When a person dies due to the negligence or reckless behavior of another person or company, there may be grounds for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. While no legal action can ever bring back a loved one, and no amount of compensation can ever properly place a value on a friend or family member’s life, seeking justice can be an important step.
Common workplace injuries for which compensation may be due
You probably know that if you sustain an injury on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation; however, you may not realize the extent of eligibility. An injury may occur from a one-time event. An injury may also develop over time. Below are three of the most common categories for workers’ compensation claims. Does your injury fall into one of these areas?
Overexertion
How to report injuries to an employer
Minnesota has made great strides in reducing the number of workplace-related injuries that occur every year. In fact, 2016 saw the lowest number of non-fatal workplace injuries since recording initially began in the 1970s.
When you are injured at work, you only have so much time to report an injury to your employer. Delaying the report could put your benefits in jeopardy. You should keep in mind that your employer cannot fire you for reporting a work-related injury.
Settling early usually means settling for much less
You have been seriously hurt, perhaps in a car collision or from a fall on someone else’s property. You already know that you are in store for some tough times, but you would rather not be surprised. So, you want to anticipate potential “bad news” now as well as your options for making a physical and financial recovery. Exactly what could you be in for? When should you try to settle?
How To Document A Car Accident
A motor vehicle accident can be very frightening, but the moments following a crash are often critical parts of reporting a property loss or even a personal injury claim. With some simple steps, you can preserve evidence of what happened. These steps are especially critical if the accident results in a personal injury claim.
1. Call the Police
What Makes A Car Safe?
We all know that parent who would send their teenage drivers out on the road in an army tank or an armored car if they could. Vehicle safety is a topic of interest to all motorists, but parents of newly licensed drivers are particularly concerned with the safety of the vehicles their children are driving.
Most of the statistics released on automobile safety come from two different entities: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS sets tougher safety standards than NHTSA, although the ratings from both are worth monitoring.
The Dangers of Being A Pedestrian
With so much attention on car crashes, you may understandably worry about the risk of a collision. Driving is such an integral part of daily life that the likelihood of a crash is very real, and people are wise to learn and implement safety measures.
However, the group that also has reason to worry is pedestrians. Statistics from the Governors Highway Safety Administration show that pedestrian fatalities have increased each year since 2014 and make up 15 percent of total deaths from motor vehicle accidents. The CDC also notes that pedestrians have a greater chance than car passengers to die in an accident. Cars and seat belts offer some protection, whereas pedestrians are fully exposed to harm from vehicles.
Does lane splitting increase motorcyclists' safety?
Minnesotans who have visited California are likely familiar with “lane splitting,” the maneuver that Golden State motorcyclists use to combat the congested freeways. At first, a motorcycle whizzing past you as you sit in five lanes of traffic and coming within inches of your vehicle is a shock. After a few days on California highways, however, many out-of-state drivers get used to it.
Lane splitting is only legal in California, but as major metropolitan areas in other states wrestle with increased highway congestion for longer periods of the day, there is talk about legalizing lane splitting elsewhere. Lane splitting is illegal in Minnesota, but advocates have reached out to lawmakers requesting a change in the law.
How to prepare for a car accident
As a Rochester area motorist, you are probably well aware of how often car accidents happen. Though you have not been in one, you should have a thorough understanding of steps you can take after one. Many car accident victims feel disoriented and shaken up after motor vehicle collisions. It is important for you to remain calm so you can make the right decisions to prevent further injury and damage.
Motor vehicle accidents often cause some degree of injury and property damage. Regardless of how minor or major any accident you may be in is, keep the following information in mind to improve the outcome.
Andrea Niesen, Awarded Attorneys of the Year - 2017
Our associate, Andrea Niesen, was awarded to the "Minnesota Lawyer - Attorneys of the Year" for 2017 on November 22nd. Andrea Niesen is being heralded for her amicus work influencing state appellate decisions relating to the care of mentally ill and disabled patients.
