Jed Chronic, Maschka Personal Injury

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in personal injury law?

The challenges in personal injury law are unique to each case but one of the biggest challenges I see with increasing frequency is insufficient insurance coverage. Statutory minimum limits have not kept pace with inflation and skyrocketing costs of medical care in the U.S. The minimum insurance required for commercial motor vehicles was established in 1980 at $750,000. It has not been adjusted in 45 years and is grossly insufficient to protect either the negligent party or the injured party. The same is true for Minnesota’s auto liability minimum of $30,000. While even the defense lawyers I work with agree these coverages are insufficient, the powerful insurance lobby continues to thwart common sense increases to required minimum coverages.

What advice would you give a client to avoid legal complications in a personal injury case?

Hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury law as soon as possible after an injury or the death of a loved one. Involving a high-quality personal injury lawyer early in a case will mitigate problems and maximize the recovery.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting case you’ve worked on lately?

We recently resolved a wrongful death commercial motor vehicle crash. The case involved the tragic loss of a beloved grandmother, mother and teacher. There were two defendants. At the outset of that litigation one defendant appeared to be a minor player in the subject crash. But exhaustive discovery revealed the defendant was far more involved — and far more culpable — than we initially thought, which greatly enhanced the value of the trustee’s claim.

How do you manage work/life balance?

Poorly. As a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer, I am always pressing claims, and I am never “off the clock.” But with a very supportive wife, and the help of my partners and talented staff, I make time for things like coaching my son and daughter’s hockey, baseball and softball teams.

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

This is bigger than Minnesota, but I wish we could tone down the polarization in politics.  We need to get out of our echo chambers and improve our ability to have conversations with those who do not share our same beliefs.