Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Rochester, MN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rochester, Minnesota?

  For non-emergency concerns, call the Rochester Police Department at 507-328-6800.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Rochester, Minnesota?

  You may obtain a copy of a Rochester police report by filing a request at the official website of the city’s Public Records Center: https://rochestermn.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(ulxjw0ni4yo2tjtzfqiznp3k))/supporthome.aspx.

• What can a personal injury lawyer in Rochester do for you?

  While it is true that hiring a personal injury lawyer in Rochester is not a requirement to recover compensation for your injuries, you may greatly benefit from enlisting the help of one. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you secure maximum compensation by conducting independent investigations, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and gathering your medical records. They do extensive legwork and assert your legal claim, so you can focus your attention to healing from your injuries.

• How much will a Rochester personal injury lawyer charge you?

  Most personal injury attorneys in Rochester accept cases on a contingency fee basis. Under this type of arrangement, you do not pay legal fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf. Their payment will then be deducted from your total award or settlement based on an agreed-upon percentage. If your lawyer fails to win your case, you don’t owe them any payment.

• Is there any way you can avoid going to court for your personal injury claim in Rochester?

  Yes. If you wish to avoid taking your Rochester personal injury case to trial, you should be honest with your lawyer and let them know that this is the direction you would like to take with your case. After all, many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without trying the case in a court of law. However, your attorney might still encourage you to take your case to trial if it is in your best interest.

• If you were injured by a motorist who was driving under the influence of intoxicating substances, will you be awarded punitive damages in your Rochester personal injury case?

  Possibly. If you and your legal team in Rochester can prove that the at-fault party was driving under the influence, causing the accident that resulted in your injuries, you may seek punitive damages in your claim. You must keep in mind that punitive damages are not available in all personal injury cases and are awarded in Minnesota not to compensate you for your losses, but to punish the at-fault party for exhibiting a “deliberate disregard” for your safety.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Rochester?

  As Rochester follows Minnesota’s statute of limitations for negligence claims, you generally have six years from the day you sustained your injuries to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is far more generous than elsewhere in the U.S. But despite the lengthier time window, it would be best to bring your case and take legal action immediately because once the statute of limitations expires, it may be impossible for you to recover any compensation at all.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.