When someone causes you harm, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against them. In many cases, that person is the direct cause of your injury. However, sometimes a third party (meaning someone not directly involved in the incident) may also be held legally responsible. These are known as third-party personal injury claims.
This kind of claim often comes up in workplace injuries, car accidents, or product liability cases. For example, if you’re injured at work because of defective machinery, you may have a claim against the equipment manufacturer, not just your employer. Minnesota law allows injury victims to hold all responsible parties accountable when more than one person or company contributes to the harm.
When Can You File a Third-Party Claim in Minnesota?
Third-party claims are usually present in situations where the at-fault party isn’t your employer or isn’t directly connected to you.
This is demonstrated by several examples.
The most common include:
- Workplace accidents caused by outside contractors or vendors
- Injuries caused by defective products
- Car crashes involving commercial drivers
- Falls or other incidents caused by property owners while on the job
Let’s say you’re a delivery driver and get into a wreck because another motorist ran a red light. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation through your employer, but you could also file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages workers’ comp doesn’t cover, like pain and suffering.
What Makes These Claims Unique?
Third-party personal injury claims are handled differently from workers’ compensation or no-fault insurance claims. You have to prove that the third party was negligent and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Unlike workers’ comp, you’ll also need to show that you suffered damages beyond medical bills and lost wages.
This means you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance
Because these claims involve a separate legal process, they often require more time, more evidence, and more negotiation. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is likely in your best interest if you’re pursuing a third-party claim.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Third-Party Personal Injury Case?
The legal standard for proving negligence in Minnesota is the same as in other personal injury cases.
To succeed, you’ll need to prove four key elements:
- Duty: The third party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care.
- Breach: They failed to meet that duty.
- Causation: Their failure directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm as a result.
For example, a subcontractor working at a job site may have a duty to follow safety regulations. If they don’t secure their tools properly and you get hurt, that breach could support a third-party claim.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Accident?
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover damages in a third-party claim if you were partly to blame for the incident, as long as you were not more at fault than the other party. If you are 50% or less responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Let’s say a property owner failed to salt an icy walkway, but you were also looking at your phone when you slipped. If you’re found 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. If you’re 51% at fault or more, you won’t be able to recover anything.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Third-Party Claim?
Solid evidence is the backbone of any successful third-party claim.
Your lawyer will work to collect and preserve the information needed to support your case, including:
- Accident reports or incident logs
- Medical records showing the extent of your injuries
- Witness statements
- Photos or video from the scene
- Expert analysis in complex cases
Gathering this kind of evidence quickly can make or break your claim, which is why acting early is crucial.
Contact a Minneapolis Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Claim
If you were hurt in an accident in Minnesota and think a third party might be legally responsible, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. These claims can be more complex than standard injury cases and often involve multiple parties and/or insurance policies. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and what steps to take next.
You may have the right to pursue compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. An experienced Minneapolis personal injury attorney can review the facts of your situation and help you move forward with confidence, so get started with a free consultation today. Contact us online or call Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys at (800) 292-1979.