When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Minnesota, filing a personal injury claim is one legal avenue for seeking compensation for the resulting damages. Personal injury law is complicated and, therefore, you need to know how the process works to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
At Schmidt-Salita Law Firm, we have a rich history of successful case results for our injured clients. We understand that personal injury cases are issues that directly affect people’s lives. As such, we use all available resources to meaningfully improve our clients’ future outlooks.
Step-by-Step Process of a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is a process that involves several steps rather than a single action. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Get Medical Evaluation: After an injury, you need to immediately seek medical care. Your health and safety should be your top priority. Additionally, medical records can help link the injuries to the incident and document the extent of your injuries.
- Consult an Attorney: Before taking any legal action, it’s wise to talk to a personal injury attorney in Minnesota. They will assess your case, explain the available options, and guide you throughout the claim process.
- Investigation: Your personal injury attorney will then investigate your case to have a clear picture of what transpired. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and possibly consult experts to help strengthen your claims.
- Filing the Claim: After gathering pertinent facts, your legal advocate will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This claim outlines the injuries sustained, the damages incurred, and the compensation you seek.
- Negotiation: The insurer will likely respond with a settlement offer. Your attorney will then engage them in a back-and-forth negotiation until they offer a fair settlement amount. If negotiations are successful, the claim can be settled without going to court.
- Litigation: In case a fair settlement is not achievable through negotiations, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. This involves taking your case to court, where a jury will determine the outcome. Although around 95% of personal injury cases are resolved before reaching this stage, litigation is sometimes necessary to achieve justice.
Each step of the personal injury claim process can vary in duration and complexity. This majorly depends on the specifics of the weight of the case and the willingness of the parties to negotiate.
Why Hire a Minnesota Personal Injury Attorney?
Personal injuries often result in significant physical suffering, treatment, and even hospitalization. Recovery can be long, filled with medical procedures, rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent disability. This physical pain is often compounded by emotional trauma as victims struggle with changes to their daily lives and future uncertainties.
The situation becomes even more devastating when injuries lead to wrongful death. Families are left to cope with emotional anguish that can feel insurmountable. During such times, the support and guidance of a personal injury attorney in seeking justice can provide hope.
Importantly, your Minnesota personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the defendants to secure adequate compensation. Without legal representation, you risk settling for less than your claim is worth or missing critical deadlines that could jeopardize your case.
Consult a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
The success of a personal injury claim in Minnesota depends on how well you handle the process. If you miss any deadlines, you risk losing your legal ability to seek compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, consult a Minnesota personal injury lawyer to determine the best course of action. Call us at (952) 473-4530 to book a free case evaluation.Â