Hazelton Law GroupHazelton Law Group2026-10-14T13:59:37Zhttps://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1405109/2026/04/cropped-Site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[When workers’ comp may not be enough after a grain bin accident ]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=488252026-10-14T13:59:37Z2026-10-14T13:59:37ZYou may pursue a third-party claim
In Minnesota, workers’ comp generally bars lawsuits against your employer for a covered injury. However, third-party liability rules often allow you to seek damages from a responsible outside party.
For example, a faulty auger shutoff could support a product liability claim against its maker. An outside repair company could face a negligence claim if its careless work caused the machine to fail.
A separate grain facility owner might also face a lawsuit for unsafe conditions within their control. To pursue these claims, you need evidence linking the defect or unsafe conduct to your injury. Photos, repair records and witness accounts can support your case.
You can seek damages beyond benefits
With evidence of fault, your injury claim can address harm beyond what standard benefits cover. Workers’ comp pays for covered medical care and replaces part of your wages. It does not pay damages for pain and suffering.
A separate lawsuit could seek payment for physical pain, emotional distress and lost future earning capacity. For instance, lasting lung damage after entrapment might force you into a lower-paying job, supporting a claim for your reduced earning capacity.
The two claims can still interact financially. Your workers’ comp insurer generally has a right to repayment from a third-party recovery. A settlement may also reduce later payments, so the amount you keep could be lower.
You may have an employer claim
Your employer’s insurance status can open another path because certain farm jobs fall outside mandatory coverage. Eligibility often depends on payroll, family ties and other rules.
If an exemption applies without voluntary coverage, you could pursue a negligence lawsuit. A civil claim is also possible if your employer failed to buy legally required insurance.
Why you need to assess an offer before accepting it
Reviewing the proposed amount before accepting it can reveal gaps between the payment and your expected expenses. Those differences could leave you covering ongoing care or lost earnings with fewer resources.
The agreement’s terms may also deserve attention because they determine which claims you are giving up. A lawyer can explain those limits and assess how the settlement could affect your other benefits.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[Can you recover compensation after a single-vehicle crash?]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=488122026-09-29T16:02:59Z2026-09-29T16:02:59ZYou may be eligible for no-fault benefits
Minnesota's no-fault insurance system can help cover certain losses after a motor vehicle crash, even when no other driver caused it. Depending on your coverage, these benefits can help pay medical expenses and replace part of your lost income after an injury.
A liability claim may apply when another party contributed to the crash
Depending on who created or controlled the hazard, a claim could involve a government entity, road contractor or another responsible party. Minnesota law allows certain claims against government entities, although special rules and exceptions can limit when they face liability.
The state also considers each person's share of the blame when more than one party caused an injury. Your recovery could depend on how much blame another party carries for the crash.
A vehicle defect may create another source of compensation
A bad vehicle part could give you another way to seek damages if it helped cause the crash. A faulty tire, brake or other key part could raise questions about the role of the manufacturer, seller or another party.
Evidence from the car and crash scene can help show whether a faulty part played a role.
Your own fault does not always prevent recovery
Your own role in the crash does not always stop you from seeking damages from another party. Minnesota law generally lowers your damages based on your share of the blame, as long as your share does not exceed the combined share of the parties you seek damages from.
Don't assume you're on your own after a crash
A crash involving only your vehicle does not always leave you without options. Your insurance, the road conditions, a faulty vehicle part or another person's actions could affect what you can recover.
If you suffered an injury, consider reviewing the crash, your insurance and the available evidence with an attorney. They can help you determine whether you have another source of compensation.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[Mining accidents on the Iron Range: Minnesota workers’ rights]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=488102026-09-08T10:09:38Z2026-09-08T10:09:38ZWhat Minnesota workers' compensation covers for injured miners
For injuries at work, Minnesota workers' compensation is your first source of benefits. It is a no-fault system, meaning you can file a claim regardless of who caused the accident. Benefits can cover medical treatment, wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, permanent disability and vocational rehabilitation.
Workers' compensation also covers occupational diseases, not just sudden accidents. If you are diagnosed with silicosis or mesothelioma linked to your mine work, you may still qualify for benefits even if the illness took years to develop. In those cases, the filing deadline generally runs from the date you knew the illness was work-related.
One limitation to keep in mind is that workers' compensation does not cover pain and suffering or emotional distress. For some miners, that is where a third-party claim becomes relevant.
When you may have a third-party claim beyond workers' comp
Workers' compensation does not cover everything, and for many injured miners, a third-party personal injury claim is where the more meaningful recovery happens. If someone other than your employer contributed to your accident, you may file a separate claim against that party.
On an Iron Range mine site, that could mean a manufacturer whose equipment failed, a contractor whose crew created an unsafe condition, or a maintenance company that serviced machinery improperly. These are parties your workers' compensation claim cannot touch, but a personal injury claim can.
Unlike workers' compensation, an independent civil claim opens the door to non-economic losses like pain and emotional distress. The deadline to file is generally six years from the date of your injury.
Getting legal help after a mining accident
Mining accident cases can be more complex than they first appear, and workers' compensation is not always the whole story. If you believe someone other than your employer played a role in your accident, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand the full picture of what you may be entitled to.
]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[How insurance adjusters use fault rules to deny Minnesota claims]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=488082026-08-26T13:54:39Z2026-08-26T13:54:39ZUnderstanding Minnesota's 51% Fault Rule
Minnesota law allows fault to be divided between multiple parties. If you hold 50% or less of the fault, you can still recover compensation, though your percentage of fault lowers your total award. If the court assigns you 51% or more of the fault, you recover nothing.
That single percentage point is the line between a recovery and zero, and insurance adjusters build their strategy around pushing you past it.
Spotting adjuster manipulation tactics
Adjusters contact victims quickly, often within hours, before you understand your injuries or have spoken with an attorney. Their most common move is requesting a recorded statement, framed as routine.
Questions are designed to draw out admissions of fault, and casual remarks like "I may have been going a little fast" can push your fault percentage past the 50% threshold. Adjusters also ask about prior injuries, suggest shared responsibility and delay the process until financial pressure forces a quick settlement.
Building an independent case for fault
In disputed fault cases, a personal injury lawyer can bring in an outside expert to independently analyze how the crash occurred. Experts analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, sight lines, road conditions and data from vehicle event recorders to produce an independent account of how the crash actually happened.
This directly challenges inflated fault percentages and gives you a factual foundation to negotiate or litigate from. An attorney also takes over communication with the adjuster, which means no more recorded statements and no more offhand remarks used against you.
Acting before the adjuster shapes the narrative
The adjuster starts building their version of events from the moment they make first contact. Every statement you give and every day you wait without representation gives that version more room to harden against you.
Minnesota sets a two-year deadline for personal injury claims, starting from the date of your accident, but waiting costs you. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear and early statements become permanent.
If an adjuster has already reached out, speaking with a personal injury attorney before responding may be one of the smartest decisions you make for your case
]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[How are personal injury settlements calculated in Minnesota?]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=488062026-08-20T12:21:17Z2026-08-20T12:21:17ZWhat types of losses affect settlement value?
Your losses generally fall into two categories. Economic losses are costs you can measure. Noneconomic losses cover personal effects, such as pain and limits on daily life. Depending on your situation, these may include:
Medical expenses and expected future treatment
Lost income and reduced ability to earn income
Pain and suffering
Permanent injuries or limitations
Effects on your daily activities
How serious your injuries are and how long they last can also affect settlement value. Medical records, bills and wage documents can help show your financial and personal losses.
How does fault affect your settlement?
Minnesota uses a rule called modified comparative fault. If you share responsibility for your injury, your share of fault reduces the compensation you can receive. For example, if you are 30% at fault, the compensation you can receive generally decreases by 30%.
You can generally recover from a party if your fault is no greater than theirs. If your share of responsibility is greater, you cannot recover damages from that party. That makes evidence about how the injury happened important to your personal injury claim.
How can insurance coverage affect the amount?
Even when your losses are substantial, insurance coverage can affect how much compensation is available. A policy limit restricts how much that particular insurer will pay. However, that limit does not always reflect the full value of your losses.
Understand what accepting a settlement means
The dollar amount is not the only part of a settlement that matters. Accepting an offer usually means giving up the right to bring more claims against certain people or companies for the same injury. Legal guidance can help you understand those terms, identify the rights you would give up and evaluate how the agreement may affect you before the claim ends.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[How can farmers in Minnesota reduce the risk of accidents?]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=487842026-08-12T15:17:46Z2026-08-12T15:16:54ZFarm accidents are a major cause of injury and death. The good news is that you can prevent many of the most common injuries. Farmers in Minnesota can lower risk by using practical safety steps and following key state and federal rules.
OSHA standards and workplace safety
OSHA says employers must provide a workplace free from known hazards. However, many farms are exempt from OSHA enforcement. In general, a farm may be exempt if it:
Employs 10 or fewer non-family employees
Has not operated a temporary labor camp in the past 12 months
That means any Minnesota farm that employs only immediate family members does not need to comply with federal OSHA requirements. However, this does not mean that there are no workplace safety standards for family-run farms. Section 182.65 of the Minnesota Statutes applies to nearly all workplaces and employees in the state. Minnesota has its own OSHA program (MNOSHA) under this law.Both state and federal laws set specific mandatory safety standards and enumerate your rights and responsibilities as an employee. Whether you are an employee or employer, you can decrease the risk of accidents by following requirements.
Safe operations and roadway compliance
Train your workers before they start their jobs. Use safety videos, hands-on demos, seatbelt policies and Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS). These simple steps can stop unsafe habits before they lead to an injury.Following road and traffic laws does more than just keep workers safe. If you own the farm, following state and federal rules can protect you from costly legal issues if an accident happens.
Risk reduction strategies
Before employees start working, farms or employers should provide proper safety training to manage risk. Providing materials, training videos, safety demonstrations and equipment inspections can already reduce instances of unsafe farm operations or management. Consulting an agricultural safety professional can help ensure compliance while protecting lives and livelihoods. Additionally, you may want to seek legal counsel regarding compliance with Minnesota and federal laws.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[What is the deadline to file an injury claim after a car crash?]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=487752026-07-29T14:01:58Z2026-07-29T14:01:58ZUnderstanding Minnesota's statute of limitations
Minnesota generally gives you six years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Lawyers call this deadline the statute of limitations. Most injury claims start on the date of the injury. Some claims follow different rules. The six-year deadline applies to many personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents and other negligence-related injuries.
Some cases have shorter deadlines. Minnesota requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within four years from the date the negligent act occurred or when the continuous course of treatment for the condition ended.
Exceptions that may change your filing deadline
Some situations can pause or extend the filing deadline. If you were a minor when the injury occurred, the filing period is paused, but you must typically file your claim within one year after turning 18.
Claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines. If your car accident and subsequent injury involves a city, county or another government agency, you may need to notify that agency within a much shorter period, often 180 days depending on the entity involved. Missing that deadline could prevent you from pursuing your case.
How waiting can affect your personal injury claim
Although Minnesota gives you six years to file most injury claims, waiting too long can create challenges. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget important details and medical records can become harder to obtain. Taking action early helps preserve evidence while it is fresh and build a stronger case.
Insurance companies also prefer to handle claims quickly. Waiting too long may cause insurers to question your injuries or whether the accident caused them. Starting early gives you more time to gather evidence and pursue fair compensation.
Protecting your right to seek compensation
After a car accident, understanding Minnesota's filing deadlines can help you protect your right to seek compensation before time runs out. Taking action early lets you preserve evidence, organize important records and meet notice requirements. These steps can put you in a stronger position if you decide to pursue your case.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[What should you do after a logging truck crash?]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=487762026-06-29T14:53:48Z2026-06-29T14:53:48ZSeek medical attention
Getting medical care should be your first priority after a logging truck crash. Even if you feel relatively okay, some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days after a collision.
Allow emergency responders to evaluate you and follow up with your doctor if new symptoms appear. Prompt treatment not only supports your recovery but also creates a record showing when your injuries began and how they affected you.
Document the scene
Gathering information at the scene can help preserve details that may be harder to confirm later. If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries.
You should also try to collect:
The logging truck driver's contact and insurance information
The truck's company name and identifying numbers
Contact information for any witnesses
Minnesota law requires law enforcement officers to prepare reports for certain crashes involving injuries or significant vehicle damage, making it important to contact police when appropriate.
Keep records related to the crash
Saving information connected to the collision can make it easier to track how the incident has affected your life. Start a folder where you keep medical bills, repair estimates and correspondence from insurance companies.
You may also want to keep notes about missed work, physical limitations or appointments related to your recovery. Small details can become difficult to remember as time passes, so it helps to keep records.
Learn your legal options
Logging truck cases often involve more than the driver behind the wheel. Depending on the circumstances, a logging company, trucking business or another party may also play a role in what happened.
Speaking with an attorney can help you understand who may be responsible and what options may be available. Early guidance can also help preserve important evidence before it disappears.
Move forward with a stronger claim
The information you gather after a logging truck crash can help your attorney build a stronger case. Medical records, photographs and witness information can provide valuable evidence about what happened and how the collision has affected you. By staying organized and preserving key details, you can support efforts to pursue the compensation you deserve.
]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[5 safety tips for riders and cyclists during gravel season]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=487772026-06-22T10:07:18Z2026-06-22T10:07:18ZUse bright front and rear lights
Dust, sun glare and changing light conditions can make it harder for drivers to notice cyclists. A flashing white light in front and a flashing red light in back often improve visibility during gravel season.
Slow down when approaching fresh gravel
Newly spread rock may shift under your tires. For example, entering a corner at normal speed on deep gravel may cause a sudden loss of traction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ride smoothly through loose sections
Abrupt braking and sharp turns can make a bicycle or motorcycle less stable. Gentle inputs generally help maintain control when road surfaces become unpredictable.
Follow Minnesota traffic rules
Traffic laws can differ for bicyclists and motorcyclists. Minnesota allows cyclists, in certain situations, to treat a stop sign as a yield sign when traffic is clear and it is safe to continue. Understanding the rules that apply to your vehicle can help you make more predictable decisions around other road users.
Share trails responsibly
Some gravel routes pass through areas shared with pedestrians or other recreational users. Announcing your presence and leaving adequate space when passing may help prevent conflicts.
These safety practices can reduce some common risks during gravel season. However, careful riding cannot prevent every collision. When a crash occurs, responsibility often depends on the facts. Minnesota follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
Under Minnesota law, an injured person can generally seek compensation if they do not carry a greater share of fault than the other party. Any recovery is typically reduced according to that person's percentage of fault.
Protecting your rights in case of a collision
A gravel-season collision can leave you facing medical expenses, time away from work and uncertainty about what happened. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements and documentation of road conditions often helps establish how the incident occurred.
Since fault is not always clear after a gravel-road collision, understanding your legal rights can be important. Legal guidance may help you evaluate liability issues, preserve evidence and better understand the options available after a serious crash.]]>On Behalf of Hazelton Law Group<![CDATA[Common driving habits that could lead to accidents in Minnesota]]>https://www.hazeltonlawgroup.com/?p=487782026-06-04T09:04:54Z2026-06-04T09:04:54ZDistracted driving takes many forms
Taking your eyes off the road to send a text while driving can be disastrous. To prevent this, Minnesota law prohibits texting while driving. Drivers who cause accidents due to distracted driving face both criminal penalties and civil liability for damages. Eating breakfast during your morning commute, adjusting the radio, applying makeup or reaching for items in the backseat also have the potential to divert your attention from the road.
In Minnesota's unpredictable weather conditions, staying focused becomes even more critical. When roads are slick or visibility is poor, you need every bit of your attention on driving. Consider putting your phone in the glove compartment, finishing your meal before you start driving and programming your GPS before you leave.
Following too closely
Tailgating is a common habit that dramatically increases your accident risk. When you follow another vehicle too closely, you reduce your reaction time if that driver suddenly brakes. The recommended safe following distance is at least three seconds in good conditions, but Minnesota winters require even more space.
Snow, ice and slush significantly extend your stopping distance. What seems like a safe gap in summer becomes dangerously short when roads are slippery. Increasing your following distance gives you the time and space you need to stop safely, even when conditions deteriorate quickly.
Speeding and aggressive driving
Driving over the posted speed limit might save you a few minutes, but it drastically reduces your ability to respond to hazards. Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances and less time to react to unexpected situations. This becomes especially problematic during Minnesota's harsh winters when road conditions can change rapidly.
Aggressive behaviors like weaving through traffic, running red lights or making unsafe lane changes also increase collision risk. These actions not only endanger you but also put other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
Minnesota enforces strict speeding laws, with fines increasing based on how much you exceed the posted limit. If speeding contributes to an accident that causes injury or death, you may face enhanced penalties, including criminal charges such as criminal vehicular operation or criminal vehicular homicide.
Failing to adjust for weather conditions
Driving at or above the speed limit on wet or icy roads, or failing to clear snow from your windshield before driving, could lead to car accidents. You may want to consider reducing your speed when road conditions worsen and ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for the weather.
Taking a few extra minutes to drive cautiously could prevent a devastating accident. Remember that posted speed limits reflect ideal conditions, not icy highways or heavy snowfall. Adjusting your driving style to match the current weather demonstrates responsible behavior behind the wheel.
Your knowledge can make Minnesota’s roads safer
Car crashes can happen almost anywhere at any time, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of getting caught in one. By staying focused, maintaining a safe following distance, controlling your speed and adjusting to changing weather conditions, you can reduce your risk of a collision. Being aware of harmful habits and avoiding them helps protect you and the other people you share the road with.]]>