Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorney

Minnesota Personal Injury Laws

Navigating a claim requires a deep understanding of specific state statutes. Minnesota has unique laws that directly impact your ability to recover damages:

Modified Comparative Fault

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule (Minn. Stat. § 604.01). You can recover damages as long as your fault is not greater than the fault of the person you are suing (i.e., you are 50% or less at fault). However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you would receive $80,000.

No-Fault Insurance

Minnesota is a "no-fault" insurance state for auto accidents. This means your own insurance policy (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) typically covers the first $20,000 of your medical expenses and $20,000 of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. To sue the other driver for additional damages, your case must meet certain "tort thresholds," such as $4,000 in medical expenses or a permanent injury.

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, the time limit to file a lawsuit varies by case type. For most negligence claims, such as car accidents, you generally have six years from the date of the incident. However, for medical malpractice or wrongful death, the limit is typically much shorter (often two or three years). Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking recovery.

Common Types of Injuries

Accidents in a bustling metro like Minneapolis can result in a variety of life-altering conditions. We represent clients suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Including paralysis (paraplegia and quadriplegia).
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Requiring surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Such as whiplash, which is common in rear-end collisions.
• Burn Injuries: Resulting from fires, chemicals, or explosions.
• Internal Organ Damage: Often caused by high-impact blunt force trauma.

The Legal Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit in MN

While every case is unique, most personal injury claims in Minneapolis follow a structured legal path:

1. Initial Consultation: We meet to discuss the facts of your case and determine if you have a valid claim.
2. Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
3. Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): We typically wait until your doctors determine you have healed as much as possible so we can accurately calculate the full cost of your future care.
4. Demand & Negotiation: We send a demand letter to the insurance company. Most cases are settled during this phase through rigorous negotiation.
5. Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we file a formal complaint in court.
6. Discovery: Both sides exchange information and take depositions.
7. Mediation & Trial: If a settlement isn't reached in mediation, we are fully prepared to present your case before a Minnesota jury.

Compensation Available to Injured Victims

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make the victim "whole" again. You may be eligible for two main types of compensatory damages:

Economic Damages (Special Damages)

These are quantifiable financial losses, such as:

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Property damage (e.g., car repairs).
• Rehabilitation and home modification costs.

Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)

These address the intangible impact on your life, including:

• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress and anxiety.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of consortium (impact on relationships).

Personal Injury FAQs

How much does a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer cost?

At Tamburino Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict.

Do I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. The vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial to ensure the insurance company takes us seriously.

The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?

Never sign a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer. Early offers are often "lowball" amounts designed to save the insurance company money before the full extent of your injuries is known.

What if I was partially at fault?

As mentioned under Minnesota's comparative fault laws, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

Why Choose Us?

When you choose Tamburino Law Group, you aren't just getting a lawyer; you're getting a dedicated advocate who knows the local courts, the local insurance adjusters, and the challenges our community faces. We take the burden of the legal battle off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

• Attorneys Named to the List of Super Lawyers® 10+ Years
• Decades of Combined Legal Experience
• Hundreds of Trials Successfully Handled
• Contingency Fees – No Fee Unless We Win

To speak with a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis, call (612) 444-5020.