Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Saint Paul

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency dispatch of the Saint Paul Police Department is 651-291-1111.

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

  The Records Unit of the Saint Paul Police Department can provide copies of police reports in person or online. The office is at 367 Grove Street and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online requests can be made at https://www.stpaul.gov/datarequest.

• Who will pay for your medical expenses when you are attacked or bitten by a dog in Saint Paul?

  When you are attacked or bitten by a dog in Saint Paul, the dog's owner is responsible for paying your medical expenses in treating injuries. In some instances, the owner's homeowners' insurance policy may pay for your medical bills. If the owner does not have insurance or the insurance company denies your claim, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for damages.

• Who is responsible for slip-and-fall injuries that occur on ice and snow in Saint Paul?

  When you have sustained injuries due to a slip and fall accident, the property owners in Saint Paul are liable for the damages. As property owners, they are required to maintain a safe environment. If there is a breach of responsibility, they are accountable for the accident and the victim's injuries. Yet, establishing liability in certain situations may be difficult. For example, if a commercial institution signed a contract with a snow removal company, any party would be liable for the damage. 

• How long do you have to submit a construction defects claim in Saint Paul?

  There are two separate time limits for construction defects in Saint Paul. First is Minnesota's fundamental statute, which states that no construction flaws found more than ten years after the final project's completion will be admissible in court. However, you also have two years starting on the date you discovered the fault or harm. So, if you get hurt or find a flaw in years 9 and 10, you will have the full two years to file a lawsuit, even though this may put you over the 10-year limit.

• How long do you have to initiate a case for medical malpractice in Saint Paul?

  If you need to bring a lawsuit against a medical practitioner or facility in Saint Paul, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice case is four years. After the statute of limitations expires, a court might dismiss your case, leaving you without legal recourse. Additionally,  Minnesota law states that the statute of limitation does not start when your damage injury is found or should have been discovered. Medical malpractice claims must be filed within four years of the claimed wrongdoing, regardless of when you discovered your injury.

• Can you still receive compensation if you contributed to the Saint Paul medical malpractice?

  Minnesota is one of the states that acknowledge the idea of modified comparative fault. According to the doctrine, each participant in the litigation is given a certain amount of blame, and any damages awarded are then lowered in line with your assigned share of responsibility. Thus, you must not have contributed more to the injury than the healthcare provider you are suing if you want to obtain financial compensation for your harm in Saint Paul.

• 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.