Minnesota Law Blog

Undoubtedly, health care workers face serious risks on the job

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Even though it can be easy to forget when Minnesota residents are ill or injured and need medical attention, few of them would deny that health care workers put their lives at risk when they go to work, especially now. If you work in the health care industry, you certainly know that you could suffer serious injuries or illnesses as a result of your chosen profession.

You rely on your employer and those you work with to help keep you safe, but that may not be enough to protect you. Regardless, you got into this industry because you wanted to help people despite the risks.

Please Support Our Favorite Local Community Restaurants and Small Businesses

By Daniel Milavetz of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Do hands-free laws prevent motor vehicle accidents?

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Modern technology is meant to improve people's lives, and in most cases, that is exactly what it does. However, there are instances where the misuse of technology can endanger the person using it and others around them. Nowhere is this more evident than in distracted driving.

Fortunately, the state of Minnesota implemented a hands-free law late last year, prohibiting motorists from using mobile devices while operating a vehicle. Many studies show that these laws reduce the rates of motor vehicle accidents. However, some critics remain doubtful and say that these laws do little to prevent distracted driving. No matter where your opinion on the matter lies, what do the facts actually say and how can you keep your family safe?

When is the last time you checked your tires as a safety measure?

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Whether you're a daily commuter on Minnesota roadways or an occasional traveler, it's critical that you make sure the vehicle you're driving is in safe working condition. For instance, if your brake lights are not functioning, not only might a police officer pull you over in a traffic stop, you could wind up being rear-ended by another car if the person behind you can't tell that you've applied your brakes.

Tire safety is something that many drivers fail to make a top priority. Many blowouts have occurred on Minnesota roads due to people driving cars with tires with worn treads. The balder the tire, the likelier you might be to experience a blowout while traveling. What if your tires are in prime condition but another driver's tires are not and he or she hits you, resulting in injury? Who would be responsible for your medical bills?

COVID-19 update for current and prospective clients

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) sweeping around the world has led to drastic preventative measures to curb fatalities and contain the illness. Last week, Minnesota governor Tim Waltz declared a peacetime state of emergency. Health officials have recommended canceling or postponing all social gatherings. Schools are closed across the state. Restaurants, bars and other venues are shutting down. Social distancing - maintaining a minimum of six feet of separation between individuals - is advised in all situations outside the home. The impact on all levels of society is profound.

Some of these distracted driving activities may shock you

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Friday, February 7, 2020.

Like most Minnesota residents, you may find yourself feeling distracted at various points during the day. During a work meeting, you may think about what you will have for lunch, or you may even find yourself thinking about something else when a friend is telling a story. Often, you can bring yourself back to attention without anyone even noticing, but in other scenarios, distraction can have devastating results.

In particular, distracted driving is an issue that causes injuries and deaths far too often. You may remain extra vigilant when behind the wheel and stay focused as best as possible. Unfortunately, other drivers may purposefully distract themselves from paying attention to the road.

Ground-level falls often result in brain injuries

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

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At this time of year, when the Minnesota temperatures hover in the teens and twenties, you can expect that any precipitation that falls will freeze when it hits the ground. This is not something new, and property owners should expect that sudden changes in the weather may mean changes in the conditions of their sidewalks, parking lots and building floors.

Ice, water and even salt can create a slick surface that can result in a hard fall. If you strike your head when you fall, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury, which may mean a significant change in life as you know it.

Having trouble making child support payments?

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Friday, December 27, 2019.

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Like all good parents in Minnesota and beyond, your children's well-being is your greatest priority. Depending on the ages of your kids and their particular life circumstances, the amount of money needed to provide for them is likely to fluctuate through the years or, perhaps, even by the month. When you filed for divorce, you understood that the court would order you to pay child support. You wanted a divorce and in no way wished to abdicate your parental obligations.

As time went on, things changed, and you found it more difficult to keep up with court-ordered child support payments. As long as you continue to make payments on time, you may be able to request modification of the court order. What you cannot do, however, is stop making payments unless and until the court grants permission to do so.

Get ready for winter weather-related car accidents

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Friday, November 15, 2019.

Winter is here; there is no doubt about it. It is something that Minnesotans typically deal with, but it doesn't mean they are experts at driving in the snow and ice -- despite what some might think. Every winter, weather-related car accidents affect numerous people, but the weather is not fully at fault for these events. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving habits when the weather turns.

There are numerous things drivers can do to make sure they drive safely this winter. If safe drivers get in accidents with unsafe drivers, they may have legal recourse. The state allows victims of negligent drivers or -- in the event of fatality -- their surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses.

Dog bites down, but not for everyone

On behalf of Milavetz Gallop & Milavetz PA on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Dogs can be wonderful companions for all ages, but they are also unpredictable, as are all animals. A bite from a dog can cause excruciating pain, debilitating injuries and disfiguring scars. Dog bites frequently become infected, causing even more medical challenges for the victim.

The good news is that dog bites across the country have dropped in the past year. However, that's not the whole story. If you live in Minnesota, you may be more likely to suffer a dog bite than in most other states. If you have a child, especially one who is a toddler, you have even more reason for concern.