The personal injury claim filing process involves several steps including filing a claim with the appropriate insurance provider, investigation, processing, and approval or denial. In some cases, the claim filing process is fairly straightforward. In other cases, claims can be denied or victims may be offered low settlements that do not rightfully compensate them for the damages they’ve incurred.
“Personal injury claims are deeply personal cases that can bring up some intense feelings and emotions,” attorney Hal Wetzenfield says. “That’s why the attorneys at Florin|Roebig are ready not only to help you file and win your case but also to be a shoulder to lean on when you need it.”
How Do Minnetonka Personal Injury Claims Work?
It’s important to understand the basics of Minnesota personal injury claims if you’re considering filing one. Many factors can go into the results of a claim and help determine whether the claim is approved or denied.
Liability
Liability is one of the most important factors in a personal injury claim. Liability refers to the person or party who is legally responsible for paying damages to the accident victim.
At-Fault Party
Another important factor is the at-fault party. The insurance company involved in the claim will determine who the at-fault party is based on the details of the claim. Some accidents find the at-fault party to be 100% responsible, whereas other accidents distribute the fault between involved parties.
Negligence
You will likely encounter the term negligence when filing a personal injury claim. It is an essential part of the claims process as it often determines the at-fault party or parties. When someone fails to take the necessary steps to avoid causing harm to another person or party, they are considered negligent.
Statute of Limitations
You must be familiar with the statute of limitations for your accident if you are considering filing a claim. The statute of limitations refers to the maximum amount of time you have to file a claim or lawsuit following your accident.
Minnesotans will find that most personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations, though specific accident types may have different restrictions.
If you wait too long to file your case, you will not be eligible for compensation, so you must file your claim within the relevant statute of limitations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your accident and don’t feel ready to take on the claim filing process by yourself, consider hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney to help you balance your responsibilities and guide you through the process.
Injury Type
Another factor in personal injury cases is the injury type. Depending on the type of injury you incur, the extent of that injury, and how the injury affects your day-to-day functioning, your maximum compensation may increase.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Minnetonka Personal Injury Claim
Most Minnesotans aren’t familiar with the intricate steps of filing a personal injury claim. Following an accident, it may be overwhelming to try to figure out on your own, so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
Here are some steps to take following an accident in Minnetonka:
- Collect and document evidence. After your accident occurs, it’s important that you collect and gather evidence that will help support your claim. Whether your evidence is pictures, witness statements, or videos, preserving this evidence can make an immense difference in your claim’s outcome.
- Talk to a lawyer. Call Florin|Roebig to schedule an initial consultation about your case. If you’re unsure whether you need legal help, we can go over your options with you and help set you up for success. After choosing to file a claim, hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can make the process much smoother and less stressful.
- Read your insurance policy. Take a look at your insurance policy and review the details of your coverage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the insurance lingo, don’t hesitate to ask your Florin|Roebig lawyer to review your policy with you so you can better understand it.
- File a claim. Start the claim filing process by calling the relevant insurance company. It’s advised that you have your documented evidence and insurance policy by your side to refer to when filing your claim.
- Be prepared for negotiation and litigation. If your claim is approved and you are offered an appropriate settlement, you won’t need to worry about negotiation and litigation. On the other hand, you may need to negotiate settlements or take your claim to court if it is wrongfully denied or involved parties aren’t cooperating. This can be a bit daunting but know that the board-certified personal injury attorneys of Florin|Roebig know how to fight for you both in and out of the courtroom. We’ll make sure you’re ready to take on any trials or legal proceedings that arise.
Common Types of Accidents That Lead to Personal Injury Claims in Minnetonka
Personal injury claims can arise from several different kinds of accidents. Everyday activities can go awry and turn into an injury-causing accident, unfortunately. Below are some common types of accidents that warrant a claim.
Common types of accidents in Minnetonka, Minnesota that lead to personal injury cases include:
- Product liability: Many people experience personal injury due to manufacturing errors such as mislabeled or misleading products. The manufacturer may be found negligent and liable for paying damages.
- Traffic accidents: Auto accidents such as motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents often lead to personal injury claims. Most times, negligence such as aggressive driving, breaking traffic laws, driving drunk, or using your phone while driving is found to be the cause of vehicle collisions.
- Slip and falls: Wet floors, uneven paving, and more can lead to slips and falls that can cause injury. Negligence by a company or organization can sometimes be the cause of this type of accident.
- Work accidents: Work hazards are another common cause of injury-causing accidents. Unsafe conditions or improper treatment from your employer may prove negligence that caused your injury. You may receive workers’ compensation as a result.
- Dog bites: While many dogs are friendly, there are also plenty of dogs that can become aggressive even when unprovoked. Dog bites can be very dangerous leading to serious injury and infection. The dog’s owner may be determined the at-fault party and may have to pay you compensation for costs associated with the bite.
- Medical malpractice: Unfortunately, today’s healthcare system is no stranger to medical malpractice. Negligence in medical treatment can lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment plans that cause personal injury.
Many other types of accidents may lead to a personal injury as this is not an exhaustive list. If you’re not sure whether your accident warrants filing a claim, call Florin|Roebig today for a free case review.
What Injuries Qualify for a Personal Injury Claim?
If you’ve experienced injury from an accident, it’s important you’re aware of the types of injury that qualify for a personal injury claim. Many injury types can warrant a claim.
Minnetonka personal injury claims may be filed for injuries including:
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- PTSD
- Broken bones
- Depression
- Bruises and lacerations
- Fractures
- Permanent disabilities
- Limb loss
- Concussions
- Organ damage
- Chest, back, and neck injuries
- Anxiety
- Internal bleeding
- Death
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What Damages Can Be Claimed in Minnetonka Personal Injury Cases?
After experiencing an accident that causes injury, you may face the costs of medical bills, doctor’s appointments, therapy, and more. This can all quickly add up and be insurmountable for many accident victims. Luckily, seeking compensation can help offset these costs and then some.
It’s important to be familiar with the types of damages that can be claimed in a personal injury case so you know what you’re entitled to. There are many types of damages often cited in a claim.
Common types of damages claimed in personal injury cases may include:
- Emotional distress: It’s not uncommon for accident victims to experience emotional and mental distress from their injuries. This can lead to more expenses and be extremely detrimental to one’s life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: After an accident, you may find that you’re no longer able to do the things you once loved as a result of your injury. In this case, you can cite loss of enjoyment of life in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering is a very common type of damage cited in a claim and refers to the pain and discomfort caused by your injury.
- Wrongful death: Unfortunately, some accidents can lead to death. The family of someone who has died due to an accident may be able to cite wrongful death in their personal injury claim.
- Medical expenses: The medical costs associated with an injury-causing accident are very commonly claimed as well. Whether it’s doctor’s visits, the cost of treatments, or hiring medical aids, you can receive compensation for this.
- Lost wages: Lost wages are also often cited in personal injury cases. Injuries can often prevent individuals from doing their job. Whether this is temporary or permanent, you can claim the wages you’ve lost as a result in your case.
It can be difficult to determine what damages to claim in your case if you’re not familiar with personal injury law. Thankfully, with over thirty years of experience, Florin|Roebig attorneys know to help you determine what damages to claim.
Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Minnetonka
Choosing a personal injury law firm can be challenging. In Minnetonka alone, there are plenty of options. So how do you know which one is right for you? It’s important to know the qualities of a law office that show it is reliable and reputable.
Take a look at the law firm’s track record. Florin|Roebig has an excellent proven track record that speaks for itself. Our lawyers have won over $1 billion in case results and our attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they don’t get paid until they win your case.
Another thing to look at when choosing a personal injury lawyer is practice areas. The triple-board certified attorneys of Florin|Roebg are experts in personal injury law and have been helping personal injury victims get the payout they deserve for decades.
Finally, take a look at client reviews and testimonials to determine if a personal injury law firm is the right fit for you. You can find plenty of positive reviews on the Florin|Roebig website.
Practical Advice for After a Personal Injury
While legal tips are important for a personal injury case, it’s important to also have some practical advice. We’ve put together a list of practical tips to help you after your accident.
- Seek prompt medical attention. Seek medical attention as soon as possible following your accident. Doing so promptly can prevent further injury and immediate treatment can lessen the effects of your injury. Additionally, seeking medical attention can help provide information and documentation on your injury that may be used in your claim.
- Document everything. Don’t hesitate to hold on to any documents or records of your injury and related costs. Not only can documentation help your claim, but it can also make litigation easier if your case is taken to court.
- Communicate with your lawyer. Stay in touch with your Florin|Roebig attorney regularly to make sure they are up-to-date on your condition and prognosis. This can help them determine what steps to take next.
- Protect your legal rights. Protect your rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney to help you navigate the claim filing process. Remember you don’t have to take this journey on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average payout for a personal injury claim in the USA?
The payout for a personal injury claim in the U.S. can range quite a bit based on several factors. These can include type of injury, damages claimed, extent of injury, and location.
How much compensation am I likely to get?
As mentioned above, the amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the details of your case. This can include how your injury affects your day-to-day, the type of injury you’ve incurred, the types of damages claimed, and more. That being said, Florin|Roebig attorneys fight to win you the maximum settlement you’re entitled to.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Minnesota?
Most personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations in Minnesota. However, some unique circumstances may have different limitations.
What personal injuries pay the most?
Injuries that cause permanent damage and affect your quality of life daily are most likely to have higher payouts. This can include wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
After choosing Florin|Roebig as your legal representation in your personal injury case, it’s time to discuss your claim with one of our attorneys.
By setting up a free case evaluation, we can help you determine what steps to take, how to file your claim if you need to take your claim to court, and more.
Contact Florin|Roebig via one of the following methods to set up a free consultation today:
- Call the phone number for your area 24/7.
- Use our chat feature day or night.
- Fill out our online form anytime, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Florin|Roebig office address:
7760 France Avenue South
Suite 130
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435
Florin|Roebig has been voted the top legal firm year after year for our highly experienced lawyers, amazing track record, and ability to fight for our clients no matter the circumstances. We can help guide you through this difficult time and be a source of support however you need it.
You are likely entitled to compensation for the expenses of your injury if you’ve been in an accident due to negligence in Minnetonka, MN. A personal injury claim can seem intimidating, but with a lawyer’s help, you can sit back and relax while we make sure your claim is treated with respect.
In need of more information about Minnetonka personal injury claims? Give the helpline at Florin|Roebig a call today for additional legal advice and to set up a free consultation.