The Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court has elected Judge Daniel Fridrich as presiding judge. His two-year term began Monday, the court announced in a news release.

Judge Daniel Fridrich

The other six judges elected Fridrich at a meeting last month, and the state Supreme Court approved the appointment on June 28.

Fridrich, who replaces Judge John Hoffert as presiding judge, was appointed to the court in 2012 by Republican Gov. Dave Heineman. Compensation judges are initially appointed by the governor to six-year terms, then voted on by the general electorate.

Before his appointment, Fridrich was a compensation defense attorney for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., and for Werner Enterprises in Nebraska. He earned his bachelor's degree and his law degree from the University of Nebraska.

Fridrich gained some news media attention last year when the Nebraska Court of Appeals upheld his ruling that a professional indoor football player was due much higher temporary and permanent disability benefits after a career-ending back injury.

Fridrich found that Aldwin Foster-Rettig, a defensive back for the Omaha Beef, was due $903 a week, based on his salary plus the meals and lodging that the team had paid for every week. The team argued the benefits should be based only on the player's salary, about $231 per week.

The team appealed but the court upheld Fridrich's ruling in February 2018.