The legal process can seem overwhelming when dealing with the aftermath of an accident. This is where the guidance of a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer can be beneficial.
Our attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, have over 40 years of experience handling Minnesota personal injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here are eight common questions about personal injury settlements that a Minneapolis personal injury attorney can help you understand.
8 Questions About Personal Injury Settlements
1. What Constitutes a Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injury claims are usually filed in cases where a person experiences injury due to an accident or injury for which another party may be legally responsible. The circumstances most commonly seen that lead to Minnesota personal injury claims include car accidents, slips and falls, work injuries, dog bites, and more. The guidance of a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis is critical in identifying if your situation qualifies for a claim.
2. How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
Determining your personal injury claim’s validity involves understanding your case’s specifics and the applicable Minnesota law. A skilled personal injury attorney in Minneapolis will evaluate factors such as negligence, causation, and damages to ascertain if your case meets the criteria for pursuing compensation.
3. What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Victims of a personal injury can seek various types of compensation as a result of the injuries, including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Property damage;
- Future medical care costs;
- Household services;
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
4. How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a Minnesota personal injury claim based on negligence is generally six years from the date of the incident. This means that you must settle your claim or start a lawsuit within this time period, or your claim will be forever barred. Other types of claims may have different statutes of limitations. It is, therefore, important that you consult with an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that your rights may be protected.
5. Will My Case Go to Trial?
While most personal injury cases settle out of court, some proceed to trial. The most common reasons why cases go to trial are disputes about who was at fault (liability) and the nature, extent, and causation of the injuries (damages). In these circumstances, it is left to a judge or jury to decide who was at fault and what is a fair and reasonable amount to compensate someone for their damages. Our attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, prepare each case as if it were going to trial. This ensures we are ready to fight for your rights throughout the legal process.
6. How Is the Settlement Amount Determined?
The settlement amount in a personal injury case is influenced by various factors, including, but not limited to, whether there is clear fault on the other party, the applicable insurance policy limits available, the type of injury, the severity and permanency of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the amount in medical expenses and wage loss. An experienced personal injury attorney in Minneapolis will advocate for a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
7. How Long Does It Take to Receive a Settlement?
The duration from initiating a personal injury claim to receiving a settlement can vary widely based on several factors. These factors can include how complex the case is, the applicable insurance limits, the types of injuries and damages sustained, how clear the fault or liability is, and how much treatment is needed or received. The team at Nelson Personal Injury works diligently to expedite this process, offering personalized attention to each case to resolve claims as efficiently as possible. However, there are no guarantees about how long the process will take, and we must take the necessary steps to build up the case as much as possible to obtain the best results for our clients.
8. How Do Contingency Fees Work?
Contingency fees in personal injury cases offer a financial arrangement allowing individuals to pursue legal representation without needing to pay upfront (paying a retainer) or by the hour. Under this model, the personal injury lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the case’s successful resolution, typically through a settlement or verdict. The attorney’s fee is a predetermined percentage of the compensation recovered on behalf of the client.
This arrangement provides access to legal services for those who might not otherwise afford them. If no recovery is obtained, the client does not pay any attorney’s fees, making it a risk-free option for individuals seeking justice for their injuries. This system ensures that quality legal representation is accessible, prioritizing the client’s recovery and rights.
Get Help From Our Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyer
Choosing Nelson Personal Injury, LLC means partnering with an experienced personal injury law firm that prioritizes experience, integrity, and results. Focusing on personal injury cases throughout Minnesota, our lawyers, Tim, and Matt Nelson, bring over five decades of experience. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service, innovation, and integrity, ensuring our clients’ needs are at the forefront.
We serve clients across Minnesota, including at our offices in St. Cloud and the Twin Cities area, making us easily accessible to victims needing legal representation. By offering free consultations and working on a contingency fee, we ensure that our clients only pay if we win their case. Our firm specializes in navigating the complex landscape of personal injury law, helping thousands of clients recover compensation for their injuries.
Pursuing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. The right Minneapolis personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in achieving a favorable settlement. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand the intricacies of personal injury law and are committed to fighting for the justice our clients deserve. With a focus on personalized service and a proven track record of success, including securing multi-million dollar settlements, our firm stands ready to assist you through every step of the legal process.
Contact our team today if you are dealing with injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Our experienced team will provide the skilled legal guidance and support you need to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
