How will the New Laws for Civil Litigation in Personal Injury Affect My Case?
April 28, 2014 | John T. BuchmanIn July of 2013, Minnesota passed significant changes to the rules that govern civil litigation, which would include personal injury claims. Minnesota adopted similar rules for federal courts and also instituted a “rocket-docket” as a trial program to see if a system could be developed that would cut down the time and expense to try civil cases. The pilot program is set up in Dakota and St. Louis Counties. These new rules have been in place for over nine months now and the transition has been easier than many feared. This is often the case with major changes, new rules created anxiety and concern among lawyers. However, I think most of us have seen that this sky did not fall. As cases get closer to jury trials, we will again experience the second major effect of the new rules. Under the old rules, when your BGS attorneys filed a lawsuit, we also served “discovery” which is written requests for information. The defendant usually did the same with their Answer. This required significant work on behalf of our clients to help us answer the requests of defense. Now, however, the parties cannot request discovery initially but must wait until the attorneys meet and complete some required tasks. However, we do need our clients to…
Read MoreSeatbelts Save Lives
April 23, 2014 | Jon P. EricksonMy family was recently reminded of the importance of Buckling Up. Above is a photo of my wife’s nephew Aaron’s car. He, his fiancé and their 3 and 1 year old daughters were involved in a single car rollover accident on the icy roads last week. The children were properly belted in their car seats, and the two adults were wearing their seat belts. They all walked away from the accident with little to no injuries. Once again we have a reminder why we all need to “buckle up” when in our cars and strive to make sure our children are also “buckled up!”
Read MoreAdriel B. Villarreal appointed to BGS Board of Directors
April 16, 2014 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.The law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen held its annual meeting on March 29, 2014 in Coon Rapids, MN. The meeting included a gathering of the Board of Directors, and the election of new members to the Board. Adriel B. Villarreal, BGS Shareholder, was elected to the Board of Directors effective April 1, 2014. Adriel began working with BGS as a law clerk in Personal Injury and Criminal Law in 2004 while attending the University of St. Thomas law school. Upon graduation and admittance to the Bar in 2006, Adriel was hired as an Associate in that department. He continues to focus his legal practice on Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. Adriel is bilingual and able to assist both English and Spanish speaking clients with their legal needs. He has been a regular volunteer throughout the twin cities area and outlying communities for individuals who have limited access to legal advice and services. The firm would like to congratulate Adriel on his accomplishments and commitment to the mission of providing clients legal service with trust, dedication and professionalism. BGS believes these ingredients are the essence of integrity, and strives to nurture these values within the firm.
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