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***Click Here for the Latest Information on the Corporate Transparency Act and associated BOI reporting***
Latest Information on the Corporate Transparency Act and associated BOI reporting:

On December 3, 2024, a federal district court in the Eastern District of Texas granted a nationwide injunction, enjoining government enforcement of both the Corporate Transparency Act and the associated reporting rule requirements (i.e. BOI or Beneficial Ownership Information reporting). On December 5, 2024, a Notice of Appeal was filed, and a stay of the injunction was requested pending that appeal.

On December 23, 2024, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the district court’s preliminary injunction but on December 26, 2024, a different panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order vacating the Court’s December 23, 2024, order. Thus, as of December 26, 2024, the injunction is in effect and reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN.

On January 7, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order staying FinCEN’s regulations implementing the BOI reporting requirements, precluding FinCEN from requiring BOI reporting or otherwise enforcing the CTA’s requirements. On February 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice—on behalf of Treasury—filed a notice of appeal of the district court’s order and, in parallel, requested a stay of the order during the appeal.

On February 18, 2025, the court agreed to stay its January 7, 2025, order until the appeal is completed. Given this decision, FinCEN’s regulations implementing the BOI reporting requirements of the CTA are no longer stayed. Thus, subject to any applicable court orders, BOI reporting is now mandatory on or before March 21, 2025 (which deadline may be subject to further change).

See FINCEN's website for the latest Alert: https://fincen.gov/boi

If you have questions, please contact your attorney.

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  5. What Does It Mean to Be Scheduled for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in Minnesota?

What Does It Mean to Be Scheduled for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in Minnesota?

Melchert Hubert Sjodin
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An Independent Medical Examination (IME), or adverse medical examination (AME), carries weight in injury cases.  The insurance company calls the exam independent but that gives a false impression.  The truth is that the doctor who performs these exams are not independent and insurance companies select doctors who are likely to disagree with your treating doctor.   Their goal? To assess the nature, cause, and extent of your injuries. You may be required to attend the examination if you are making a no-fault claim or have filed a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance company.  You should never just accept the insurance company’s word about your attendance being required and instead should consult with an experienced attorney.

Why Are Adverse Medical Examinations Scheduled?

  • Minimize the Severity of the Injury – The defense uses the exam to say your injuries are not as severe as your treating doctor claims. 
  • Blame the Injury On Prior Conditions – The exam doctor will often ask you about prior issues or injuries to deny the existence of an injury or say you have a condition that existed before the crash.
  • Assessing Credibility – Insurance companies often look for inconsistencies. Any disparity between your statements, medical records, and the exam report could impact the outcome of your case.

What to Expect During these Examinations

The process typically involves three steps:

  1. Medical Interview
    The doctor will ask detailed questions about your injury, symptoms, treatments, and medical history. This helps them build a context for their evaluation.
  2. Physical Examination
    This part depends on your injuries. It may include a simple physical exam or more detailed testing. The exam must stay within reasonable bounds based on your case.
  3. Report
    Afterward, the doctor prepares a report for the defense. This document can be used during settlement discussions or at trial. You or your attorney can usually request a copy of the report to review its findings.

How to Prepare for an IME

If you’re injured, it’s likely you have a good grasp on what you’re feeling and what you’ll say, but there’s still certain things to keep in mind. It’s good to familiarize yourself with medical records ahead of time because consistency matters. If you’re unsure about something, it’s better to say you don’t know than to guess.

Remember to focus on the relevant details. Only provide information related to your injuries, and avoid volunteering unrelated personal or medical details. The adverse medical examination doctor is hired by the defense, so try to maintain your boundaries if certain questions seem irrelevant. Make notes afterward about the length of the exam, what the doctor asked, and what tests they performed. Consult with your attorney immediately after the exam. They can help you review the doctor’s report and address any discrepancies.

Injured? Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP Has Your Back

The attorneys at Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP, have the experience and knowledge to help you understand this process and protect your rights. Contact us at (952) 442-7700 for a consultation today.

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