The POWER 30: Jed Chronic

Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz

If you get a package delivered within a couple of days, Jed Chronic would like you to remember the truck drivers who made that possible.

Chronic, who practices in Mankato, practices mainly in serious catastrophic injury and death cases, some from trucking accidents. He has also practiced widely in products liability cases, with some against very large companies.

One of his current cases is for the heirs of a young father of three who was driving a semitruck and was struck by another semi. The facts of the accident are under investigation. “It’s not always the individual’s fault” if an accident occurs when the driver is being pressured to drive by his employer or even his employer’s owner, Chronic said. The case, still in its early stages, is venued in federal court in Wyoming.

Another case was a crash in Redwood Falls, Minnesota where a five-car pileup resulted in the death of a 92-year-old woman. The driver was recently charged with 2nd-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation.

Chronic frequently sees cases involving agriculture and farm injuries. He practices all over Minnesota and is admitted in Florida, Missouri and Illinois as well. His law firm includes eight lawyers and a full paralegal and support staff. It also includes an investigator, which may allow an early work-up of the case prior to litigation, the firm states on its website. The firm’s primary source of clients is other lawyers, which is “something we take pride in,” Chronic said.

“We’re happy to be getting back into court for our clients,” Chronic said.

“Work energizes me,” Chronic said. “I take a lot of pride in helping people in their darkest time. It’s a modern David and Goliath story, but we can level the playing field.”