Unfortunately, personal injury accidents are a common occurrence in Minnesota. These accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial damage to the victim and their family. If you have sustained an injury in an accident due to no fault of your own, hiring a skilled and experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney can be the best way to recover compensation for your losses.
Nelson Personal Injury, LLC is a law firm in Minnesota that devotes its entire practice to representing individuals and families who have sustained a personal injury in an accident. Here, you can learn more about common causes of personal injury accidents in Minnesota and how Nelson Personal Injury, LLC can help you with your case.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation if you need legal representation on your personal injury claim. We take pride in helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Common Personal Injury Accidents
Personal injury accidents can happen when we least expect them, and can have a devastating effect on those involved and their families. Knowing the common causes of personal injury accidents can help you stay vigilant and avoid potential dangers. Moreover, it can also help you take the necessary steps to seek compensation for your injuries and damages if you or someone you know is injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of Minnesota’s leading causes of personal injury accidents. In 2020, there were 112,983 crashes in Minnesota, resulting in 394 fatalities and 29,478 injuries. Among Minnesota’s most common causes of car accidents are speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless driving.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another common cause of personal injury accidents in Minnesota, especially in the winter months. These accidents can happen due to wet floors, uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting, poorly maintained sidewalks and walkways, or inadequate warning signs. Slip and fall accidents can cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among older adults in Minnesota. In 2019, there were 11,080 hospitalizations due to falls in Minnesota, and 659 older adults died due to falls.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a serious problem in Minnesota, just like in other states. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, and as a result, the patient suffers harm. Medical malpractice can happen in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 384 adverse health events were reported in Minnesota hospitals in 2020, and 87 were due to surgical errors. In addition, 3,538 medical malpractice claims were filed in Minnesota between 2015 and 2020.
Product Liability
Product liability is another common cause of personal injury accidents in Minnesota. Product liability occurs when a defective product causes harm to the user. Injuries from defective products can occur as a result of a wide variety of products, such as prescription drugs, automobiles, household products, etc.
For example, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 22,790 emergency room visits were due to toy-related injuries in the United States in 2019. In addition, there were 67,300 emergency room visits due to furniture-related injuries in the United States in 2018.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are another common cause of personal injury accidents in Minnesota. These accidents can happen due to faulty equipment, hazardous materials, and unsafe working conditions, or general negligence. Workplace accidents can cause serious injuries, such as burns, orthopedic injuries, amputations, and head injuries.
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, there were 22 fatalities due to workplace accidents in Minnesota in 2020. In addition, 62,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in Minnesota in 2019. Most workplace injuries are covered by Minnesota’s workers compensation system. If a third party, separate and apart from the employer is responsible for causing the injury, the injured person may also have what is called a third party liability claim against the at fault party.
Dog Bites
Minnesota’s “dog bite” statute provides that the owner of a dog is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, as long as the person was in a place they were legally allowed to be, were acting peaceably, and did not provoke the dog. Dog bite injuries are very common injuries for children who are at the same level of the dog’s face, but can happen to adults as well.
Your Rights After a Minnesota Personal Injury Accident
Being involved in a personal injury accident can be a traumatic experience, and the aftermath of such an incident can be just as overwhelming. You may be left with medical bills, wage loss, and permanent, lifelong injuries.
In Minnesota, if you are injured in a personal injury accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Here are some of your rights after a Minnesota personal injury accident.
The Right to Seek Medical Treatment
After a personal injury accident, your health and well-being should be your top priority. You have the right to seek medical treatment for your injuries and should not hesitate to do so. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a healthcare professional to ensure no hidden injuries or underlying conditions. Who will pay for this treatment will depend on the type of accident it is, and the insurance coverages available.
The Right to File a Claim
If you are injured in a personal injury accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them to try to recover compensation. This compensation can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Minnesota has statutes of limitations that provide a time limit for when a lawsuit must be commenced by. Failure to abide by the applicable statute of limitations can lead to a complete bar of your claim.
The Right to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be crucial to your case, especially if you are seeking compensation from an insurance company or have to start a lawsuit. A skilled and experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
The Right to Protect Yourself
If you are involved in a personal injury accident, it is important to protect your legal rights. This includes not admitting fault or apologizing for the accident, gathering evidence, and seeking legal help. If an insurance company is trying to contact you after an accident, it is best to speak with a personal injury attorney before talking to any insurance company.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Personal injury accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial damage to the victim and their family. If you have been injured in a personal injury accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Here are some types of compensation you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can include medical and hospital bills, prescription medication, rehabilitation, and other healthcare-related expenses. If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your medical expenses related to your injury.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This compensation can cover the wages you would have earned if you had not been injured and any future earnings you may have lost due to your injury.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress you may have experienced due to your injury. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Compensation for pain and suffering is often subjective and varies depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life.
Property Damage
If your property was damaged in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement costs. This can include your vehicle, personal items, or other damaged or destroyed property in the accident.
Contact Our Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys for Help with Your Case
Personal injury accidents can have devastating consequences for the victim and their family. If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal injury accident in Minnesota, it is important to seek legal help immediately. Nelson Personal Injury, LLC is a leading personal injury law firm in Minnesota that can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Their team of experienced personal injury attorneys can handle many personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, product liability, workplace accidents, and more. They have a proven track record of success and are committed to fighting for their client’s rights.
If you need legal help with your personal injury case, contact Nelson Personal Injury, LLC today for a free consultation. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the legal process. Don’t wait; contact them today to get the help you need.
