Seeking Justice After Suffering A Personal Injury
When the reckless or negligent actions of someone causes you to suffer catastrophic injuries with lifetime consequences, they need to be responsible for the costs of your recovery, damages and losses. Holding liable parties accountable is often easier said than done, but you are more likely to secure the settlement you deserve with the help of an experienced personal injury team.
At Reichert Law Office, we represent clients through their personal injury claims in North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Our lawyers have extensive trial and negotiation experience, and we are prepared to make our experience your advantage in your personal injury claim.
We Can Handle The Hard Part
While you are focusing on recovering from your injuries, we are prepared to take on all of the legal responsibilities of your case. We have helped clients secure the outcomes they deserve in injuries such as:
- Assault injuries
- Construction accidents
- Malpractice injuries
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Wrongful death claims
These injuries can leave you with costs like lost income, medical bills, loss of earning potential and property damage. No matter what you have lost in your accident, we are prepared to pursue an outcome that accurately covers the long-term and short-term consequences of your accident.
In many cases, insurance companies will employ any strategy to minimize the money they pay injury victims. We can act on your behalf to negotiate for a settlement that is not a lowball offer. If negotiations cannot produce the outcome you deserve, we are ready to fight for you through litigation in court.
What Should You Do Immediately After An Accident?
After an accident, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. Firstly, ensure everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
Then, contact emergency services and document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Remember, the evidence collected will be valuable when filing a claim.
When communicating with insurance companies, be cautious about admitting fault and stick to factual information. Also, refrain from discussing the details of the accident extensively, especially on social media, as it can potentially harm your case.
Finally, seek legal advice from a personal injury law firm to help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. They can advocate for your rights, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury if necessary.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available?
After an accident, it helps to understand the nature of compensation available to those affected. You may find yourself grappling with different challenges, ranging from physical injuries to emotional distress and financial burdens, that would impact the compensation you can receive.
Compensation may include:
- Economic damages: These are the tangible costs incurred directly from the accident, such as medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care. It also includes property damage, covering repairs or replacement of vehicles, personal belongings or real estate affected by the incident.
- Non-economic damages: These damages address the intangible toll exacted by the accident, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium and the inability to enjoy the companionship and support of loved ones due to the injuries sustained.
- Punitive damages: These aim to deter egregious behavior and hold accountable parties responsible for particularly reckless or malicious actions resulting from the accident.
- Wrongful death compensation: It covers funeral expenses, loss of financial support and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Understanding the different types of compensation can help you assess the full extent of your losses so that you do not accept less than what you are rightfully due.
How is compensation determined in a North Dakota personal injury case?
There are several types of damages you can claim after a personal injury. Most of them can be put into two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include costs such as your medical bills, lost wages and any income you expect to lose in the future because of your injuries, which are relatively easy to put a price tag on. Your bill statements and old pay stubs put a precise dollar figure on the extent to which the defendant’s negligence has financially harmed you in these categories.
Noneconomic damages are less concrete. They include things like your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship and other consequences that, while no less real, are more challenging to value accurately. It often requires expert investigation and testimony to determine just how badly your injuries have affected you in those ways.
What should I do if an insurance company denies my injury claim?
Your next move should be to contact a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often rely on claimants not knowing their legal rights, including their right to appeal rejected claims. Our personal injury attorneys can advise you of your options for recovering reasonable compensation after a rejection.
How long does it typically take to reach a personal injury settlement?
Every case is different, and there is no set time frame for personal injury claims. However, most cases take a little under one year to settle. If your case goes to trial, it generally takes longer than that to resolve.
What is the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in North Dakota?
Generally, you have six years from the date you suffered your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations time limit is just two years for wrongful death and medical malpractice claims.
Do Not Leave Money On The Table In Your Claim
Insurance companies may try to talk you out of filing a claim or try to convince you to accept a quick lowball offer. Without our guidance, it can be easy to accept either of these options, but you may deserve better. Contact our Grand Forks office by calling 701-314-2203 or emailing us here to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine what we can do for you.