.

The case originated from an incident on February 9, 2023, when a math teacher at Sullivan STEAM Magnet School, ruptured her ACL during an after-school basketball practice with students. Initially, her employer denied workers' compensation benefits, asserting that a statutory recreational exclusion applied to the injury. Following administrative hearings, a compensation judge ruled the injury compensable, a decision later affirmed by the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals before reaching the Supreme Court.

"If you have suffered an injury at work, understanding the complexities of workers' compensation is essential for securing the benefits you deserve," said Jeremiah Sisk.

Attorneys Jeremiah W. Sisk and David B. Kempston of Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law represented Lindsay throughout the legal process. Oral arguments were presented before the Supreme Court on June 4, 2025. The Court's ultimate decision reversed the employer's denial, clarifying several key aspects of Minnesota workers compensation eligibility:

• Employment-Related Activity: The Court determined that  relationship-building activities, such as participating in student sports, constitute a part of a teacher's employment duties.
• Recreational Exclusion Clarity: The ruling specifies that the "recreational program" exclusion in workers' compensation law applies exclusively to programs designed for employee benefit, not to activities integral to the employee's role.
• Coverage Scope: The decision reinforces that injuries occurring within work hours, at the workplace, and during employment-related activities qualify for workers' compensation coverage under Minnesota Statutes section 176.021.

This notable outcome not only secures benefits, but also provides a vital safeguard for other educators across the state. It ensures that teachers engaging in activities that foster student development and community, even outside of formal classroom instruction, are covered in the event of an injury. The ruling is anticipated to influence how workers' compensation claims are handled statewide and may lead to adjustments in school district policies regarding teacher participation in extracurricular student events.

Media professionals, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive details of this landmark ruling and its broad implications for worker protections within the education sector. For further information or to discuss the impact of this decision, please contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law at https://mottazsiskinjurylaw.com/ .

Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law is a premier Minnesota workers' compensation and personal injury law firm dedicated to safeguarding injured workers and accident victims across the state. Led by President and Owner Jerry Sisk, a recognized authority in workers' compensation law who has represented thousands of injured workers including teachers, electricians, nurses, factory workers, and professional athletes, the firm is committed to securing maximum financial compensation, vocational assistance, and medical benefits for clients. Jerry Sisk also co-authored The Injured Workers' Guide to Minnesota Workers' Compensation and Minnesota CLE's Workers' Compensation Deskbook, and co-hosts the podcast MN Work Comp Connection. Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law is located at 3340 Northdale Blvd. NW, Suite 140, Coon Rapids, MN 55448. For more information, visit https://mottazsiskinjurylaw.com/

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SOURCE Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law