Suffering an injury through no fault of your own can be scary and confusing. You may have many questions about your rights and options. This guide breaks down the basics of personal injury claims. We’ll discuss:

  • What a personal injury claim is 

  • The main steps to take after an injury

  • Finding the right personal injury lawyer for your case

  • How claims get resolved

  • Answers to common questions

At Mottaz & Sisk Injury and Work Compensation Lawyers, we have years of knowledge and industry experience. Call us at 763-421-8226 today for your free consultation.

What Exactly is a “Personal Injury Claim”?

A personal injury claim seeks compensation when someone else’s negligence caused your injury. Examples include:

  • Traffic collisions

  • Slip and fall accidents  

  • Workplace injuries

  • Defective products

  • Medical malpractice 

The at-fault party must help you recover damages like medical bills, lost income, and pain/suffering costs.

Step 1: Seek Medical Care ASAP  

Getting prompt medical attention should be your first move after any injury for two key reasons:

  1.  It protects your health. Some injuries worsen over time without proper treatment.

  1. It documents your injuries. The medical records will help show how the incident impacted you.

Be sure to follow all your doctor’s treatment instructions going forward. Noncompliance can negatively affect your claim.

Step 2: Gather Evidence About the Incident

Evidence is crucial for proving liability. Try to collect things like:

  • Photos of injuries, damage, unsafe conditions, etc.

  • Contact info for witnesses 

  • Police report, if applicable

  • Bills, pay stubs, and other financial documents

  • Records related to a defective product 

Also, write down your detailed recollection of the event soon after it happens. Over time, memories naturally fade.

Step 3: Find an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

An attorney well-versed in these cases can help in essential ways:

  • Advise if you have a valid claim

  • Handle complicated legal procedures

  • Deal with insurance companies 

  • Estimate the potential value of your case

  • Negotiate the highest settlement possible

They also work on contingency fees – meaning no money is required upfront. Their fee comes from a percentage of the final settlement amount.

Step 4: File the Appropriate Legal Paperwork

Once you’ve hired counsel, they can spearhead this process. Specific strict filing deadlines apply based on the date of injury. 

In Minnesota, adults usually have two years to file personal injury lawsuits. Special rules exist for minors and certain injury types. An attorney helps navigate these intricacies.

Step 5: Settle Your Claim or Go to Trial 

Most personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiation between attorneys. Only a tiny fraction go to trial when settlement talks fail. 

Your Minnesota personal injury attorney’s experience with figuring settlement amounts is invaluable. They account for every recoverable damage stemming from the incident. This includes things like:

  • Ambulance fees

  • Hospital bills

  • Rehab costs 

  • Prescription expenses

  • Lost income 

  • Loss of future earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

Settlements often take weeks or months to work out. More complex cases can take years. Your lawyer should give reasonable updates on progress throughout.

Answers to Common Personal Injury Questions

  1. Can I Still Claim That I Was Partially At Fault?

Quite possibly, thanks to Minnesota’s comparative fault rules. Your compensation amount gets reduced by your percentage of blame. So you can still recover damages, just not 100% of them.

  1.  What Types Of Compensation Are Included In Settlements?

There are two main categories – economic and non-economic damages. Economics covers “tangible” things like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic relates to intangibles like pain or emotional distress.

  1. How Much Is My Case Worth?

Many unique factors affect each case’s value. An experienced lawyer considers them all to estimate a reasonable settlement range or trial verdict amount.

  1. How Long Do Claims Typically Take To Resolve In Minnesota?

Resolution times vary substantially based on complexity. Some settle within months, while severe or disputed claims can take years. Your attorney should discuss expectations tailored to your case.

  1. Why Choose Personal Injury Lawyers For My Claim?

With decades of combined experience strictly focused on personal injury law, Mottaz & Sisk have the skills to handle your case effectively. Their track record of large settlements and verdicts also speaks for itself.

In Closing

This guide gave you a helpful starting point for understanding personal injury claims in Minnesota. As you take the proper legal steps toward recovery, remember help is out there! Connect with a qualified local attorney to discuss your options in more detail.

Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law has 20+ years of experience dealing with personal injury matters. Please call us at 763-421-8226 for a free consultation if you have experienced a personal injury.