Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
To make a claim for pain and suffering against an at-fault driver or their insurance company in Minnesota,, the following must be true: The at-fault driver is at least 50% responsible for the accident. (If you are partially at-fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of negligence.)
Personal service upon an individual in the state shall be accomplished by delivering a copy of the summons and complaint, notice, motion, or other document to the individual personally or by leaving a copy at the individual's house or usual place of residence with some person of suitable age and discretion who ...
Civil actions (except family cases) must be filed with the court within one year after service of the summons and complaint on the defendant.
Lawyer fears may be described in a variety of ways, but most (or all) are ultimately the fear of mistakes. We don't want to appear foolish or incompetent, and we certainly don't want to cause a bad outcome.
Personal Opinions or Bias: Do not share personal opinions or biases that aren't relevant to the legal advice or the case. The focus should be on legal counsel, not personal beliefs. Inappropriate Jokes or Comments: Avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as unprofessional, insensitive, or offensive.
Undisclosed conflicts of interest are also unethical, as are any illegal or unscrupulous activities, such as suppression of evidence or misleading statements made to courts.
Deciding whether to sue a client for unpaid fees and expenses requires a careful and in-depth analysis of the risks and benefits of bringing such a claim. Attorneys should be wary of the risk of a malpractice counterclaim, as well as the financial risks associated with a collection suit.