Scott Wilson, Scott Wilson Law Firm, PLLC

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

I don’t see many, at least in Minnesota state law. The legal landscape here is now – thankfully – reasonably favorable to injured people. Our governmental immunity principles have been applied too broadly, but I also see that starting to change. I do see practical barriers to justice. It is increasingly expensive to prepare a complex case for trial and I think only certain firms can afford it. Also, getting reasonable discovery compliance from the defense is increasingly difficult. Often judges, who are of necessity generalists, need education in complex civil litigation principles – but it’s our job to provide that (and, as an appellate lawyer, it’s my job specifically).

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

Last year, I did the motion work in a wrongful death case involving a construction worker who was crushed by a 23-ton dump truck. The driver had cocaine and THC metabolites in his system – but we had no direct proof of intoxication. Significant evidence had been destroyed, and we were consistently obstructed in the discovery process. Working together, the principal lawyer (Jeff Sieben of the SiebenCarey firm) and I were able to secure two spoliation orders, and we amassed enough evidence of multiple safety-related failures that we were on the verge of being granted the right to amend to claim punitive damages. The case settled for $8.5M while our punitive damages motion was pending.

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

I’d like warmer weather in April. Other than that, the state seems pretty ideal.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m an introvert. High functioning – but an introvert. I love people. But I rest in the company of my wife, my family and my closest friends.