When an accident occurs in Mankato, Minnesota, resulting in injuries, the victim may need assistance covering their medical expenses, particularly if their injuries prevent them from working. The most common way to seek compensation for an accident is by filing a personal injury claim.
A personal injury claim is normally straightforward and filed with an insurance provider. After the claim is filed, it is investigated and then processed, and if approved, a settlement check is sent to the victim. Sadly, insurance firms have a well-earned reputation for refusing to pay legitimate claims.
If you or your family member finds yourself in this circumstance, you need a skilled Mankato personal injury lawyer to manage your claim. Contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation to review your legal choices.
How Do Mankato Personal Injury Claims Work?
Once you feel ready to file a personal injury claim, it is important to understand that multiple factors can go into building a claim. Below is a brief description of some of the more critical parts of a personal injury claim:
The At-Fault Party
When an accident occurs, the person considered responsible for the accident will be held at fault. Typically, this person will be obvious to the police and insurance companies, but sometimes disputes over fault emerge, and the person at fault is less obvious.
Liability
The person found liable will be held accountable for paying damages to the victim of the accident. While the accountable party may be seen to be at fault for the accident, this does not always mean they will be held liable for it.
Minnesota is considered a no-fault insurance state, which means that accident victims will file a claim with their own insurance provider when an accident occurs. For instance, if a car accident happens because of the negligence of another driver, including texting and driving, the negligent person will be at fault. However, in this scenario, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider will be considered liable for paying the accident victim’s damages.
Negligence
One of the most crucial factors when deciding damages and who is responsible for paying them is negligence. Negligence occurs when someone intentionally acts or behaves in a way that puts others in a perilous situation.
Negligence can happen when someone does any of the following:
- Driving while drunk,
- Texting and driving,
- Forgets to put a caution sign on damp floors,
- or a business proprietor fails to plainly mark an obstruction on their property.
A reputable lawyer of Florin|Roebig, Chad K. Florin, states, “It is important to prove negligence to secure the compensation you are owed. At Florin|Roebig, when our clients have been put in a dangerous situation because of someone’s reckless or thoughtless acts that put them in harm’s way, we make sure they are held accountable. We comprehensively examine every element of your case to prove liability and fight for the highest damages allowed by law.”
A personal injury attorney is trained to help decide when negligence was responsible for an accident and how to establish who was negligent. Contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today to get the highest quality of help for your claim.
Type of Injury
The type of injuries obtained through an accident and the severity of these injuries are other vital elements in a personal injury claim. The extent of the injuries normally determines compensation amounts; the more severe a person’s injuries are, the more you are likely to be awarded.
Statute of Limitations
The amount of time you have to legally file a personal injury claim or a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. Knowing this is critical because if you miss this deadline, it will stop you from being able to file at all.
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is six years. This clock starts to tick the instant the accident occurs.
If you or a member of your family has questions about how personal injury claims work and what is required to start one, please contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today to schedule a free consultation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Mankato Personal Injury Claim
Any type of accident that results in injuries can be a very upsetting and traumatic experience. Even though the claim process can seem overwhelming to those who have to experience it, the stress can be easily handled when you hire a personal injury lawyer who understands the Minnesota claim process.
When it is time to begin your claim, the following are the essential steps you should take to begin the process:
- Collect as much evidence as possible: If possible, collect evidence while you are at the accident scene. Evidence can consist of photos of the accident scene and the hazard.
- Acquaint yourself with your insurance policy: Before you file your personal injury claim, look over your insurance policy. This will help clarify some of the processes and inform you of what your policy will and will not protect.
- Hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Although this phase is often neglected by those who have been in an accident, it is essential. Employing a Florin|Roebig lawyer can guarantee that your paperwork is accurate and filed on time, ensuring that all damages are claimed and giving you peace of mind.
- Acquire a copy of the police report: When filing a claim, you must have the police report. This report is vital because it is the official understanding of what transpired in the accident and who is considered to be responsible.
- Contact your insurance agent to file a claim: After completing the previous steps, it is time to contact your insurance agent. They will initiate the claim process and mail you any paperwork that needs to be finished and returned as soon as possible.
Your insurance provider will dispatch an insurance adjuster to investigate the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your property, if appropriate, and then decide who is at fault.
Once the adjuster has resolved fault and liability, they will suggest a settlement amount to your insurance company if they feel you qualify. The adjuster’s statement is typically a deciding element for your insurance company.
For personal injury claims and lawsuits, it is critical to keep in mind that there is a time limit for filing paperwork. If you fail to file your paperwork on time, your claim or lawsuit will be automatically denied.
If you or a family member have any concerns or questions about your personal injury claim or need help filing it, call the Minnesota personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig.
Common Types of Accidents That Lead to Personal Injury Claims in Mankato
Many people work, live, and visit Minnesota, which can contribute to hazardous circumstances that result in accidents. These accidents can take many forms and result in many injuries.
Even though there are various causes for accidents that can occur in Minnesota, the following are the top reasons for Mankato, Minnesota accidents:
- Traffic Accidents – These accidents can include drinking and driving, distracted driving, driving and using a cell phone, treacherous roadways, dangerous weather conditions, etc.
- Road conditions – Potholes, detours, poor lighting, and other unsafe driving conditions can lead to auto accidents.
- Medical malpractice – Medical malpractice accidents occur when a person is injured due to a doctor’s or medical practitioner’s negligence.
- Premises liability – This transpires when a building or property owner fails to keep the premises secure for employees, visitors, residents, etc.
- Dog bites – This type of accident happens when a dog owner fails to control their dog, and it attacks and bites another person or animal.
- Manufacturing error – Any auto manufacturing fault that makes it dangerous on the road. For example, if a car’s brakes fail to work accurately.
What Injuries Qualify for a Personal Injury Claim?
If you or a member of your family have been hurt in an accident, it is essential to know that any injury you obtained because of an accident can be claimed in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
The following are some of the most typical injuries listed in Minnesota personal injury claims:
- Traumatic brain damage
- Organ damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Concussions
- Bruises and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Injuries to the chest, neck, and back
- Brain injuries
- Death
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What Damages Can Be Claimed in Mankato Personal Injury Cases?
Injuries in any kind of accident often lead to medical costs associated with diagnosing and healing the injuries. Victims of accidents should understand that no matter how severe or extensive their injuries are, they can seek a settlement to cover their costs. This is called a personal injury claim, which is typically filed to receive financial and non-financial damages.
Florin|Roebig lawyer Chad K. Florin says, “When an accident happens, victims are usually left with mounting medical expenses that can add to their already stressful situation. Florin|Roebig attorneys work tirelessly to help injury victims seek the payment they need to cover medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages so they can concentrate on recovery.”
The most common damages claimed in personal injury cases in Mankato, Minnesota, include the following:
- Medical costs- Any invoices or expenses associated with injuries caused by the accident can be claimed.
- Loss of Consortium or pain and suffering – Pain and suffering is defined as the physical, mental, and emotional pain and distress caused by the accident. Loss of consortium is described as being denied a relationship with your spouse or family member and their monetary aid.
- Lost earnings- Lost earnings can be claimed if you missed time at work and have lost wages because of the accident.
- Lost earning capacity – If you were so seriously injured, such as becoming paralyzed, that you can no longer hold a steady job, you can claim lost earning capacity.
- Wrongful death – Wrongful death is typically claimed if a partner, parent, or child is killed during an accident.
If you or a family member have questions about damages, how to claim damages, or the laws encompassing Mankato, Minnesota, contact the attorneys at the Florin|Roebig legal offices today for a free case review.
Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Mankato
The Florin|Roebig personal injury lawyers have won over $1 billion for their clients and have represented them with compassion for four decades. Choosing which lawyer to represent you and your injury claim is an important and impactful decision; you have a lot at stake.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney include:
Personal Injury Case Experience
The personal injury lawyers of Florin|Roebig have represented accident victims in and out of court for forty years. With so many years of experience, our lawyers have witnessed all the different methods insurance companies will likely use to stop you from getting your full, deserved settlement.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With a long record of winning over $1 billion for our clients, the team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig knows what is required to form a strong, triumphant personal injury claim. From the proof you collect to how you complete your paperwork, our attorneys know how to build a solid personal injury claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
A personal injury claim is usually filed, investigated, processed, and approved promptly with few to no issues. Nevertheless, there are times when your insurance company is unwilling to pay the settlement you are owed for your damages. The Florin|Roebig lawyers know how to negotiate with your insurance company to make sure you are appropriately reimbursed.
Practical Advice for After a Personal Injury
It can be difficult to understand what needs to be done in the messy and overwhelming aftermath of any type of accident in Mankato, Minnesota. When you are dealing with an accident, the following are useful steps to take:
- Seek medical help: If you have been seriously hurt, you will probably be sent to the hospital by ambulance. For minor injuries, a quick inspection of the accident scene will generally be followed by instructions to follow up with your primary doctor.
- Collect evidence as soon as possible: Gather video recordings and photos of the scene of the accident, the hazards that were involved, any injuries that transpired, and other applicable information.
- Call your insurance representative: When calling your insurance agent, it is helpful to have what you need already on hand, including your insurance policy details, medical information, medical bills, and the other party’s contact information. When you call, having these documents with you will help the process go more smoothly.
- Protect your legal rights: To guarantee that your personal injury claim is not harmed, you must not take responsibility for the accident you were injured in. A Florin|Roebig attorney is beneficial because they understand your fundamental legal rights and how to defend them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Mankato?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations, or the legal deadline to file your claim or lawsuit, is six years from when the injury and accident happened. Please file by this deadline to dodge an automatic denial.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?
A personal injury case is typically settled within a few weeks to six months, barring any significant elements that may prolong the process, such as critical injury or death.
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Contact Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If another person’s negligence caused you to be harmed in an accident, you need a skilled and competent lawyer for your personal injury claim. If you would like to schedule a free case evaluation with the lawyers of the Florin|Roebig, below are the best ways to contact our offices:
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Chat with us online
Get The Help You Need For Your Mankato Personal Injury
The Florin|Roebig law firm has been voted the top legal firm over and over again because our lawyers care about your personal injury claim and lawsuit. Our attorneys will do everything in their power to assist with your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Mankato, Minnesota, you may be unsure of what steps to take next.
When you are ready to begin filing a personal injury claim with your insurance provider, or if you need to take your personal injury case to court, contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today.
Florin|Roebig office address:
7760 France Avenue South
Suite 130
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435