The Rules of the Road for Minnesota Bicyclists that I should be aware of?  

There are very strict rules that you should know about when you ride your bike.

Minn. Stat. §169.222 OPERATION OF BICYCLE.;Subdivision 1.

Traffic laws apply.to every person operating a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to bicycles.

Subd. 2. Manner and number riding.
No bicycle, including a tandem bicycle, cargo or utility bicycle, or trailer, shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, except an adult rider may carry a child in a seat designed for carrying children that is securely attached to the bicycle.

Subd. 3. Clinging to vehicle.
Persons riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, toboggan, sled, skateboard, or toy vehicle shall not attach the same or themselves to any street car or vehicle upon a roadway.

Subd. 4. Riding rules.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge; or
(4) when operating on the shoulder of a roadway or in a bicycle lane.
(b) If a bicycle is traveling on a shoulder of a roadway, the bicycle shall travel in the same direction as adjacent vehicular traffic.
(c) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or shoulder shall not ride more than two abreast and shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
(d) A person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk, or across a roadway or shoulder on a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal when necessary before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district unless permitted by local authorities. Local authorities may prohibit the operation of bicycles on any sidewalk or crosswalk under their jurisdiction.
(e) An individual operating a bicycle or other vehicle on a bikeway shall leave a safe distance when overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on the bikeway, and shall maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.
(f) A person lawfully operating a bicycle on a sidewalk, or across a roadway or shoulder on a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
(g) A person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle on the shoulder of a roadway, on a bikeway, or on a bicycle trail if not otherwise prohibited under section 85.015, subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), as applicable.

Subd. 5. Carrying articles.
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars or from properly operating the brakes of the bicycle.

Subd. 6. Bicycle equipment.
(a) No person shall operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with (1) a lamp which emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; and (2) a red reflector of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety which is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A bicycle equipped with lamps that are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet from both the front and the rear is deemed to fully comply with this paragraph.
(b) No person may operate a bicycle at any time when there is not sufficient light to render persons and vehicles on the highway clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with reflective surfaces that shall be visible during the hours of darkness from 600 feet when viewed in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. The reflective surfaces shall include reflective materials on each side of each pedal to indicate their presence from the front or the rear and with a minimum of 20 square inches of reflective material on each side of the bicycle or its operator. Any bicycle equipped with side reflectors as required by regulations for new bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission shall be considered to meet the requirements for side reflectorization contained in this subdivision.
(c) A bicycle may be equipped with a front lamp that emits a white flashing signal, or a rear lamp that emits a red flashing signal, or both.
(d) A bicycle may be equipped with tires having studs, spikes, or other protuberances designed to increase traction.
(e) No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a rear brake or front and rear brakes which will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. A bicycle equipped with a direct or fixed gear that can make the rear wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement shall be deemed to fully comply with this paragraph.
(f) A bicycle may be equipped with a horn or bell designed to alert motor vehicles, other bicycles, and pedestrians of the bicycle's presence.
(g) No person shall operate upon a highway any two-wheeled bicycle equipped with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate the hands above the level of the shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.
(h) No person shall operate upon a highway any bicycle which is of such a size as to prevent the operator from stopping the bicycle, supporting it with at least one foot on the highway surface and restarting in a safe manner.

Subd. 6a. Operator age.
No person under the age of 15 shall operate an electric-assisted bicycle.

Subd. 7. Sale with reflectors and other equipment.
(a) No person shall sell or offer for sale any new bicycle unless it is equipped with reflectors and other equipment as required by subdivision 6, paragraphs (b) and (e) and by applicable regulations for new bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a new bicycle may be sold or offered for sale without pedals if the bicycle otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a).

Subd. 8. Turning, lane change.
An arm signal to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the bicycle before turning, unless the arm is needed to control the bicycle, and shall be given while the bicycle is stopped waiting to turn.

Subd. 9. Bicycle parking.
(a) A person may park a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by local authorities. A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.
(b) A bicycle may be parked on a roadway at any location where parking is allowed if it is parked in such a manner that it does not obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle.

Subd. 10. Bicycle events.
(a) Bicycle events, parades, contests, or racing on a highway shall not be unlawful when approved by state or local authorities having jurisdiction over that highway. Approval shall be granted only under conditions which assure reasonable safety for all participants, spectators and other highway users, and which prevent unreasonable interference with traffic flow which would seriously inconvenience other highway users.
(b) By agreement with the approving authority, participants in an approved bicycle highway event may be exempted from compliance with any traffic laws otherwise applicable thereto, provided that traffic control is adequate to assure the safety of all highway users.

Subd. 11. Peace officer operating bicycle.
The provisions of this section governing operation of bicycles do not apply to bicycles operated by peace officers while performing their duties.

Copyright © 2017 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

The State of Minnesota has established several rules for insurance companies to follow when it comes to dealing with accident insurance payments. If you feel that an insurance company is being unfair, contact one of our bicycle injury attorneys immediately.

There are five insurance claims involved in an automobile or truck accident:
1. No-fault medical and wage loss claims.
2. Bodily injury claim.
3. Vehicle repair or replacement claims.
4. Uninsured motorist claims.
5. Underinsured motorist claims.

SURVIVOR BENEFITS

If your loved one has died as a result of a crash that was the fault of another driver, you have an immediate right to sue the at-fault driver. You are also entitled to no-fault survivor benefits as compensation for your loss.

No-fault coverage provides coverage for funeral expenses.

The Minnesota No-Fault Act requires automobile insurance companies to provide for up to $5,000 for funeral expense coverage to include such items as a casket, burial, flowers, and an organist or another musician.

No-fault provides wage loss benefits.

No-fault wage loss benefits may provide compensation to your family for the loss of an individual who was an economic provider in your household. If your deceased loved one provided for the rest of the family, you may receive up to $500 per week for a maximum of $20,000 in survivor's no-fault wage loss benefits.

The surviving dependents may also receive other contributions of money or economic value from the decedent via no-fault benefits. These contributions could come in the form of:

• Insurance benefits
• Disability coverage
• Pension plans
• Keogh plans
• Household business proceeds
• Daycare services
• Routine household services
• Wage replacement plans

If you are able, do the following immediately:
1. Get out of your vehicle to solicit help and information from the other driver.
2. Call the police immediately and ensure a report will be made regardless of the extent of damage to the automobile or the injuries to the drivers and passengers.
3. Obtain the name of the other driver(s), passengers and witnesses.
4. Obtain the information of the other driver's insurance information, home address, and phone number(s).
5. Seek medical treatment immediately.
6. Call your insurance company to inform them of your accident. They will provide you with an adjuster assigned to your case and a claim number which can be used for billing of medical expenses. If you are injured in an auto/truck crash, you should have your medical treatment billed to your no-fault automobile insurance rather than your health insurance. If your bills exceed $20,000, then have your medical treatment billed to your health insurance.
7. Contact an attorney to ensure your right to recovery is protected.

Unless you or the at-fault driver have personal property protection in your insurance policy, you will not be reimbursed for personal objects damaged inside your car or bike as a result of the crash.

The State of Minnesota has established several rules for insurance companies to follow when it comes to dealing with automobile and truck insurance payments.

If you feel that an insurance company is dealing you with unfairly, you should contact an attorney.

Your medical bills and losses should be covered by the insurance provider of the at-fault party. If there is no party at fault, your medical expenses will be at least partially covered by your own car insurance policy through your personal injury protection coverage.

Minnesota Statutes require that your own car insurance policy provides at least $20,000 for medical care and $20,000 of wage loss protection to you if you are injured in a car accidents. You may have a higher level of coverage, though, depending on your specific automobile insurance policy. Talk to your insurance agent to learn more.

If you deserve more compensation or coverage for your industries, talk to a car accident injury lawyer. They'll ensure you're getting all of the financial support you're owed.

In 1974, the Minnesota Legislature passed the "Minnesota No-Fault Act." This ensures that victims of car accidents can quickly and easily receive financial help through their own automobile insurance - regardless of their fault or innocence in the crash. This is applicable to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who were injured regardless of their role in the collision.

Under no-fault insurance, you are entitled to:

1. Wage loss benefits
2. Medical treatment bills
3. Replacement services
4. Survivor benefits

These "necessary" medical expenses after a car accident include bills from:

• Clinic visits
• Surgery
• Hospitals
• X-rays or other imaging
• Dentists
• Chiropractors
• Rehabilitation services
• Prosthetics
• Pharmacies
• Ambulances
• Medical-related travel

You may not need a car accident attorney to assist you with a property damage claim where there is no personal injury present.

Minnesota law does not require comprehensive insurance and collision insurance coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, you may be covered under your own car accident insurance for any resulting damage to your automobile.

If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident that was caused by someone else the at-fault driver's insurance policy may include collision insurance coverage that should compensate you for the damage to your car.

Our car accident personal injury lawyers want to ensure you receive every dollar you're owed. That's why we'll pursue wage loss compensation pursuant to no-fault insurance requirements in Minnesota. You are entitled to at least $20,000 in lost income coverage through your own automobile insurance policy.

If you want to know what you're owed after being in a car crash, hire a car accident lawyer to dive deeper into your situation and applicable insurance policies.

Yes. In order to receive compensation for lost wages, you will need:

• A doctor's disability slip/permission to miss work for medical reasons.
• Proof of wages lost, provided by your employer.

If your loved one died as a result of a crash that was the fault of another driver, you have an immediate right to sue the at-fault driver. Additionally, you are entitled to no-fault economic loss survivor benefits from your own automobile insurance policy to compensate you and your family for your loss.

Our car accident lawyers work to ensure that victims' families receive coverage for funeral expenses, lost wages, medical bills, and other financial burdens. We understand that you are hurting from the loss of a loved one. We are here to handle the details and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of available compensation for this incredible and tragic loss.

A bodily injury claim is filed against the driver found to be at fault, or negligent, in an accident. These claims are always against the negligent driver and cover any injured party, including the at-fault driver's own passengers, any pedestrians, or any other occupants of another vehicle involved in the crash.

Often, bodily injury claims are settled out of court, but they can be brought before a jury. Our car accident attorneys at Lord + Heinlein have helped hundreds of clients get the settlements they deserve.

The Minnesota Legislature created "tort thresholds" for the laws on automobile accident claims. State law requires that before a victim (or their survivors) can sue the at-fault driver, they must meet one of the following requirements:

1. They have incurred over $4,000 in medical expenses; OR
2. They have suffered a permanent injury that will continue throughout the victim's life (but it might improve or worsen); OR
3. They have suffered from a permanent disfigurement, which changed the victim's appearance to a significant degree; OR
4. They have suffered from a disability for at least 60 days. A doctor must confirm that the victim's injuries have significantly impacted the victim's work, home, or social activities; OR
5. They have died as a result of the accident.

There are several things to think about when deciding to hire a car accident lawyer. Ask yourself:

• How will a jury decide on this case?
• How much insurance coverage is available?
• Was the other party clearly in the wrong or negligent?
• How strong are my legal arguments in regards to negligence or fault?
• Were you (the plaintiff) at all responsible for the accident?
• How serious is the damage from the car accident (bodily and otherwise)?

Trials can be a lengthy, stressful process. Before you hire a car accident attorney, we recommend scheduling an in-depth consultation with an automobile accident attorney to learn exactly what you're getting into. An experienced car accident lawyer will advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of your case and how best to proceed.

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is required by the Minnesota No-Fault Act.

If an uninsured driver injures you, your own insurance provides coverage for your bodily injury damages (such as pain, suffering, and permanent injury) through the uninsured motorist coverage portion of your own automobile insurance policy.

Similarly, if the at-fault driver's insurance policy does not provide adequate coverage to compensate you for your injuries, you can be compensated through your own underinsured motorist coverage for a shortfall in coverage.

The required minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage you must have under Minnesota law is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash, but we strongly recommend you buy at least $100,000 to $300,000, if not more, in uninsured motorist insurance. Increasing this coverage is relatively inexpensive and it ensures that you and your family are protected if an uninsured motorist injures you.

While these coveraged are not required by Minnesota law to be provided in motorcycle insurance policies you can purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist protection for your motorcycle policy, which we strongly encourage so that you ensure that you are protected.

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is required byin the Minnesota No-Fault Act.

If an uninsured driver injures you, your own insurance provides coverage for your bodily injury damages (such as pain, suffering, and permanent injury) through the uninsured motorist coverage portion of your own automobile insurance policy.

Similarly, if the at-fault driver's insurance policy does not provide adequate coverage to compensate you for your injuries, you can be compensated through your own underinsured motorist coverage for a shortfall in coverage.

This depends on the type of coverage you have and who was at fault in the crash.

1. If you have comprehensive coverage in your automobile insurance policy, which covers damage sustained to your vehicle, your insurance company may pay the entire bill - minus your deductible. If the crash was not your fault, your insurer will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer for the damage to your car, which should also include reimbursement to you for any deductible.
2. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance company must pay for your vehicle damage promptly, including any deductible, even if you don't carry collision insurance in your own automobile insurance policy.
3. If you have collision coverage and you were partially at fault, each insurance company must pay a fair percentage equaling each driver's fault.

To learn more about what your insurance company is responsible for covering, or what you should expect from the other driver or their insurance company, contact a Minneapolis car accident lawyer today.

Prior to 1974, people injured in automobile accidents were paid for their medical bills and their wage loss only when their case was resolved - which often took several years. Because many of the automobile crash injury victims were unable to work due to their injuries, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Minnesota No-Fault Act in 1974 to provide more timely benefits. [Minnesota Statutes 65B.41-65B.71]

The Act provides that persons suffering injuries "arising out of the maintenance or use of a motor vehicle," regardless of their fault or innocence, could quickly and easily recover "economic loss" benefits from their own insurance company.

No-fault insurance provides payment of up to $20,000 in reasonable and necessary medical expenses and up to $20,000 in wage loss and replacement services. No-fault medical/wage loss benefits coverage is used for passengers, pedestrians, and drivers who are or are not at fault in an accident.

The No-Fault benefits that you (or a loved one) are entitled to are:

1. Wage loss benefits
2. Medical treatment bills
3. Replacement services
4. Survivor benefits
5. Termination of No-Fault benefits

How much money is available from my no-fault insurance to cover my medical expenses?                                                                               

The amount of coverage you have for medical expenses in the event of an automobile crash depends on the amount of coverage you carry through your insurance policy. Minnesota Statues 65B.44 requires at least $20,000 to be paid to you for your no fault medical expenses from you own auto insurance policy as a result of a car accident. You can purchase higher levels of no fault coverage and should discuss this with your agent.

Where can I obtain treatment?
Once you have called in your claim to your own automobile insurance company you will be assigned a no-fault adjuster, and you will be given a claim number that you may use for your treatment at any medical office or hospital. You are not required to use a specific provider or clinic. You will not be using your personal health insurance unless you have no automobile insurance coverage or your no-fault benefits have been used up or denied.

What does it mean that no-fault covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses?

Minnesota law requires that no-fault automobile insurance pay for medical expenses that are reasonable and necessary such as: medical, surgical, x-ray, optical, dental, chiropractic and rehabilitative services, prosthetic devices, prescription drugs, necessary ambulance and all other reasonable transportation expenses incurred in traveling to receive covered medical benefits, hospital, extended care and nursing services. Also included are physical rehabilitation treatment and occupational training. All of the above care and treatment must be for injuries resulting from the motor vehicle accident. [Minnesota Statutes 65B.44]

Can I also be compensated for mileage and parking expenses incurred when I go to my medical treatment?

Minnesota law requires that mileage to and from treatments and parking costs must be reimbursed as "reasonable transportation costs." These are actual costs to claimant and most often are paid at the IRS rate of 56 cents per mile (2021), unless you can document higher costs that are reasonable. You are also entitled to reimbursement for the work hours you miss when you have to attend medical, physical therapy or other medically related appointments. The medical treatment must relate to your accident.

What if I need occupational therapy and/or rehabilitation? 

You must provide notice to the insurance carrier within sixty days of incurring $1,000 or more of rehabilitation expenses, or the available benefits may be limited to $1,000.  In addition, an insurance company may pay for a vocational program only in order to save wage loss payments. If you can no longer work at a heaving lifting job, an insurance company may pay for vocational training or occupational training in order to get the person back working at a different job.  It is important for you to see a medical doctor of your choosing as soon after the accident as possible. Although treatment with a Chiropractor is useful and can assist you greatly with healing, especially with soft-tissue back and neck injuries, we have found that insurance companies are more likely to pay fair compensation for a claim if the injured person has also treated with a medical doctor.

Who should be in charge of my medical care?

Your medical doctor should direct your care. Follow your doctor's orders and ask your doctor's opinion about the need for chiropractic treatment or physical therapy. Return to your medical doctor periodically during healing so that your doctor is informed about your injuries and will be able to write a letter for you later as to the extent of your injuries. Chiropractic treatment should be balanced with medical treatment. And both forms of treatment should be covered under your no fault insurance.

NO FAULT INSURANCE WILL COVER LOST WAGES:

You are entitled to at least $20,000 in lost income replacement through your no-fault insurance. [Minnesota Statutes 65B.44] However, no-fault will pay only 85% of your gross income up to a maximum of $500 per week. You may be able to make up any shortfall later on through your bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver.

For example: If you make $200 per week you will receive only 85% of $200 which is $170. This is the maximum your no-fault insurance will pay based on $200 per week. Therefore, you will lose $30 per week. Later on you may be able to sue the at fault driver for this $30 per week shortfall. However, if you make a $1,000 per week, the maximum you will receive is $500 per week.

What do I have to do in order to receive wage loss benefits through no-fault?

1. You must present a doctor's disability slip to your no-fault adjuster (permission to miss work for medical reasons), AND
2. Proof of wage loss must be provided by your employer (your no-fault adjuster will ask you to sign authorizations and will obtain that information directly from your employer).  Be sure to pay close attention to your wage rate and if you have qualified for a pay raise since your injury. Since your wage loss will be calculated based on what you were making for a period of time prior to the crash, you will want to pay close attention to the wage rate that your no-fault insurer is using and confirm that it is accurate. If you can document that a new, higher wage rate has gone into effect for you, or that you had a history of accepting all overtime work and overtime work is now available, it could affect the calculation.

Am I able to receive wage loss benefits if I am only able to return to work part-time?

If you are only able to return to your full-time job on a part-time basis, you may be entitled to continue to receive partial benefits if your disability prohibits full-time return to work.  If you receive short-term or long-term disability coverage you may still be able to qualify for additional compensation for your wage loss shortfall through no-fault.  Depending on the language in your automobile insurance policy, you may be entitled to additional wage loss compensation through your no-fault insurance. Consult your no-fault adjuster or your attorney to determine if you qualify.

If I was receiving unemployment benefits at the time of the accident, but because of the accident I am no longer eligible to receive those benefits, can I receive compensation through no-fault?

You are eligible to receive no-fault wage loss at 100% of your previous unemployment rate, with a maximum benefit of $500 per week.

If I own a small business and have had to hire substitute employees, will I be compensated for this expense?

Costs incurred for substitute employees to perform tasks which are necessary to maintain the income of the injured person and which are normally performed by the injured person, but cannot be performed because of the injury, may be reimbursed up to $500 per week.

Will I get paid for the time I had to miss work because I had to go to a doctor or other accident-related treatment?

You may also be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel time and expenses involved in getting to and from the medical treatment. Ask your attorney or your no-fault adjuster. Keep a travel journal in order to track your time and mileage related to your medical treatment.

REPLACEMENT SERVICES OR HOMEMAKER SERVICES:

Your insurance may cover the cost of hiring someone to complete household tasks if you are unable to do so as a result of the injuries you sustained in an automobile crash.

To qualify for no fault replacement services, the claimant is not required to be a full-time homemaker, nor does she/he need to show out-of-pocket expenditures. You can receive up to $200 per week for replacement services such as housecleaning, child care, yard work and snow removal, even if the homemaker was or is employed outside the home. The person completing these services does not need to be a licensed provider of services. Rather, the provider of replacement services can be your spouse, adult child, another family member or even a friend. [Minnesota Statutes 65B.44]

When will my no fault insurance pay for this benefit ?

This benefit does not kick in right away, however. This benefit is calculated as follows:  There are no replacement benefits paid until eight days after the accident. The benefits start on day EIGHT. These benefits are subject to maximum compensation of $200 per week. 

How do I prove up the time spent on doing the activities that I can't do any longer and that I have had to hire someone else to perform? 

Be sure to keep close track of your costs for replacement services.  Sit down and make a list of activities you performed before the injury and the time involved. Then add to that list the activities you cannot do as a result of the accident and add the name of the person now performing those tasks, and the time involved as well as any cost to you.

What does "reasonable value" of services mean?

If your spouse or someone close to you is now performing replacement services, you may pay them with a check for the "reasonable value" of the services. Give that information to your no-fault adjuster, who will reimburse you. "Reasonable value" would be considered the hourly "going rate" for work described above and in most regions $10.00 to $15.00 per hour is an acceptable "going rate." Ask your adjuster if the going rate is higher than $10.00 per hour.

SURVIVOR BENEFITS

If your loved one has died as a result of a crash that was the fault of another driver, you have an immediate right to sue to the at-fault driver and are entitled to no-fault economic loss survivor benefits to begin compensating you and your family for your loss.

No-fault coverage provides coverage for funeral expenses:

The Minnesota No-Fault Act provides for up to $5,000 for funeral expense coverage to include such items as casket, burial, flowers and an organist.

No-fault provides wage loss benefits:

No-fault wage loss benefits may provide compensation to your family for the loss of an individual who was an economic provider for your household.  If your deceased loved one was an economic provider for your family, your family may receive up to $500 per week for a maximum of $20,000 in survivor's no-fault wage loss benefits.  Other contributions of money or economic value (not including services) the surviving dependents would have received from the decedent are also reimbursable to the surviving family members through no-fault benefits. Also included in the category of economic value are the following tangible items: insurance benefits, disability coverage, pension and Keogh plan, proceeds of household business such as crafts or day care, routine household services, and expenses for wages to compensate a replacement worker for running a business.

YOUR NO FAULT INSURANCE CAN TERMINATE YOUR NO-FAULT BENEFITS:

The following are a number of reasons why your no-fault benefits may be terminated:
1. You have experienced similar complaints and injuries prior to the accident.
2. Your early symptoms are inconsistent with later treatment.
3. The medical records document that your symptoms have greatly improved.
4. You fail to follow medical recommendations for follow-up visits, self-care, exercise, etc.
5. You have long periods where you have not treated with a medical doctor or physical therapist or chiropractor.   
6. You have a lack of objective findings. In other words, you have no way to prove the extent of your injuries through your medical records and are relying solely on your own testimony.
7. You go to a doctor for health care unrelated to your accident and the medical records from that visit document that the "affected areas" (those injuries caused by the accident) are normal.
8. You failed to report your injuries immediately after your crash or received no treatment for several weeks or months after the accident.
9. After 9 months to a year, you have experienced no improvement with medical care. If this is the case, the insurer will likely terminate the benefits because they will argue that the treatments are not beneficial or that you have reached "maximum medical improvement."
10. You have had unusual treatment techniques, or unusually expensive or extensive treatment techniques.
11. Your medical professional over-treats you, such as recommending treatments 3-5 times per week.
12. You have not treated for over one year.
Your no-fault insurer can usually cut you off from benefits if you there is a one-year lapse in treatment or disability.

WHEN IS TERMINATION ALLOWED BY LAW?

Termination is allowed when the insurer can show that the policy contains a one-year lapse provision and there was a one-year lapse in the treatment or disability. The no-fault insurer must notify you in writing sixty (60) days before the one-year lapse. It is important to have a yearly checkup to monitor your condition.

WHAT IS AN IME?

After providing no-fault benefits for a period of time, the insurer can demand that the injured person attend an IME. This "independent" medical examination is always paid for by the no-fault insurer with the goal of cutting off the injured person's no-fault benefits. By law you are required to attend an IME, if requested.

ARBITRATION IS THE ONLY METHOD FOR CONTESTING A TERMINATION OF NO-FAULT BENEFITS:

If your benefits are terminated, you may have the right to file a claim for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association.
At the time the arbitration is filed, the unpaid benefits must total less than $10,000. Your attorney will assist you with arbitration. If the unpaid amount is over $10,000, your attorney can file a lawsuit against your no-fault insurance company.  If your no-fault benefits are cut off, you must use your private health insurance for the payment of your medical bills related to the crash. It remains important that you continue treating your injuries if you are still suffering symptoms in order to prove up your claim for bodily injury against the at-fault driver.

If you have more than one automobile we strongly recommend that you purchase "stacking" insurance coverage. You can purchase stacking coverage for a nominal fee, and doing so will double the amount of no-fault coverage you can collect from your insurance in the event of an accident. This is especially beneficial for drivers who do not have medical insurance, because it provides affordable extra protection in the event of severe injury from a major crash. Stacking only applies to your no-fault coverage and does not apply to your liability, uninsured, or underinsured coverage.

The No-Fault act does NOT cover the following when it comes to vehicle accidents in Minnesota: [Minnesota Statutes 65B.59, 60]
1. Injuries suffered while riding, mounting or alighting from a motorcycle. (Motorcycle owners have to buy specific motorcycle no-fault insurance coverage.) If you own a motorcycle we strongly recommend that you purchase no-fault coverage to ensure that you are protected if you are injured.
2. Intentional injuries (unless the injuries are not intended by the victim).
3. Injuries suffered in the course of an official racing contest.
4. Vehicle owners who are not insured.

There is no requirement that auto insurance companies provide no-fault coverage on motorcycle policies unless you request an additional policy.  You need to talk with your insurance agent about adding no-fault coverage to your motorcycle policy if you wish to be covered in Minnesota 

This is insurance that requires "fault" to be found. If you are in an accident and it is not your fault, or a loved one has been injured or killed by someone else's careless driving, you have a right to make a claim against that driver's liability insurance. Before you are allowed to make that claim, you must meet one of five thresholds. A bodily injury claim is filed against the insurance company of the driver found to be at fault, or negligent, in the accident or against the at fault driver individually. These claims cover any injured party, including the at-fault driver's passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of another vehicle involved in the crash.

In Minnesota, all drivers must buy liability insurance of at least $30,000 for injuries to one person and $60,000 for injuries to two or more people and $10,000 for property damage. Injured parties can be reimbursed for the expenses incurred from the liability insurance and or the at-fault driver's assets including past and future medical bills and lost wages; permanent injury; and past/future pain and suffering.

Often, bodily injury claims are settled out of court, but other times they are brought before a jury. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Lord + Heinlein have helped thousands of clients get settlements they deserve, and to get their lives back on track.

What legal rights do I have against a drunk driver who injured me in a crash?

1. You have a right to collect from the driver's insurance.
2. You have a right to collect from the driver.
3. If the driver was overserved alcohol at a bar, you have a right to collect from the bar in a Dram Shop suit.
4. You may have a right to collect from your own insurance for underinsured or uninsured benefits
5. You have the right to collect No-Fault benefits as outlined in your insurance contract
6. You have the right to have your automobile/truck repaired or replaced.
7. If the drunk driver's BAC is over .08% you have a right to make a motion for punitive damages at the end of the trial.

Yes. This is called a Dram Shop Claim. Under Minn. Stat. § 304A.801, a liquor establishment (usually a bar, restaurant, or liquor store) can be held liable for injuries stemming from the intoxication of the drunk driver, if the sale was illegal.
Generally, illegal sales include:
1. Sales to a minor.
2. Sales to an obviously intoxicated person.
3. Sales made during a prohibited time of day/day of the week.

More information on Dram Shop claims can be found here.

The Dram Shop statute requires:

1. The sale "contributed" to the driver's intoxication and the intoxication is a direct cause of the victim's injuries or damages. These can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Additionally, the surviving family of a victim who passes away as a result of the accident can also sue for loss of support.

3. A Wrongful Death claim may be made by the victim's survivors directly against the drunk driver. If the survivors make a Dram Shop claim, the survivors must each bring it individually.
4. A claim for punitive damages may be pursued against the drunk driver. If the drunk driver's blood alcohol level tests above .08, you have a right to make a motion before a judge to add a claim for punitive damages pursuant to Minn. Stat 169A.76.

The following persons can file a lawsuit against the bar that over served the intoxicated person who caused the crash.:

Any dependents can recover for loss of means of support, property loss and pecuniary loss. Any dependents include the following: a spouse, child, parent, guardian, employer, or other person, injured in property or means of support.

Will the dependents be punished by the fact that the intoxicated person was partly at fault for their own injury?

No. Comparative fault will not be charged against the family of the allegedly intoxicated person.

Does the person who is injured by their own intoxication have a right to sue the establishment?

The law does not allow the intoxicated person to sue the bar for causing their injury, no matter what. If he/she dies as a result of the intoxication, their estate cannot sue, but the family members as dependents can sue. Minn. Stat. 340A.801. subd. 1.

Is there a way I can have the drunk driver punished for driving drunk and hurting or killing someone else?

A claim for punitive damages may be pursued against the drunk driver. If the drunk driver's blood alcohol level tests above .08, you have a right to make a motion before a judge to add a claim for punitive damages pursuant to Minn. Stat 169A.76.

What are punitive damages?

Punitive damages are designed to punish or deter a person who has acted in a willful or indifferent manner towards the rights and safety of another. Juries decide how much to award for punitive damages, after they have found a defendant liable. This type of award is not limited, it can be as big or as small as a jury thinks it should be, and it comes directly out of the drunk driver's pocket which may act as a deterrent to future drunk driving.

Is Drunk Driving still a problem in Minnesota?

In 2015 there were 95 fatalities in Minnesota from alcohol-related crashes, accounting for approximately 30% of all automobile fatalities that year. Historically, accidents involving alcohol cause more serious injuries. Recent figures show that 12 percent of moderate injuries and almost 36 percent of severe injuries from automobile accidents in Minnesota were the result of an alcohol-related crash. There were more than 25,000 impaired driving incidents in Minnesota in 2015. Although drunk driving rates are on the slow decline since they began to track them in 1982, drunk driving is still a problem in Minnesota.

Under Minnesota social host liability laws, adults who serve or provide alcohol to minors can be held liable if the minor person who was provided alcohol kills or injures another person. Minnesota does allow a civil cause of action against a social host who provides alcohol to those who are under 21..  Priscilla Lord was part of the Robert Wood Johnson sponsored study group that wrote the Social Host laws.  She helped to lobby the legislature that resulted in the passage of the Social Host law. in 2000.  

There are a number of parties that may be at fault if you are injured in a snowmobile or ATV crash. However, in order to bring any type of lawsuit, most times you must have been injured in a collision with another driver. There are very few circumstances where you would be able to bring a lawsuit against someone else for your damages if you were in a single person crash. You should consult with an attorney right away if you feel your injuries may have been the fault of another.

No, but it is a very good idea to protect yourself by wearing a helmet as well as protective gear while riding on a motorcycle. 

1. Identify, and if possible, isolate the dog/animal. If the animal has ID tags, record the information on the tags.
2. Get the name and contact information for the animal's owner, and any witnesses.
3. Note the location and time where the attack occurred.
4. Try to determine if the animal has been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases in order to evaluate your risks. Obtain proof of vaccination.
5. Evaluate and clean the wound.
6. Go to the emergency room or urgent care and seek immediate medical treatment if necessary.
7. Call Animal Control and the police (911) in the city where the event occurred to make a report.
8. Photograph all injuries (in the various stages of healing), torn or bloody clothing, or other possible evidence. Do not discard any evidence.
9. Do not sign anything, offer any apologies, or provide information to insurance companies, adjusters, witnesses, or the animal's owner until you have talked to a personal injury dog bite lawyer.

The short answer is that there is rarely money available right away to cover your expenses. Sometimes there is a medical payment provision available to provide some coverage of expenses upfront through the animal owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

To obtain full compensation, a claim needs to be filed with the animal owner's homeowner's insurance policy or renter's insurance policy as soon as possible. These claims can take months, sometimes even years, to fully resolve. It is important that the extent of your injuries and any long-term scarring is realized in order to ensure that you get fully compensated for your injuries. Therefore, you will likely need to use your own health insurance coverage to treat your injuries upfront.

Because dogs and other animals are considered to be people's property, you will turn to the animal owner for compensation. You may be able to bring either or both of the following types of claims for compensation:

STRICT LIABILITY CLAIM: Under Minn. Stat. § 347.22, dog owners are liable for the injuries caused by their dog. This is a strict liability statute, which means that the dog owner is always liable unless the victim provoked the dog or the victim was somewhere they should not lawfully be - like private property.

NEGLIGENCE CLAIM: You can also file a negligence claim against the owner of a dog or animal. An owner that fails to exercise reasonable care while controlling their animal can be deemed negligent and liable for the injuries the animal causes. In some cases, punitive damages are also available.

If you are successful, the animal's owner (or their homeowner's or rental insurance), should provide payment to you for your damages.

If the attack occurred while you were walking your own dog, and your pet was severely or critically injured, you may be able to obtain compensation. The animal is your property, and therefore, you could seek compensation through the other owner's homeowner or rental insurance through a property damage claim.

Your licensing board is an administrative body that governs professionals within your field and state. Under administrative law rules, the board can conduct investigations against licenses and decide if the nurse (or other professional) poses a risk to the public and their patients. The board, not a judge, will decide how the matter will be resolved - potentially with a suspension or then revocation of the license.

You have a right to due process. Your license is your property, and the United States Constitution protects it. Your license cannot be taken away without a fair hearing, and the Minnesota Legislature has a process for assessing license suspension or revocation cases.

As you begin this process, you must cooperate with your licensing board. Failure to do so could result in the indefinite suspension or revocation of your license. You must also respond in a timely manner to written allegations from your licensing board.

If you have been called to a hearing or conference before the Minnesota Board of Nursing, your case will be presented to the complaint review committee. This committee will consist of one or more members of the Nursing Board, as well as an investigative member and the Assistant Attorney General that represents and advises the Board.

After assessing your case and allegations against your license, the complaint review committee will render a decision to either:

1. Dismiss the allegations.
2. Issue discipline against your license.
3. Suspend your practice.
4. Revoke your license.

The Nursing Board will likely support the committee's decision. You may be issued a "Proposed Stipulation and Consent Order" to sign, which if necessary, will outline the terms of discipline against your license. We highly recommend speaking with a professional nursing license attorney before signing.

The most common forms of discipline include the imposition of a fine, the requirement of additional education or supervision, limitations of practice, or the required participation in an HPSP program (scroll down to learn more).

This will likely result in a contested case proceeding - much like a trial. You will have the opportunity to testify, present evidence, and call witnesses to testify on your behalf.

Although you can obtain a favorable outcome with this strategy, the nursing board can override the judge's decision and make a final decision on the status of your nursing license.

The Board protects the public - not licensed nurses. It will take any allegations against your nursing license seriously. That is why it's so important to hire a trained nursing license defense attorney if you receive a letter of allegation or investigation.

At Lord & Heinlein we highly recommend obtaining an attorney for any investigative interview in Minnesota. This interview has been requested by your professional licensing board in order to gather more information from you regarding the complaint they have received. It is wise to retain a professional license defense attorney who can speak with the investigator before the interview to find out more about what the interview will be about. Then, your attorney can help prepare you for the interview and accompany you at the interview. The interview will be recorded and will become a permanent part of the record regarding the investigation against your professional license. It is advisable to retain an attorney before giving any information to your licensing Board in Minnesota.

At Lord & Heinlein, we highly recommend obtaining a nursing license attorney for any investigative interview in Minnesota.

This interview has been requested by your professional licensing board to gather more information regarding the complaint they have received. The more you know about it in advance, the better. A trained nursing license lawyer will help you prepare and learn as much as possible about the complaint ahead of time.

Yes. You must respond in a timely manner to any written allegations from your nursing licensing board. Just be mindful about what you provide in writing - everything will be a part of this investigation's permanent record. We recommend working with a nursing license attorney to formulate the correct response.

Yes, you may request an extension. If you are too busy or unprepared to respond, it's certainly better to request an extension than it is to rush to answer. Talk to your nursing license defense attorney to begin the extension process.

No. The first phase of your license investigation is confidential, which means you are not obligated to inform your employer. The only people who will know about the allegations at this stage are the board and whoever filed the complaint.

There may be some instances in which you want or need to discuss the allegations with your employer. In this kind of situation, enlist the help of a nursing license attorney before making any decisions.

It is important to understand that during this phase of an investigation by your Board the matter is confidential and you are under no obligation to inform your employer about the allegations against you. The only people who will learn about your Allegations at this phase of the investigation are the Board and those who reported you to the Board. There may be some instances where you may wish to discuss the allegations with your employer. However, you should always seek advice from an experienced license defense attorney regarding whether or not you should inform your employer about the allegations against you.

An investigation begins when a complaint is filed against you with the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The board never makes the decision to investigate on its own, without an official complaint. These complaints are filed confidentially by employers, colleagues, friends, or even relatives.

• Diversion of prescription narcotic medications from the workplace.
• Failure to follow wasting procedures for narcotic medications.
• Overuse/multiple prescriptions for prescribed narcotic medication.
• Mental health issues that affect work performance.
• Physical health issues that affect work performance.
• Conviction of a criminal offense (assault, drunk driving, fraud, etc.).
• Neglect of clients or patients.
• Departure from minimal standards of acceptable prevailing medical practice.
• Failure to meet patient record documentation standards.
• Failure to fully assess a patient or client's needs.
• Fraudulent billing.
• Exposure of privileged communications.
• False advertising.
• Violating professional boundaries with a patient or client, including sexual conduct.
• Failure to pay student loans secured by the state or federal government.
• Being fired from a job for cause.
• Dismissal from the Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) for failure to comply with your participation agreement.
• Practicing beyond your licensed scope of practice.

No. The Minnesota Data Privacy Practices Act protects the confidentiality of the person who files the complaint. The board may be able to provide certain aspects of the investigation, but you will not be able to obtain large portions of the file until after the investigation is closed. You will never receive the name of the complainant or the original complaint filed against you.

We believe the answer is yes. Your career is your livelihood, and you've worked hard to obtain licensure. You deserve fair legal protection and defense from complaints.

A nursing license attorney will help you carefully, thoughtfully respond to allegations, as well as guide you through the stressful process. If you want the best possible outcome, consult a lawyer immediately.

1. Complete dismissal of the allegations.
2. Discipline against your license.
3. Suspension of your license for a period of time.
4. Revocation of your license.

Possible outcomes of an investigation include:

1) complete dismissal of the allegations;

2) discipline may be issued against your license (below are some examples of types of discipline that may be issued);

3) suspension of your license for a period of time; 4) revocation of your license.

Types of discipline that may be recommended by the Board include:

1) imposition of a fine,

2) completion of additional education,

3) a requirement of ongoing supervision over your practice,

4) limitation on the scope of your practice,

5) and/or participation in the Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP).

What Events Could Trigger an Investigation Against My Professional License in Minnesota?

The Minnesota professional licensing Boards and other government agencies are all complaint driven. An investigation will not be opened against you unless a complaint has been filed against you with your Board. In other words, these Boards and agencies do not go out looking for improper behavior on their own. Complaints are often filed by employers or other mandatory reporters, but may also be filed by a friend or relative. The identity of a complainant remains confidential. Once a complaint is made to a licensing Board they are statutorily required to investigate the matter.

Is the investigation into my professional license confidential?

While a matter is in the investigation phase everything is confidential in Minnesota. Remember that the only people that know about your letter from your licensing Board are the people that you tell. Nothing in the allegations or investigative requests will be released to the public unless or until a disciplinary action is ultimately issued against you. Be mindful about with whom you share information regarding the investigation and the allegations against you.

What are common complaints?:
• Diversion of prescription narcotic medications from the workplace
• Failure to follow wasting procedures for narcotic medications
• Over-use/multiple prescriptions for a prescribed narcotic medication
• Mental health issues that affect work performance
• Physical health issues that affect work performance
• Conviction of a criminal offense such as assault, drunk-driving or fraud
• Neglect of clients or patients
• Departing from minimal standards of acceptable prevailing medical practice
• Failure to meet patient record documentation standards
• Failure to fully assess a patient or client's needs
• Fraudulent billing
• Revealing privileged communications
• False advertising
• Violating professional boundaries with a patient or client, including sexual conduct
• Failure to pay student loans secured by the state or federal government
• Being fired from a job for cause
• Being dismissed from the Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) for failure to comply with your participation agreement
• Practicing beyond your licensed scope of practice

Yes - you can get a job again. Even if you are disciplined, you are not the first to have experienced it, nor will you be the last. This should not permanently define your career. Many professionals in various fields have been disciplined by their licensing board, then moved on to improve themselves, their practices, and their careers.

The Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP) is a professionally staffed, confidential program designed to monitor the treatment and continuing care of eligible, regulated health professionals in Minnesota. You can voluntarily self-report, or you may be required to do so by your board.

If you have a health concern and think you need to report it to the HPSP, contact a nursing license defense attorney first for advice.

The Health Professionals Services Program is a professionally staffed, confidential program designed to monitor the treatment and continuing care of eligible, regulated health professionals in Minnesota. Just like your professional licensing Board, HPSP is designed to protect the public, not you (the licensee). You should consult with an attorney before self-reporting to HPSP in Minnesota, in order to explore all of your options. 

What can I expect if I enroll in HPSP?
Health Professionals Services Program is a monitoring program for health professionals in Minnesota. You can voluntarily self-report yourself, or, sometimes, your licensing Board may require that you do so as part of a discipline against your license. When you present to HPSP, you will be asked to sign a monitoring plan and participation agreement which empowers HPSP to supervise your practice, your mental health and/or your illness, condition, or addiction. Your Participation Agreement will likely be for a term of 1-3 years. If for any reason, you fail to uphold the requirements of your Participation Agreement, Health Professionals Services Program has the discretion to discharge you from the program at any time. And, if you are discharged from HPSP, they will report that information to your licensing Board.

We recommend that you always consult with an experienced professional license defense attorney before self-reporting to HPSP in Minnesota.

HPSP (Health Professionals Services Program) is a monitoring program for health professionals in Minnesota. You can voluntarily self-report yourself, or, sometimes, your licensing Board may require that you do so as part of a discipline against your license. When you present to HPSP, you will be asked to sign a monitoring plan and participation agreement which empowers HPSP to supervise your practice, your mental health and/or your illness, condition, or addiction. Your Participation Agreement will likely be for a term of 1-3 years. If for any reason, you fail to uphold the requirements of your Participation Agreement, Health Professionals Services Program has the discretion to discharge you from the program at any time. And, if you are discharged from HPSP, they will report that information to your licensing Board.

It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced professional license defense attorney prior to self-reporting to HPSP in Minnesota.

When you present yourself to the HPSP, you will be asked to sign a monitoring plan and participation agreement that allows them to supervise your practice, your mental health, and/or your illness, condition, or addiction.

Your Participation Agreement will likely be for a term of up to three years. If you fail to uphold the requirements of your Participation Agreement for any reason, HPSP can discharge you from the program at any time and report to the licensing board.

If you are worried that your substance use is impacting your ability to serve as a nurse with reasonable skill and safety, we may recommend taking a leave of absence from your job. This will allow you to better assess your ability and to pursue any treatment or recovery care you may need.

Minnesota Statutes §148.263 spells out the reporting obligations of Nurse Licensed Professionals.  

Subdivision 1. Permission to report. A person who has knowledge of any conduct constituting grounds for discipline under sections 148.171 to 148.285 may report the alleged violation to the board.

Subd. 2. Institutions. The chief nursing executive or chief administrative officer of any hospital, clinic, prepaid medical plan, or other health care institution or organization located in this state shall report to the board any action taken by the institution or organization or any of its administrators or committees to revoke, suspend, limit, or condition a nurse's privilege to practice in the institution, or as part of the organization, any denial of privileges, any dismissal from employment, or any other disciplinary action. The institution or organization shall also report the resignation of any nurse before the conclusion of any disciplinary proceeding, or before commencement of formal charges, but after the nurse had knowledge that formal charges were contemplated or in preparation. The reporting described by this subdivision is required only if the action pertains to grounds for disciplinary action under section 148.261.

Subd. 3. Licensed professionals. A person licensed by a health-related licensing board as defined in section 214.01, subdivision 2, shall report to their board personal knowledge of any conduct the person reasonably believes constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under sections 148.171 to 148.285 by any nurse including conduct indicating that the nurse may be incompetent, may have engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct, or may be mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of professional, advanced practice registered, or practical nursing.

Subd. 4. Insurers. Four times each year, by the first day of February, May, August, and November, each insurer authorized to sell insurance described in section 60A.06, subdivision 1, clause (13), and providing professional liability insurance to registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses shall submit to the board a report concerning any nurse against whom a malpractice award has been made or who has been a party to a settlement. The report must contain at least the following information:
(1) the total number of settlements or awards;
(2) the date settlement or award was made;
(3) the allegations contained in the claim or complaint leading to the settlement or award;
(4) the dollar amount of each malpractice settlement or award and whether that amount was paid as a result of a settlement or of an award; and
(5) the name and address of the practice of the nurse against whom an award was made or with whom a settlement was made.
An insurer shall also report to the board any information it possesses that tends to substantiate a charge that a nurse may have engaged in conduct violating sections 148.171 to 148.285.

Subd. 5. Courts. The court administrator of district court or another court of competent jurisdiction shall report to the board any judgment or other determination of the court that adjudges or includes a finding that a nurse is a person who is mentally ill, mentally incompetent, chemically dependent, dangerous to the public, guilty of a felony or gross misdemeanor, guilty of a violation of federal or state narcotics laws or controlled substances act, guilty of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or guilty of an abuse or fraud under Medicare or Medicaid, appoints a guardian of the nurse under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502, or commits a nurse under chapter 253B.

Subd. 6. Deadlines; Forms. Reports required by subdivisions 2 to 5 must be submitted no later than 30 days after the occurrence of the reportable event or transaction. The board may provide forms for the submission of reports required by this section, may require that the reports be submitted on the forms provided, and may adopt rules necessary to assure prompt and accurate reporting. The board shall review all reports, including those submitted after the deadline.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T REPORT A FELLOW LICENSED PROFESSIONAL WHEN I KNOW THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG?

Subd. 7. Failure to report. On or after August 1, 2012, any person, institution, insurer, or organization that fails to report as required under subdivisions 2 to 5 shall be subject to civil penalties for failing to report as required by law.

(Minnesota Administrative Rules §6321.0500 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS).

Subpart 1. Institutions. The reporting required of institutions in Minnesota Statutes, section 148.263, subdivision 2, is interpreted to include1

• .resignation in lieu of discharge,
• discharge, suspension, or other forms of discipline of a nurse for failure to carry out the responsibilities of a nurse. 
• Examples of actions to be reported include but are not limited to
•     dismissal of probationary employees, 
•    suspensions other than investigatory suspensions, restrictions or limitations of a nurses's practice, 
•    demotion, and 
•    discharge from employment.

Subp. 2. Licensed professionals who consult with a therapist. The reporting required of licensed health professionals in Minnesota Statutes, section 148.263, subdivision 3, is interpreted to exclude the professional knowledge obtained in the course of a health professional-client relationship when the client is a nurse and the health professional successfully counsels the nurse to limit or withdraw from practice to the extent required by the impairment.

Yes. Institutions and licensed professionals are expected to report misconduct or dangerous, inappropriate behavior to the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Institutions (and chief nursing executives/administrative officers) are expected to report:

• The revocation, limitation, or suspension of nurse privileges.
• Dismissals of nurses.
• Disciplinary action against nurses.
• The resignation of nurses before disciplinary proceedings.

Licensed professionals working with licensed nurses are expected to report "any conduct believed to constitute grounds for disciplinary actions," as well as unethical, unprofessional, or mentally unstable behavior.

Under Minnesota state law, the answer is yes - failure to report could expose you to penalties.

On or after August 1, 2012, any person, institution, insurer, or organization that fails to report as required shall be subject to civil penalties for failing to report as required by law. If you are worried about filing a complaint, or you are worried about consequences for your own license, speak with a nursing license defense attorney quickly.

Your Licensing Board is an Administrative Body and Investigations Against Your License are Governed by Administrative Law Rules:
Administrative law differs greatly from civil law or criminal law. Unlike with criminal or civil matters, which are decided by a judge or jury, administrative matters are decided by an administrative body. In the case of allegations against a licensed professional, that administrative body is your licensing board. Administrative bodies are granted such great deference by the legislature because they are considered the experts with regarding to whether or not an individual's practice poses any sort of risk to the public. As is elaborated on below, this means that your board will ultimately determine how your matter will be resolved, whether through dismissal, some sort of discipline against your license, suspension, or revocation.

Do I  Have a Right to Due Process?
Since your professional license is considered your property, your right to due process enumerated in the United States Constitution protects you: your license cannot be arbitrarily taken away from you without a hearing. An administrative process has been outlined by the Minnesota Legislature that empowers your licensing Board to protect the public from unsafe practitioners, while also protecting your right to due process.

Must I Cooperate with My Licensing Board?
Failure to cooperate with your licensing Board in the event of an investigation will likely result in your license being suspended or revoked indefinitely. You must provide a response to their questions and provide your full cooperation.

Do I have to Respond to the Board Allegations?
It is important to provide an appropriate and timely response to any written Allegations that have been served against you by your Board. You should consult an attorney before providing any response to your Board.

What is the Complaint Review Committee?
If you are called to a hearing or conference before the Minnesota Board of nursing or any other Board, it will be before a complaint review committee. Most licensing boards in Minnesota follow similar or same procedures. These committees vary in their make-up from Board to Board, but are generally composed of one or more members of the larger Board, an investigative Board staff member, and the Assistant Attorney General who is appointed to advise and represent your Board

Is the Complaint Review Committee' decision about my case the end of the process? 

The committee will recommend their decision about your case to the full Licensing Board in one of the following ways:

1) complete dismissal of the allegations;

2) discipline be issued against your license;

3) suspension over your practice;

4) revocation of your license.

In most cases the full Board will almost certainly approve the committee's recommendation.

How does the licensing board finalize my case? 

If the complaint review committee recommends discipline against your license, which could include a period of suspension, you will most likely be presented with a Proposed Stipulation and Consent Order to sign. The Stipulation will outline the facts and the terms of the discipline against your license. It is very important to talk with an experienced professional licensed attorney about the Stipulation because once you sign a Stipulation and Consent Order with your Board the document will become available to the public and it can never be removed.

What are the typical types of Discipline imposed on a licensed professional?:
If the committee determines discipline is appropriate, some types of discipline that may be recommended include: imposition of a fine, completion of additional education, requirement of ongoing supervision over your practice, limitation on the scope of your practice, or participation in the Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP).

What is a Contested Case Proceeding?
If you are unable to reach a settlement agreement with your licensing Board, you have the option to go beyond the Board review process and pursue a Contested Case proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge. This process is much like a trial where you will have the opportunity to testify, and present evidence and call witnesses to testify on your behalf. It is important to recognize that, while you may obtain a favorable advisory opinion from the Administrative Law Judge, your licensing Board can override the Administrative Judge's decision and may still make the final determination as to how your case will be resolved.

Would my case ever go up to the Court of Appeals?
If you remain unable to reach a settlement agreement with your licensing Board through a Contested Case proceeding, you still have the right to appeal your case to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. It is rare that cases fail to settle before reaching this level in the legal process and even rarer that the Court of Appeals will find against the recommendations of your licensing Board.  absent a gross violation of your rights to Due Process, the Court of Appeals rarely overturns a Board's recommendation.

What is the purpose of each Minnesota professional license Board?
Nearly every licensed profession in Minnesota has a Board to oversee the education of and enforce the standards for its licensees. The Boards and their respective practice standards are administrative agencies that are created by and governed through Minnesota state law. These Boards are granted great deference for their expertise about their respective professions, and act as the judge and jury in any matter regarding the safety or fitness of their licensees.

What is the mission of the Minnesota Licensing Boards?

The mission of the Minnesota Licensing Boards is to protect the public, not the licensee (you). It is important that you take any allegations against your license seriously. An experienced license defense attorney can guide you through this stressful and complicated process, prepare you for your hearing, and help you obtain the best possible outcome. An Assistant Attorney General always represents your licensing Board throughout each proceeding: do not go it alone.

What is the make-up of my licensing board?

The Minnesota professional licensing Boards consist of several same-licensed professionals, at various practice levels, and some community or public members who are not licensed professionals.  There are also paid Board staff members, who are not Board members, such as Practice Specialists or administrative support staff, who facilitate disciplinary proceedings. An Assistant Attorney General from the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General, always represents the Board throughout any investigative or disciplinary proceeding.

You cannot represent yourself in a class action lawsuit. You must obtain a personal injury defense attorney to represent you and file documents on your behalf in a class action lawsuit in Minnesota.

Class action trials usually take quite a while from start to finish (1-3 years). Additionally, it can often take even longer for each claimant to receive their award for damages (another 1-3 years). In the most outrageous cases, settlement checks can come in sections over the course of many years (small payments over the course of 20 years).

What is required to bring a wrongful death claim in Minnesota?

The following basic elements must be present:

1. A person dies.
2. The person's death was caused by the wrongful act or omission (negligence) of any person or corporation.
3. A trustee must be appointed by the court to pursue the case. Recovery may include compensation for the economic loss to the surviving spouse and next of kin resulting from the death.
4. Once the claim is resolved, the court then determines the proportionate pecuniary loss of the next of kin entitled to the recovery and calculates the distribution of the recovery.

Why must a Trustee be appointed by a Judge in a wrongful death claim?  

Appointment of Trustee: A district court judge must appoint a trustee who represents all the next of kin and will sue out the case against the wrongdoer. The following steps must be followed:
1. All potential next of kin are identified and contacted and they usually agree on the person to serve as trustee. The Trustee should be a person the jury and the next of kin can trust to properly invest and distribute any recovery in a fair and impartial manner for all the next of kin.
2. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure 144, a petition must be prepared by the attorney seeking approval from the district court to have the agreed upon person appointed trustee.
3. All heirs should receive notice of the Petition and the hearing date. If there is no dispute as to the appointment of the trustee, the heirs will sign a Waiver of Notice for hearing and bond and there may be no need to have a hearing. The decision whether to have a hearing is within the discretion of the Court.
4. The Trustee must sign an oath to faithfully perform the duties of trustee and represent all of the next of kin.
5. The petition, which is signed by the petitioning heir and the petitioning trustee, is forwarded to the court along with a proposed order appointing a trustee.

How does a lawsuit get started if there has been a wrongful death? 

A Lawsuit MUST be brought by a Trustee who has been appointed by a Judge: The appointed Trustee representing all the next of kin, starts the lawsuit against the person or company at fault.

1. The Trustee must hire an attorney to represent heself or himself..
2. The attorney begins the case on behalf of the Trustee against the at fault party by serving a summons and complaint against the at fault person.
3. The Trustee represents the spouse and next of kin who have a claim for pecuniary loss. This includes all the decedent's children, parents, siblings of the decedent, grandparents and descendants of grandparents. Parents may recover for the wrongful death of a child even if the child is emancipated and/or married. If the surviving spouse remarries during the case, it is not relevant to their recovery.
4. If the at fault person has died, the Trustee sues their estate.

Are there time limitations involving a wrongful death lawsuit?:
The time within which to bring a claim for wrongful death is 3 years from the death and no longer than 6 years from the incident. However, if a possible dram shop claim exists, the time limit in which to bring a claim is two years for the date of the incident. A notice must be sent to the establishment where the individual was served alcohol within 240 days of hiring the attorney.

How does the Trustee decide how to divide up the award?  
If there is a settlement of the case, the Trustee will bring the amount of the settlement and the amounts to be paid to each next of kin to the Judge who must approve it. (MRCP 114). The court hearing the petition for disbursement shall approve, modify, or disapprove the proposed disposition and shall specify the persons to whom the proceeds are to be paid.

The petition for distribution will be heard upon notice, given in form and manner and upon such persons as may be determined by the court, unless waived by all next of kin or the court.

The court by order will direct distribution of the money to the persons entitled thereto by law pursuant to JIG 91.75

The time you have to file a claim is known as the statute of limitations. In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is 3 years from the date of injury (death). It is very important that you speak with a personal injury defense attorney immediately after the death of a loved one if you believe that their death was caused by the negligence or fault of another to ensure that you do not miss the statutory timeline requirements to bring a wrongful death claim in Minnesota.

If you are able, do the following immediately:

1. Get out of your vehicle to solicit help and information from the other driver.
2. Call the police immediately and ensure a report will be made regardless of the extent of damage to the automobile or the injuries to the drivers and passengers.
3. Obtain the name of the other driver(s), passengers and witnesses.
4. Obtain the information of the other driver's insurance information, home address, and phone number(s).
5. Seek medical treatment immediately.
6. Call your insurance company to inform them of your accident. They will provide you with an adjuster assigned to your case and a claim number which can be used for billing of medical expenses. If you are injured in an auto/truck crash, you should have your medical treatment billed to your no-fault automobile insurance rather than your health insurance. If your bills exceed $20,000, then have your medical treatment billed to your health insurance.
7. Contact an attorney to ensure your right to recovery is protected.