Federal Real ID Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the last states out of compliance with the Federal Real ID Law which sets minimum security standards for state issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The deadline to come into compliance is early 2018. If Minnesota fails to come into compliance, Minnesotans risk losing access to commercial aircrafts and to federal and military facilities. While there are issues of privacy, the primary issue in the legislature appears to be the requirement to prove citizenship. Republicans generally oppose providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. Democrats argue having to prove citizenship would prevent undocumented immigrants from getting even... Read More
No-Fault Automobile Insurance
Automobile insurance can protect you from financial cost of an accident or an injury. No-fault automobile insurance is governed by state statute and requires the owner of every vehicle licensed in the state of Minnesota to provide insurance. Who is Covered? You are covered by the policy in your name. Any relative living in your home that does not have a policy in his or her name is covered by your policy. This includes a spouse, children or minor in your custody. A driver using your car with permission who is not covered by another policy will be covered by... Read More
Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council Legislative Proposal
During its meeting on February 15, 2017, the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) discussed a legislative proposal to add post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of the presumptive occupational diseases covered under the workers’ compensation statute. The proposal comes from Senators Nick Frentz and Dan Schoen. Citing some statistics that show suicide rates for police officers and firefighters are more than double that of other occupations, as well as other environmental factors, such as a routine absence of choice of what dangers the police officers and firefighters are exposed to, the proposal would make PTSD a presumptive work-related... Read More
What is No-Fault Coverage?
No-fault coverage applies to expenses resulting from injuries sustained in an accident. It was established to help ease the burden of the courts ensuring proper treatment for accident victims. No-fault is the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your policy also referred to as Basic Economic Loss Benefits. No-fault covers your medical costs, wage loss, replacement services such as housekeeping and, in the event of death, money for funeral expenses. No-fault claims are first made on your own PIP policy. The minimum no-fault coverage is $40,000 as of 2017. This amount is available to each person injured in the accident. $20,000... Read More
Minnesota Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Expungement Statute
The Minnesota Supreme Court has now clarified certain aspects of Minnesota’s expungement law. The issue is whether a criminal felony conviction, not able to be expunged on its own, can nonetheless be expunged if the conviction was deemed to be a misdemeanor under Minnesota law. One side of the argument says the answer is “yes” because the conviction is for a misdemeanor. The other side of the argument says the answer is “no” because the person was originally convicted of a felony. The Minnesota Supreme Court answered this question with a “no” – there is no opportunity for expungement of... Read More
Minnesota Homestead Property Tax
Many of us are not clear what the various abbreviations mean that our found on our real estate tax statement. How and why property receives homestead classification or non-homestead classification can be a mystery, particularly for those owning agricultural land. Losing homestead classification usually results in higher real estate taxes payable each year but the hidden loss may be the unavailability of the estate tax credit available to farmers. Under current law, qualified farmers have a Minnesota estate tax credit of $5 million. To qualify for these additional credit, the farm must be, among other things, taxed as homestead property.... Read More
Fatigued Truck Drivers A Danger On Minnesota Roadways
One might refer to them as the three “Ds” of decidedly disastrous driving. Too often drunk, distracted and drowsy driving creates mayhem on the nation’s roadways. Avoidable accidents cause injuries and take lives, Denver Auto Accident Lawyer deal with many daily cases related with road accidents everyday. Fatigued Truckers: A Unique Class (car wreck attorneys) Fatigued truck drivers are a danger on Minnesota roadways in part because of the sheer size and weight of the rigs. A fully loaded semi tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, approximately 20 times that of a typical mid-size passenger vehicle. Trucks with oversize or... Read More
Wrongful Death Lawsuit: What Is It and What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Dealing with the unexpected loss of a family member is a difficult event for anyone to take. When that death is caused by a third party, it complicates the situation and amplifies the pain for those left behind due to the knowledge that the loss did not have to happen. In many cases, loved ones of the deceased are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against whomever was responsible. While this does not by any means fill the emotional hole left behind in the person’s absence, a win in court does help with the monetary strain that occurs in... Read More
Enjoy Your Holidays; Don’t Ruin Them with a DWI
The holiday period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a time for festivities, family and fun. Unfortunately, sometimes that fun leads to over-imbibing in alcohol, which can bring a quick end to the fun if you spend part of your holiday period in jail. We at Farrish Johnson Law Office understand there are many opportunities to celebrate, with office parties, family events, football bowl game parties. But we want you to have a safe and happy holiday season, so here’s some advice about drinking and the consequences of DWI in Minnesota. DWI Laws in Minnesota First, it’s important to have... Read More
The Benefits of Hiring a Mankato Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most common questions for people involved in an automobile accident is if there’s really any benefit to hiring an injury lawyer. In most cases, you’ll actually be able to get an increased settlement from your insurance company by working with a lawyer. The most important thing is that you at least know what kind of situation you’re getting into if you decide to work with your insurer without the aid of a lawyer. Settling directly with an insurance company is a mistake, especially if you haven’t consulted with an experienced lawyer before hand. The Insurance Company Isn’t... Read More