Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fargo

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fargo, North Dakota?

  701.235.4493 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fargo.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fargo, North Dakota?

  When making a request for police records, complete the "request for police report" form. Submit these forms electronically to PD-RecordsRequests@FargoND.gov or hand carry them to the police department's lobby at 105 25 St. N. in Fargo. Requests can also be made by calling 701.235.4493. The form can be downloaded at https://download.fargond.gov/0/709_request_for_police_report.pdf.

• What is the usual personal injury claim process in Fargo?

  A typical personal injury claim process in Fargo involves a consultation with a personal injury attorney, followed by the investigation of the accident, and calculation of damages. If the claim is accepted, a demand letter is sent to the insurance company. If no settlement is reached, a lawsuit may be filed, followed by the discovery process and mediation. If mediation fails, the case goes to trial for a verdict from a judge or jury. The process varies based on the unique circumstances of each case.

• What types of oilfield-related injuries can qualify for a personal injury settlement in Fargo?

  Oilfield employees in Fargo may be entitled to a personal injury settlement if they were injured while working or acquired a job-related illness. These medical conditions can be cancer, fractured limbs, dislocated ankles, and head or back injuries. They may be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, fire or explosion, repetitive motions, and slipping and falling.

• How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Fargo?

  The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Fargo is typically based on a contingency plan, which means that there are no up-front fees or out-of-pocket payments required. Clients only pay if the lawyer wins their case, and the lawyer's fee is usually a percentage of the compensation awarded. Therefore, there is no financial risk to the client when hiring a personal injury lawyer.

• What is the time limit to file a personal injury claim in Fargo?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Fargo and North Dakota is six years. However, wrongful death claims have a two-year statute of limitations. This means that you must file your claim for compensation within the allotted time frame, or you may lose your right to do so. Even if you have strong evidence of liability, you may not be able to file a claim once the statute of limitations has expired.

• What is the typical value of a personal injury claim in Fargo?

  The value of a personal injury claim varies based on the unique circumstances of the case, so there is no average value. Factors such as the severity of the injury, the degree of liability, and the available insurance coverage all play a role in determining the value of a claim. It is best to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Fargo who can help maximize the value of your claim.

• 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.