Mistakes To Avoid With Personal Injury Lawsuits Minnesota
Personal injury lawsuits can be complex, and there are many misconceptions surrounding them. Understanding the truth about personal injury lawsuits in Minnesota is crucial to protecting your rights and navigating the legal system effectively.
By debunking these misconceptions and gaining a better understanding of personal injury law in Minnesota, individuals can make informed decisions if they ever find themselves in need of legal assistance after an accident or injury.
Here are some of the most common that we hear about at our Elk River law firm. We’ll tell you about each misconception and explain why so many people have it wrong.
1. All Personal Injury Lawsuits Go to Trial
When many people think about filing a personal injury lawsuit, they imagine testifying. They envision speaking in front of a jury of their peers and a courtroom of spectators. This can be a big source of anxiety for injury survivors. Many people are hesitant to relive their most personal trauma in front of strangers.
In reality, personal injury trials are uncommon in the legal realm. It is widely accepted that most personal injury lawsuits are efficiently resolved outside the courtroom through skillful negotiations and agreements between the parties involved.
In order to get the best possible results for their clients, lawyers must prepare each case for trial. But, according to Black’s Law Dictionary, about 95% of pending lawsuits end in pretrial settlements. That means that only one in 20 personal injury cases goes to trial.
This pragmatic approach saves valuable time and resources and ensures that all parties involved can swiftly reach a fair resolution that meets their respective needs and interests.
2. Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Frivolous
Years ago, a notorious McDonald’s coffee case was used as evidence that personal injury lawyers were taking things to greedy extremes. In that case, a woman sued McDonald’s for millions of dollars after being burned with hot coffee. People rolled their eyes and called it frivolous, and the misconception has stuck around.
But the truth was that the plaintiff’s injuries were severe. She received third-degree burns that required skin grafts and two years of medical treatments to heal.
And the lawsuit uncovered that McDonalds sold burning-hot coffee on purpose. They knew the dangers because the coffee had already burned at least 700 people, including children. But, the restaurant also knew that it would make more money with hotter coffee, so it chose to continue the dangerous practice.
The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are legitimate and worthy. In fact, attorneys can get into serious trouble for filing frivolous lawsuits. Under Rule 11 of a set of rules called the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), they can face sanctions.
3. Personal Injury Lawsuits Mean Huge Payouts for Plaintiffs
Even though million-dollar lawsuits sometimes make the news, not every plaintiff gets a huge payout. In personal injury cases, compensation is meant to be proportional to the harm caused.
Major payouts that make the news often involve something called “punitive damages.” These are additional damages ordered by the court to punish an individual or business for especially bad behavior (like in the McDonald’s case).
Studies show different averages, so it’s hard to cite a specific number. However, the median lawsuit settlement is probably several thousand dollars—not several million.
4. You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
While it is true that individuals can choose to represent themselves in a personal injury lawsuit, it is worth considering the significant advantages of having a seasoned lawyer on your team. When you opt to proceed without legal representation, you will be expected to adhere to the same stringent standards as a professional attorney, which can be quite challenging for those without legal expertise.
It is highly likely that the opposing party will have legal counsel advocating on their behalf, putting you at a disadvantage if you are unrepresented. By enlisting the guidance of an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, your chances of achieving a successful outcome are significantly enhanced. This is due to a lawyer’s in-depth knowledge, strategic approach, and ability to navigate complex legal proceedings with precision and expertise.
Do You Have More Questions About Personal Injury Lawsuits?
When it comes to legal matters, having the right representation can make all the difference and can give you peace of mind. White & Associates of Elk River is your go-to choice for all your legal needs when it comes to personal injury cases.
With a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers, White & Associates has a proven track record of success in handling personal injury claims. They understand the complexities of such cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s neglect, contact White & Associates at 763-241-0477 to talk with us about your case. Consultations are free and confidential.
