The small city of Richfield, known as the “Urban Hometown,” gets its nickname from its combination of big-city amenities and small-town feel. Unfortunately, the city’s inhabitants are still subject to thousands of personal injuries per year.
Hennepin County, where Richfield is located, allows those harmed by someone else’s negligence to seek compensation through personal injury claims and lawsuits.
Navigating Minnesota’s personal injury laws can be difficult, especially in the face of a devastating accident. Richfield personal injury lawyers can help guide personal injury victims through the legal process to ensure they receive the compensation they’re owed.
For many, finding the right lawyer is critical to winning a successful lawsuit—especially those involved in more severe or complicated accidents.
How Do Richfield Personal Injury Claims Work?
Any time someone fails to provide reasonable care while doing something, they are being negligent. When someone’s negligence harms another person, the Minnesota and Hennepin County legal system states they must properly compensate the injured party for their losses.
However, it’s up to the injured party to prove that the named defendant is responsible for their injuries and that the amount they’re demanding in compensation is reasonable.
Most compensation is monetary, and the amount is either agreed upon by both parties out of court in a settlement or won in a trial verdict. This compensation is awarded to cover financial losses like medical bills and less tangible losses like pain and suffering.
Minnesota Laws Relevant To Personal Injury Cases
Any personal injury claim filed in Richfield is subject to Minnesota state law, which determines how these cases are handled.
Major Minnesota personal injury laws include:
- Modified comparative negligence: The 51% bar rule allows multiple parties to be at fault for someone’s losses in an accident. The victim may lose some of their compensation if they’re found partly responsible. If most of the blame is theirs, they cannot seek compensation.
- Statute of limitations: Most Minnesota personal injury cases have a statute of limitations of two years, although some exceptions exist.
- The “Some Damage” Rule: Minnesota uses the “some damage” rule to mark when the statute of limitations begins. This means the statute of limitation begins when the claimant first experiences harm.
- “No-Fault” Car Insurance: In Minnesota, drivers must seek compensation from their insurance companies after a car accident, even if the other driver was at fault. Exceptions exist for cases of severe harm.
- Personal injury damage caps: As of 2024, Minnesota has no personal injury damage caps limiting potential compensation.
Who Is Eligible To File A Personal Injury Claim In Plymouth?
Eligibility for filing a claim in Plymouth has specific requirements under Minnesota personal injury laws.
The Plymouth personal injury claims process requires the injured party to:
- Prove negligence or ill intent: The injured party has to prove the other party’s negligence or intentional actions directly caused their losses.
- Be measurably harmed: The victim also has to prove they were significantly harmed physically, emotionally, or financially.
The person who was injured is generally required to file a lawsuit against the other party, but this isn’t always true, such as in wrongful death cases where family members are eligible to file on behalf of a deceased loved one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Richfield Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim in Richfield can be a complex process, particularly in the wake of a severe injury necessitating medical care. Seeking the guidance of a legal professional early in the process can help decrease stress and increase the likelihood that a victim will receive fair compensation.
The personal injury claim steps listed below are relatively standard regardless of the type of injury.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your lawyer should strive to understand the specifics of your case. This meeting aims to help you understand what types of compensation may be available and the next steps.
Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
During this phase, your attorney will investigate the specifics of your claim, gathering the evidence needed to ensure a successful outcome.
Evidence commonly used when filing a personal injury claim in Richfield:
- Police reports
- Medical documents
- Witness testimonies
- CCTV footage
Some types of evidence degrade or become more challenging to collect over time, like witness statements, so it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Filing the Claim
Once they have gathered all the relevant evidence, your lawyer will prepare and file a completed claim with your insurance company or the court.
Documents required for claim filing:
- An itemized list of your losses
- Details regarding the amount of compensation requested
- Supporting evidence, like medical records, police reports, etc.
Negotiation
Once they have had a chance to review your claim, the insurance company or other party will often come back with a response that may include a settlement offer.
You never have to accept the initial settlement offer. Your lawyer will work to negotiate an advantageous settlement offer that meets your current and ongoing needs.
The Richfield legal process allows for monetary settlement offers and includes provisions for other non-monetary compensations, like ongoing medical care. Once it is agreed upon, a settlement offer is final.
Florin|Roebig attorney Shaun Cummings says, “Insurance companies and big businesses have massive legal teams on their side working to ensure that they pay out as little as possible. Personal injury victims deserve to have experienced legal representation. Expert personal injury attorneys like the ones at Florin|Roebig are used to negotiating with these major entities, resulting in fair and just compensation for their clients.”
Litigation
If the negotiation process stalls and you cannot reach an agreement with the defendants in your claim, the case may proceed to trial. Even after a case goes to trial, claimants still can accept a settlement offer, and many trial cases end this way.
If you choose never to accept a settlement, a judge or jury will determine the case outcome, including the final amount of compensation. If one or both parties are unsatisfied with the case’s outcome, they may choose to appeal the verdict, which can drag proceedings on indefinitely.
During litigation, the assistance of an expert personal injury attorney who understands the courts can protect your interests is vital. The personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion in client compensation.
Common Types of Accidents That Lead to Personal Injury Claims in Richfield
Richfield accident claims can take many forms and stem from diverse sources and incidents.
Common types of personal injury claims:
- Car Accidents: These are the most common personal injury accidents in Richfield. You may be able to file a car accident claim if the other driver was engaging in provably negligent or reckless behavior, like speeding, texting, or running a red light.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These are common in public and private properties. This type of case often relies on the claimant proving that the property owner failed to warn about hazards or to maintain the property adequately.
- Workplace Accidents: Injuries on the job are varied, including everything from machinery-related injuries to exposure to dangerous substances.
- Medical Malpractice: Patients have the right to expect healthcare providers to meet a standard of care. When this standard is not met due to negligence, patients may be able to seek compensation through a medical malpractice suit.
- Product Liability: Injuries sustained from dangerous or defective products can cause widespread harm. Common product liability lawsuits include malfunctioning vehicle parts and hazardous chemicals in household or cosmetic products.
Additional types of personal injury claims include dog and animal attacks, defamation, nursing home abuse, and more. Almost any harm caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity can generate a personal injury claim.
What Injuries Qualify for a Personal Injury Claim?
Victims must be able to prove that they sustained significant damage through another party’s reckless or negligent actions to qualify for compensation. Qualifying injuries for personal injury litigation are varied and cover a broad range of tangible and intangible harm.
Types of personal injuries allowed in Richfield injury claims:
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- Physical Injuries: Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe wounds, etc.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to the accident.
- Chronic and Long-Term Injuries: Permanent disabilities, chronic pain, etc.
- Reputational and Financial Harm: Damage to a business or personal reputation leading to financial loss in the form of wages, decreased custom, etc.
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What Damages Can Be Claimed in Richfield Personal Injury Cases?
In Richfield, personal injury damages are usually awarded as monetary compensation. Compensation for injury claims can be awarded for several reasons but primarily falls into two categories: compensatory and punitive.
Types of damages in personal injury cases:
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant and act as a deterrent against future wrongdoing. Punitive damages are only awarded if the claimant can prove that the defendant acted grossly negligent or recklessly or with the intent to cause harm.
- Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages are awarded to compensate the victim for both tangible and intangible losses suffered due to the accident. Broadly, these can be separated into two categories.
- Economic Damages: Awarded for tangible losses like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, etc.
- Non-Economic Damages: Awarded for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Florin|Roebig attorney Shaun Cummings says, “It’s important for claimants to understand all possible avenues for collecting compensation. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney helps ensure that victims receive the best possible compensation package based on the tangible and intangible damages they have suffered.”
Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Richfield
Potential claimants should get the best Richfield personal injury lawyers possible when seeking representation for personal injury. Choosing the right lawyer can be challenging, but there are some things clients can look for that separate top personal injury attorneys from the crowd.
Look for a law firm specializing in personal injury cases that fields a team of lawyers with the experience needed to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. Look at their track record and client testimonials. Do they have a history of success with cases like yours?
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig have decades of combined experience fighting for fair and just compensation against major corporations and insurance companies. We have won over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, with verdicts in Minnesota exceeding $1 million.
Florin|Roebig’s personal injury expertise is built on the resources and experience clients need when navigating complex personal injury cases. If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligence or reckless action by others, contact us today for a free consultation.
Practical Advice for After a Personal Injury
It can be challenging to know what to do after an injury. Many victims may feel overwhelmed and confused in the immediate aftermath as they deal with the physical, financial, and emotional fallout of an injury. However, there are some easy ways you can take action to protect yourself following an accident.
Richfield personal injury tips:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Do not neglect any ongoing care needs stemming from the accident. Medical records are an essential part of any personal injury claim.
- Document Everything: Keep all records of injuries, treatments, and related expenses. Proving a personal injury reclaim requires significant documentation to substantiate the losses and damages suffered by the victim.
- Communicate with Your Lawyer: Your lawyer is your advocate within the legal system, and they can only help you to the best of their abilities if you are transparent about the details of your case. Never hesitate to ask questions and keep lines of communication open as the case progresses.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: It’s easy to make minor errors that can significantly impact your claim without meaning to. Common mistakes include failure to seek advice after a personal injury, neglecting medical care, failure to document expenses and interactions related to the claim, and choosing the wrong type of lawyer or law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Richfield?
The statute of limitations for filing most personal injury claims in Richfield is two years. Some particular types of personal injury claims, like medical malpractice, sexual assault, and wrongful death, have more extended statutes of limitation.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?
It varies. Claimants who choose to settle out of court almost always receive compensation more quickly than claimants who choose to take their claim to trial.
Do I have to go to court for my personal injury claim?
No. Most personal injury claims are resolved through out-of-court settlement. Only a tiny percentage go to trial.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
Minnesota law recognizes modified comparative negligence, meaning you are eligible to seek compensation if you are not over 50% responsible for the accident.
How are personal injury lawyers paid?
Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. After a win, the lawyer is paid a predetermined percentage of the award amount.
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
Seeking personal injury legal help can be daunting, especially if this is your first time interacting with the legal system. Just remember your lawyer is there to help you; from your first consultation, your legal team should strive to make you feel heard, understood, and valued.
At Florin|Roebig, our team of compassionate experts strives to tailor our approach to each client’s needs. We recognize that every case and every client is different, and we work hard to provide individualized care, helping you understand your best options for compensation from the moment of the first free consultation.
We have decades of combined experience prosecuting all kinds of personal injury cases and have plenty of case studies and testimonials from past clients in Richfield backing up our reputation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online or by phone, and we are always ready to fight for fair and just compensation for our clients.
Contact Us For Your Richfield Personal Injury
In the wake of a personal injury, many victims find themselves wondering, “How could this happen to me?” It’s important to remember that the reckless and negligent actions of others are not your fault, and you shouldn’t have to handle the consequences alone.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can decrease the physical, financial, and emotional burdens that come part and parcel with personal injuries. The right lawyer can help you understand your options, gather evidence, and maximize your potential for compensation while providing compassionate and expert guidance.
The legal team at Florin|Roebig takes pride in our ability to fight for fair and just compensation for our clients. We are always ready to leverage our expertise and resources to help you get the justice and compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to the recklessness and negligence of others, and you’re ready to explore your compensation options, don’t hesitate. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
- Fill out our online form anytime, and we’ll reply promptly.
- Call the phone number for your area 24/7.
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Florin|Roebig office address:
7760 France Avenue South
Suite 130
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435
