DOG BITES AREN’T ALWAYS DOG BITES: St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys explain

Personal Injury Attorney in St. Paul Discusses Dog Bites

Agressive Dogs Don't Have To Bite To Injure

True or False:  In Minnesota you can bring a personal injury claim under the dog bite statute even if you were not bitten by a dog. 

 

 TRUE. 

 

 Surprised?  

 

Under Minnesota Statute 347.22, “if a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the owner may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained.  The term “owner” includes any person harboring or keeping a dog, but the owner shall be primarily liable.  The term “dog” includes both male and female of the canine species.”

Everyone automatically assumes that in order to be injured by a dog, you have to have sustained a bite.  This is not the case.  Several years ago, I was involved in a case where the victim suffered a knee injury while grilling a steak.  When the victim took the steak off the grill, the dog—seeing an opportunity that just could not be missed—lunged for the steak.  In the frenzy, the dog knocked the victim over.  Even though the victim was not bitten, she had the right to recover under the “dog bite” statute because she was injured by a dog. 

Don’t write off your injury case just because you were not bitten by the dog.  Make sure you know your rights.  The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC  are experienced in handling these types of cases and encourage you to call them for a free consultation.

Kimberly G. Behm

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235 

kim@champion-law.com  

www.champion-law.com

St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Attorneys forecast: SUNNY SKIES WITH A THREAT OF DOG BITE

Summer.  To most of us it means grilling out, biking around the lakes, camping and spending time with friends and family in the backyard.

Non-Agressive Dog Being Agressive

Unfortunately, it can also mean puncture wounds, stitches, medical bills and permanent scarring.  Dog bites are a reality.  These attacks are much more prevalent in the summer months and an overwhelming proportion of them require medical treatment.

When it comes to dog bites, the exception is the rule.  It is impossible to predict which dog will bite and under what circumstances.  Although if you ask around, you will find that many people feel otherwise.

Whether these dog-bite myths are born of media-generated fear or just some kind of cultural hoo-hah I don’t know, but I will briefly address the top three misconceptions:

Misconception #1:  Only dogs of a particular breed bite. 

Unfortunately, you cannot assess the risk of attack based solely on the type of dog.  Yes, studies have been done to try to show that a certain breed may be more predisposed to bite than another.  However, there are so many other factors and variables that come into play when a dog attacks.  In short:  don’t rely on breed alone. 

Misconception #2:   A dog owner cannot be held liable unless his/her dog bit someone in the past

In Minnesota there is no “one free bite” rule.  A victim can pursue a dog owner regardless of whether his/her dog was aggressive and/or attacked someone in the past. 

Misconception #3:  A dog has to be provoked to attack.

No.  In fact, a majority of dog bites are unprovoked.  Dogs bite for all sorts of reasons—not just if they are teased or taunted.  Even the nicest dogs can get spooked—think 4th of July—-and may attack an innocent bystander out of fear or confusion.  A good rule of thumb is to keep your distance and/or request that the dog be put inside away from your gathering. 

Relax.  We’re not telling you to call off the family reunion (sorry to disappoint). However, you do need to be aware of the risk of an attack and understand your rights should you or someone you know become a victim.  The injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC successfully handle dog bite cases and are happy to consult with you about your particular situation.

Don’t write off your injury case just because you were not bitten by the dog.  Make sure you know your rights.  The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law, LLC are experienced in handling these types of cases and encourage you to call them for a free consultation.

Kimberly G. Behm 

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235 

kim@champion-law.com

www.champion-law.com

St. Paul, Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyers caution: HOT DISH AND CAR CRASHES DO NOT MIX

Car Crash Advice From a St. Paul MN Personal Injury Lawyer

Being in the business of helping injured victims has taught us a thing or two about clients.  Midwestern clients that is.  We’ve all heard the cliché about those of us living in the heartland refusing an offer of hot dish at least three times before deciding that “maybe just a little” would be okay—as our stomach growls—“if it isn’t too much trouble”.  Unfortunately, this mentality extends to crash victims. 

 We Midwesterners have a reputation for being tough.  For not needing help.  For not getting injured.   And if we do get hurt?  Well, we make darn sure we don’t complain about it.   All too often the crash attorneys at Champion Law, LLC ask an injured client how he or she is feeling only to have that client respond, “Not too bad”.  If only multiple fractures, wearing a halo brace and being bedridden were so easy. 

 The problem with our pattern of niceties is that it doesn’t do us any favors in the examining room or in the courtroom.  When victims withhold information from their treating medical providers or diminish their symptoms they do not receive the care they need.  In turn, their medical records do not reflect the true extent of their injuries and associated symptoms.  And there we have it folks—an injured victim who is trying to “tough it out” and medical records that look like nothing much is wrong.  In other words, an insurance defense attorney’s dream. 

So, the crash attorneys at Champion Law, LLC urge you to step out of the Midwestern box.  Don’t be ashamed to talk about your injuries and what you are experiencing.  Your health and your personal injury case depend on it. 

 

Kimberly G. Behm

Attorney at Law
Champion Law LLC
3252 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN  55126
651-766-5886
f – 651-766-5235

kim@champion-law.com

www.champion-law.com

ST. PAUL MINNESOTA CAR CRASH – NOT CAR ACCIDENT – ATTORNEYS EXPLAIN WHY THE WORD “ACCIDENT” USUALLY DOESN’T MAKE SENSE

Car Insurance Companies and Car “Accidents” – A St. Paul Minnesota Attorney’s View

Something has been bothering us for years:  Insurance companies defending car crash cases always use the word “accident” when describing crashes their insured’s caused.  Why, you may be asking yourself, do the car crash attorneys at Champion Law care?  Because the insurance industry’s use of the word “accident” is no accident.  They use the word “accident” to take blame away and by extension, to lower the amount they have to pay on a claim.  The word “accident” means “an unfortunate event that happens by chance.”  And that’s what the insurance industry wants injury victims and juries to think: people who suffer personal injuries aren’t victims of bad driving, but rather they were injured by an unfortunate event that happens by chance.  In other words, stuff happens and we should all just move on with our lives. 

 But the car crash lawyers – sometimes mistakenly called car accident lawyers by the insurance companies – of Champion Law LLC don’t use the word “accident” when discussing the events that injure their clients.  Instead, we use the word “crash”.  Using the word crash makes it more clear that our clients were hurt because someone made choices.  By definition, bad choices don’t cause “accidents” – bad choices predictably cause bad things to happen.  For example, if a driver makes a choice to look for something on the floor of their car, adjust the radio when coming to an intersection, put on makeup while driving, trying to clear a yellowish/redish light, etc., those choices come with a predictable bad outcome – a car crash.  Crashes happen because of bad choices – not because of chance. 

The car crash lawyers at Champion Law – Robert Roe, Nate Bjerke and Kim Behm – take this attitude and attention to detail in every car crash case we handle.  If you have been hurt in a car crash, don’t play the insurance company’s game.  This is no accident and you shouldn’t settle for compensation commensurate with a “stuff happens” attitude. 

 

 

Nate Bjerke

Champion Law LLC

3252 Rice Street

St. Paul, MN 55126

(t)651.766.5886

(f)651.766.5235

www.champion-law.com

 

Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California

Had An Accident? When Is It Time To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?

MN Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Having Had An Accident

If you have suffered an accident, you may be entitled to personal injury.

A car accident may seriously compromise your quality of life if your injuries are serious, or affect your ability to work. This may further have a financial impact on you, and result in psychological stress.

In such a case, you may make a claim for Personal Injury Compensation.

Personal Injury Compensation is meant to pay the damages of any personal injury. A car accident is a personal injury, and you are eligible for Personal Injury Compensation if it was not your fault. First, you should notify the police of the situation. Also, immediately report the incident to your insurance company and doctor. Your doctor should evaluate your health and write up a medical report, which would be needed if you take the matter to court. You should also record the details of the accident on your own, and if there are any eyewitnesses, you should get their accounts and their contact numbers for further contact.

It is best to hire a personal injury specialist to carry your case forward if you decide to go ahead with filing for compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Champion-Law will work hard to see that you receive 100% of the compensation you deserve. Our firm is one of the industry’s most respected liability attorneys and one of the most successful personal injury attorneys in Minnesota.

All too often injury victims are discouraged with taking legal action out of fear of dealing with big insurance companies. With so much involved, many people just plain give up. They think they cannot possibly go up against the companies possibly because of their lack of knowledge. It can be a very intimidating ordeal.

At Champion-Law, we form a partnership with you. By working as a team, your fears and concerns are addressed by lawyers who take your case as serious as you do. Representing personal injury victims is what we do. The personal injury attorneys at Champion-Law are experienced in knowing how to build and negotiate with the insurance companies. In addition, if it necessary, we will take your case to trial. We take the time to listen to you and your individual concerns.

Knowing what to do and your rights is important. Choosing the right attorney is even more important. Champion-Law personal injury attorneys and our support staff is here for you through the entire process. Our reputation is that of outstanding results.

Champion-Law has put together a free booklet, “The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case”. We invite you to take the time to read its valuable messages to determine if an attorney is the right choice for you. It is all about what to do and what you need to know in the event of an accident.

Call us at Champion-Law today for a free consult. We will discuss your personal situation and you can decide if an attorney is right for you. 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919

Feel free to visit our website at www.champion-law.com to get your free copy of “The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case”.  We are here to help so you can heal!

 

Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

MN and WI Personal Injury Lawyers On Automobile Accident Law

Unfortunately, at some time in our lives, most of us will experience an automobile accident. When you are in a car accident, even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do. If you are involved in litigation arising from a car accident, you will benefit from consulting Personal injury lawyer.

Automobile Accident Law

·         Stay At The Scene

·         Safeguard The Injured

·         Obtain Information

·         Do Not Admit Fault

·         Get Medical Care

The personal injury attorneys at Champion Law are experienced in knowing how to build and negotiate your case with the insurance companies, and if necessary, know how to take your case to trial. They know the governing laws backwards and forwards. Insurance companies will typically do everything they can to take advantage of you and try to effect the lowest possible settlement. Our attorneys are in a good position to help you obtain a favorable settlement that significantly exceeds what you can obtain on your own.

We have put together a free booklet The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case as an aide in determining if an attorney is the right choice for you.

At Champion Law, we can help you:

·         Receive payment for your medical bills

·         Collect compensation for lost time from work

·         See to it that you and your family is taken care of

·         File your paperwork

·         Make calls on your behalf

·         Answer all of your questions as they arise

·         Receive 100% of the compensation you deserve

Contact us at Champion Law today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919 for a free consult. Or visit our website at www.champion-law.com to request our free booklet, The 5 Traps That Can Kill Your Personal Injury Case

Injured in an Accident?

MN and WI Personal Injury Attornies Can Help

Have you or your loved ones been seriously injured in a car accident, in a slip and fall incident, or by a dangerous product? Are you frustrated with large corporations and insurance companies that refuse to take responsibility for their actions? Finding yourself in a life- changing situation is a daunting experience. You may have financial, emotional and personal losses. Having the support of your friends and family is only part of it. We can help by listening to you and your individual needs. You will also need a strong attorney to help you through every stage of the process.                                                                                                                                     

It is important to know who your lawyers are. In our free booklet The 5 Traps, it will explain the steps to take when looking for an attorney and why you need this information.

The Minnesota personal injury attorneys at Champion Law are here for you. As experienced lawyers and as dedicated family men and women, we believe in your rights to seek justice for your injuries. Call us today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919 for a free consultation.

At Champion Law, we are committed to excellence in every aspect of our practice. We take our job seriously because we know you do. The very meaning of the word Champion speaks to our integrity.

1. One that wins first place or first prize in a competition 2. One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner 3. An ardent defender or supporter of a cause or another person 4. One who fights; a warrior 5. To fight for, defend, or support as a champion 6. To defy or challenge 7. Holding first place or prize 8. Superior to all others 9.to support: he unceasingly championed equal rights and opportunities 10.excellent   Let us be your Champion! Call today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919

So How Do I Pick The Right Lawyer – The Second in a Series of Discussions

MN and WI Lawyers Discuss How to Pick The Right Lawyer for You

This is the second in a series on helping you choose the right lawyer for your personal situation. 

Does the law firm have lawyers who used to work for defendants in personal injury cases?

Lawyers who represented companies in cases against injury victims know the soft underbelly of the defense better than lawyers who haven’t.  They know how defendants think, respond and act.  In other words, reformed defense lawyers can stay a step ahead of their opponents. 

 Come back and visit our blog this week to continue on with the discussion and the questions you may have in hiring a lawyer.  If you would like to have more in-depth questions or concerns answered, call us at: 651-766-5886, or visit our website.  Don’t forget to get your free booklet.   

 

 

 

 

Insurance Companies Vs Lawyers?

Helping Hands or Boxing Gloves?

Have you or someone you know been involved in an accident? You may know how difficult it can be to seek fair compensation from an insurance company. It may be necessary to play hard ball, leaving you feel more like you have boxing gloves on rather than shaking a helping hand. Insurers should have a duty to be fair, prompt, and objective in handling claims from both policyholders and other claimants. There can be a smugness that can come from knowing the law and then not explaining it.  This is not an excuse to dismiss people with legitimate claims. Too many insurance companies have launched unofficial campaigns that suggest people are faking or lying. Too many injury victims are treated with less than proper respect. This has been referred to as the “deny, delay and defend” strategy. First they might deny the claim, even legitimate claims. Then they try delaying the claim. At this point people often give up. If denying or delaying the claim doesn’t scare them off and an injured victim becomes frustrated and persistent, it becomes necessary to go into court. You better believe it feels like you need boxing gloves on.

Knowing what to do and what your rights are is important. Knowing how to choose an attorney is even more important. What is his/her experience? What is their reputation? Do they specialize in personal injury? What do previous clients say?

Robert Roe and Nate Bjerke at Champion Law specialize in representing personal injury victims. They will devote their time to working with your individual and specific needs. We are advocates for the injured. Whether it is a car accident, fall, death of a family member, disability claim, or medical malpractice, when the unexpected strikes, you need advice, support, or maybe just a few clear answers from an experienced attorney. Champion Law is ready to assist you. Our reputation is that of outstanding results for personal injury claimants left injured or affected by accidents. We want you to focus on your recovery and leave the rest to us. Helping while you heal!

 

Serving the Minnesota and Wisconsin areas, our team of professional personal injury lawyers and support staff is here for you. Let us wear the boxing gloves.

Champion Law has put together the booklet, “The 5 Traps That Will Kill Your Personal Injury Case”, as an aide in determining if an attorney is the right choice for you. It’s all about what you do and what you need to know.

Call us Champion Law today at 651-766-5886 or 866-778-2919 for a free consult. Or visit our website at www.Champion-Law.com to request our free booklet, “The 5 Traps That will Kill Your Personal Injury Case”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So How Do I Pick The Right Lawyer – The First in a Series of Discussions

MN and WI Lawyers Discuss How to Pick The Right Lawyer for You

This is the first in a series on helping you choose the right lawyer for your personal situation.  We, the attorneys at Champion-Law have come out with a free booklet that will help you answer some questions with the 5 Traps that can kill your personal injury Case.  You can request your free copy here.

Now that you have our materials talking about how the personal injury process works and the five traps that can kill your personal injury case, you may be wondering whether you want to hire a lawyer to help with your case.  If you decide to hire a lawyer, you have another decision to make: which lawyer is right for your case? 

Looking through the phone book or on the internet is confusing.  The yellow pages, for example, are full of lawyer ads that all basically say the same things:

·         “We’ll fight for you!”

·         “Free Consultation!” and

·          “No-Fee Unless You Recover!”

So with all these similarities, how do you pick the right lawyer for your personal injury case?  Here is the start of questions you must ask a law firm before you hire their lawyers to go to work for you:

Is the lawyer’s practice exclusively devoted to representing injury victims? 

Injury and insurance law is complex.  Lawyers who dabble in personal injury cases may be good lawyers, but because they don’t spend all of their time representing injury victims, they simply won’t be as skilled as a lawyer who does spend their time devoted to helping their clients with their personal injuries. 

We at know it is a trying time dealing with injuries.  That is why we came out with the booklet, so that you can have some of your questions answered. 

Come back and visit our blog this week to continue on with the discussion and the questions you may have in hiring a lawyer.  If you would like to have more in-depth questions or concerns answered, call us at: 651-766-5886, or visit our website.  Don’t forget to get your free booklet.