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David J. Klaiman 

David J. Klaiman

Shareholder

David Klaiman is a shareholder and former board member in the firm Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Monson & Hager P.A. He received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1991. He obtained a Master of Social Work degree and Certificate of Graduate Studies in Industrial Relations from the University of Michigan in 1988. He received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian and Economics from Grinnell College in 1986.

Dave was admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota on October 25, 1991. He began working at the law firm of Gilmore, Aafedt, Forde, Anderson & Gray, P.A., as a law clerk in 1989, and has remained in the employ of that law firm to the present date.

Dave has extensive experience as a lawyer in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation, as well as experience in civil litigation, including the defense of dram shop and products' liability litigation. He has worked extensively on cases involving employment law issues and has handled many cases involving the interplay of personal injury claims, workers' compensation claims, employer's liability, and the subrogation claims of workers' compensation insurers. He has also been a lecturer at seminars on a variety of different workers' compensation issues.

Education
  • University of Minnesota, J.D., cum laude, 1991
  • Grinnell College, B.A., 1986
  • University of Michigan, M.S.W., Certificate of Specialization in Industrial Relations / Employment and Training, 1988
Admissions
  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District court, District of Minnesota
Born

Passaic, New Jersey

Awards and Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America® for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers, Best Lawyers® (2022 - current)
  • Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell® (2013-present)
  • Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment, ALM (2016)
  • Minnesota’s Top Rated Lawyers, Legal Leaders (2013, 2016)
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers® list, Thomson Reuters Legal (2002 - 2003, 2005)
  • Minnesota Rising Stars® list, Thomson Reuters Legal (1999, 2001)

Certifications

Qualified Neutral under Rule 114, Minnesota General Rules of Practice

Speaking Engagements

  • "Brewing Change: Unveiling New Legislation & Rate Reviews," AFGMH Virtual Coffee Talk, October 19, 2023
  • "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me... A Panel Discussion of MN Work Comp in 2023," AFGMH 2023 WorkComp WorkShop, September 29, 2023
  • "The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same: A Panel Discussion of Minnesota Work Comp in 2022," AFGMH 2022 WorkComp WorkShop, September 30, 2022
  • "COVID-19 and the Impact of Vaccine Mandates on Workers' Compensation Benefits," AFGMH Webinar, November 18, 2021
  • "Pick Your Tough Claim Topic: Panel Discussions," AFGMH Virtual WorkComp WorkShop, October 15, 2021
  • "The Virtual Workforce: Workers' Compensation Tips and Trends on Compensability," AFGMH Webinar, February 10, 2021
  • “Exposing the Cost: A Game Plan on Evaluating Exposure and Assessing Settlement Values,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 4, 2019
  • “Top Comp Quick Fire – A Panel Discussion,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 5, 2018
  • “Telecommuting,” Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Symposium, May 8, 2018
  • “Current Trends in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling – A Panel Discussion,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 6, 2017
  • “Panel Discussion: Current Trends in Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 7, 2016
  • “PTD Claims: Identifying Defenses and Minimizing Risk,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 2, 2015
  • “Panel Discussion: When the Quick Question Becomes the Quirky File,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, September 12, 2014
  • “Pre-Employment Exams,” Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Symposium, May 14, 2014
  • “Make or Break a Case with an IME,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, September 27, 2013
  • “Ethically Communicating with Medical Providers and QRCs,” AFGMH WorkComp WorkShop, October 5, 2012
  • “Why Can’t We Just Get Along - Ethical Issues in Workers’ Compensation Disputes,” Workers’ Compensation Institute, April 16, 2010

Involvement

  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Minnesota Employers Workers Compensation Alliance
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Twin Cities Claims Association

Martindale-Hubbell 2024 

Best Law Firm 2023 

Best Lawyers 

Super Lawyers