Last summer, a mother was riding her bike while pulling her young daughter in a specialized child trailer. A distracted driver came around a corner too quickly and struck the trailer. The crash caused the little girl to suffer a broken collarbone, and her mother missed work to care for her injured child.
The parents initially tried to handle the claim directly with the driver’s insurance company. However, the insurer pressured them to settle quickly, offering a one-time payment of just $5,000 to close both the mother’s and daughter’s claims. Feeling taken advantage of, the family decided to reach out to our firm for help.
After reviewing the case, our legal team discovered that the insurance company had failed to fully investigate the severity of the child’s injury. We carefully examined her medical records and provided clear photographic evidence showing a permanent alteration to her collarbone as a result of the accident.
Our advocacy resulted in a $21,500 settlement for the daughter, with all of her medical bills covered by the insurance company in addition to the payout. For the mother, attorney Scott Kruger not only recovered compensation for her lost wages but also identified an additional claim for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) — a rarely recognized claim in Minnesota. This type of claim applies when a person narrowly avoids physical injury but witnesses a loved one being seriously hurt as a result of another’s negligence. Thanks to Scott Kruger’s work, the mother obtained a separate settlement for the emotional trauma she endured.
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This case highlights the importance of contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Insurance companies are motivated to settle quickly — often for far less than a claim is truly worth. Having a personal injury lawyer who understands complex and uncommon claims can make a life-changing difference.
If you or someone you love has suffered serious physical or emotional distress due to another’s negligence, call or text personal injury attorney Scott Kruger at (612) 465-8733 for a free consultation.