Filing a Claim After a Personal Injury Accident

Anyone who has been attacked by a dog is advised to speak with us at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. as soon as possible. Dog owners are responsible for how their pet behaves. So if you were bitten without having provoked the animal, then you may be owed payment for your injury care and other related losses. Our Rochester, MN personal injury lawyer can handle a variety of cases, including dog bites, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, car collisions, truck accidents, wrongful death, and more. If your injury was the fault of another’s negligence or recklessness, then now is the time to consult with a legal team about pursuing compensation. We are ready to help you!

How We Recover Your Losses

If you were bitten by a dog and sustained physical injury, then chances are you had to go to the doctor for treatment. This can come at an expense that you should not have had to pay for. Our personal injury attorney can recover your losses by helping you get compensation for medical bills and other costs that were caused by the attack. The amount you receive will vary based on the severity of your injuries and current and future losses. You may have missed out on work, in which you would be entitled to payment for loss of earnings. Our personal injury attorney can also get you compensated for an attack that caused significant pain, suffering, and distress.

Why Dog Bite Laws Favor Victims

Our personal injury attorney knows that being involved in a dog bite incident can lead to mental and physical anguish for the victim. Minnesota has a strict liability dog bite statute. In other words, it means that it is not required to prove that the owner or individual in control of the dog acted carelessly. The law allows victims to recoup money for their losses and suffering regardless of how much control or protection the owner exhibited. If a dog attacks or injures someone without provocation while a person was acting peaceably in any location, the owner is liable to damages that the injured person sustained. As our Rochester personal injury lawyer explains, the most common dog bite injuries are listed below:

• Nerve damage
• Bone fracture
• Infection
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue damage
• Puncture wounds
• Tendon damage
• Crushing injuries
• Abrasion
• PTSD

Dog bite attacks can be scary. Many victims suffer from both emotional and physical injuries. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., we put your wellbeing first. You may have incurred financial losses as a result of the incident, in addition to mental anguish. After our Rochester personal injury lawyer talks with you further about what happened, we can let you know whether you could be owed compensation from the owner. We understand that for many people, dogs are the best companion of man. But they can still bite, which may cause serious injury and monetary losses. A victim deserves fair payment for what they had to go through. If you or a loved one was injured because of a dog attack, we are ready to hear from you. We can offer assistance right away.

Understanding Pain And Suffering Damages In A Personal Injury Case

As Rochester, MN personal injury lawyers, we understand that the consequences of a personal injury go beyond just medical bills and lost wages. The emotional distress, physical pain, and impact on our daily lives are just as real—and often even more challenging to endure. That’s where pain and suffering damages come into play in a personal injury case. But how do we calculate these damages, and what should we expect during the legal process? Let’s break it down together.

Pain And Suffering Damages

In a personal injury case, pain and suffering refer to the non-economic damages that result from an accident. At Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. we can confirm that these damages compensate us for the physical pain and emotional distress we endure due to someone else’s negligence. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, which come with a clear dollar amount, pain and suffering damages are more subjective.

Pain and suffering typically include:

• Physical pain from injuries, surgeries, or long-term conditions
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life, when we can no longer engage in activities we once loved
• Scarring or disfigurement, which can impact our self-esteem and emotional well-being

Calculating Pain And Suffering Damages

Because these damages are non-economic, there’s no set formula for calculating them. However, courts and insurance companies often use one of two common methods:

1. The Multiplier Method – This approach takes our actual economic damages (such as medical expenses) and multiplies them by a number, typically between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of our injuries. For example, if our medical bills total $50,000 and the multiplier is 3, pain and suffering damages could be valued at $150,000.
2. The Per Diem Method – This method assigns a daily dollar amount to our pain and suffering and multiplies it by the number of days we experience hardship. For example, if a court values our pain at $200 per day and we suffer for 200 days, we could receive $40,000 in damages.

Proving Pain And Suffering In A Personal Injury Case

Since these damages are subjective, we need strong evidence to prove their impact. Here’s what can help:

• Medical records showing the extent of our injuries
• Testimonies from doctors or therapists who can explain our physical and emotional suffering
• Personal journals documenting how the injury affects our daily life
• Statements from family and friends who witness our struggles

Challenges In Claiming Pain And Suffering Damages

Insurance companies often try to minimize pain and suffering claims, arguing that they are exaggerated or unsupported by evidence. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can advocate for the compensation we deserve.

Pain and suffering damages acknowledge the full impact of an injury—not just the financial costs, but the human cost as well. When we file a personal injury claim, we’re not just seeking compensation; we’re fighting for justice and recognition of what we’ve endured. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, our Rochester personal injury lawyer can help.

Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

When life takes an unexpected turn due to an accident or injury, our Rochester, MN personal injury lawyer can be an essential advocate for your rights. These legal professionals focus on helping individuals who have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slipped and fell on unsafe property, or been struck while riding your bike, our personal injury lawyer works to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

• Car Accidents

Car accidents are among the most common reasons people seek the help of our personal injury lawyer. In the aftermath of a crash, victims often face physical pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages. Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly, sometimes offering less than what is fair. Our personal injury lawyer helps navigate the legal process, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance providers, and ensures that all aspects of your claim are properly addressed.

• Slip And Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are another leading cause of injury, often resulting from hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or lack of signage. Property owners and businesses have a legal obligation to maintain safe environments for guests and patrons. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, they can be held responsible. Our personal injury lawyer evaluates the circumstances of your fall, determines liability, and pursues a claim to cover medical costs, rehabilitation, and related damages.

• Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can involve multiple parties, including public transit authorities, private bus companies, and other drivers. These cases can be complex, often involving government entities with specific claim procedures and time limits. Our personal injury lawyer experienced with bus accidents understands these unique challenges and works diligently to identify liable parties, collect the necessary documentation, and protect your legal rights.

• Dog Bites

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, especially for children and older adults. Laws regarding dog owner liability vary by state, but in many cases, owners are responsible when their pets cause harm. Injuries from dog bites may require stitches, surgery, or even long-term psychological treatment. Our personal injury lawyer can help determine whether the owner knew of the dog’s aggressive behavior and if proper precautions were taken. By building a strong case, your lawyer can pursue damages that account for both physical injuries and emotional trauma.

• Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. These incidents frequently involve issues like driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo. Investigating a truck accident requires a thorough understanding of federal and state trucking regulations. Our personal injury lawyer with experience in these cases can uncover critical evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data.

• Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Despite using bike lanes and wearing protective gear, accidents can happen due to distracted drivers, poor road conditions, or lack of proper signage. Our personal injury lawyer helps injured cyclists recover compensation for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and time away from work. They also advocate for safer roadways by holding negligent drivers accountable.

Rochester Personal Injury FAQs

Recovering from a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when it affects your daily routine, work life, and mobility. Our Rochester, MN personal injury lawyer often hears the same concerns from individuals who are unsure what to expect from treatment or how long the healing process might take. It’s important to address these questions with clarity and care so patients feel confident as they begin their recovery journey. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people ask about injury-related rehabilitation.

How Soon Should I Start Physical Therapy After My Injury?

We recommend beginning therapy as early as your physician approves it, sometimes within days of the injury. Starting sooner can help reduce swelling, prevent stiffness, and improve circulation, which are all key to promoting healing. In many cases, waiting too long to start therapy can delay your recovery or lead to long-term limitations. Our Rochester personal injury lawyer works closely with your referring provider to determine the safest and most effective timing to begin treatment.

Will Physical Therapy Help With My Pain?

Yes, in many cases, therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain after an injury. We use a combination of movement-based approaches and manual techniques to target the source of discomfort. Strengthening weak areas and improving joint mechanics can also relieve pressure that causes pain. While results vary depending on the severity and type of injury, most patients experience meaningful improvements in pain levels within a few weeks of starting regular sessions.

How Long Will It Take Me To Recover?

The recovery timeline depends on multiple factors like the type of injury, the area of the body affected, your overall health, and how consistently you follow the treatment plan. Minor strains may heal in a few weeks, while more significant injuries, like those involving tendons, ligaments, or fractures, can take months. We reevaluate progress regularly and adjust therapy to match your needs, so your plan evolves with your healing. Patience and consistency are key to achieving lasting outcomes.

Do I Need A Referral Before Starting Physical Therapy?

This depends on your state and insurance coverage. In many places, you can begin therapy without a referral, but some providers or plans may still require one. If you’re unsure, we can help verify your coverage and walk you through what’s needed to start. What matters most is getting the care you need without delay, so we keep the process simple and accessible for you.

What Can I Expect During My First Visit?

During your initial visit, we’ll complete a thorough assessment to understand the nature of your injury, how it affects your movement, and what your goals are for recovery. This includes a combination of strength, flexibility, balance, and functional movement testing. Based on our findings, we’ll develop a personalized plan that’s practical and realistic. Our Rochester personal injury lawyer can explain the steps we’ll take together so you feel supported from day one.

Contact Our Rochester Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Healing from a personal injury is more than just getting back to normal; it’s about regaining confidence in your movement and building strength for the future. Our team at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., has decades of experience and is committed to walking that path with you, one step at a time. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an injury and have questions about your recovery, reach out to schedule your free consultation today.