Defendant's Attorney: Michael Snyder

Description: Pierre, South Dakota personal injury lawyer represented Plaintiff, who sued defendants on a workers' compensation theory.


On February 17, 2017, Dittman injured her back while working as a special education teacher for Employer. Dittman provided Employer with timely notice of her injury. At the time of the injury, Insurer insured the Employer. Dittman initially sought treatment with Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center on April 27, 2017, from Dr. Robert Woodruff and his physician's assistant (P.A.), Mitch Grieve. P.A. Grieve referred Dittman to Dr. Peter Vonderau at The Rehab Doctors for pain treatment. Dittman attended appointments with Dr. Vonderau in 2017 and 2018.

Outcome: We affirm the Department's determination that Dr. Vonderau's referral to Dr. Corenman was authorized by SDCL 62-4-43. However, we reverse the Department's grant of summary judgment denying compensation for Dr. Corenman's medical services and remand for further proceedings consistent with this decision and ARSD 47:03:04:05. Finally, we affirm the circuit court's determination that the Department correctly concluded that Dittman's bonus was discretionary.

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