Bolt Law Firm

- 2150 3rd Ave #350, Anoka, MN 55303

Personal Injury Attorney

A traditional court proceeding in which parties appear in court to argue a case before a judge can be costly - in dollars, time, and emotion. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a way to settle disputes without litigation, and is increasingly used for divorce and similar disputes. Unless domestic violence is a factor, all parties must attempt some form of ADR before proceeding to trial. Forms of alternative dispute resolution include mediation, early neutral evaluations, parenting consultations, and expediting of parenting time. During an ADR proceeding, a neutral person works with the parties to reach resolution of some or all issues presented.Early Neutral Evaluations (ENE) are confidential, voluntary, evaluative processes for prompt resolution of custody, parenting time or visitation, and financial disputes. There are two options of ENE: social and financial.For a social early neutral evaluations (SENE), a team of two evaluators (usually one male and one female) conduct the evaluative session to address custody and parenting time issues. For a financial early neutral evaluations (FENE), one evaluator conducts the evaluation focusing on financial issues such as asset and debt division, child support, and spousal maintenance.In both cases, an evaluator gathers information from both parties and recommends possible settlement terms. Because these evaluations are confidential, the information shared or discussed cannot be used in court.Mediation, another confidential form of ADR, is similar to the ENE process. However, mediation is generally not evaluative. The mediator will not share opinions or recommendations, but rather will facilitate the conversation between parties to help them negotiate a settlement.Parties may be ordered to use a Parenting Time Expeditor (PTE) or they many voluntarily agree to use a Parenting Consultant (PC). With either of these processes, the PC or PTE will hear the dispute and will often try to help the parties reach an agreement. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the PC or PTE will make a binding decision, unless one of the parties appeals the decision to the district court judge (not the same as an appeal to the Court of Appeals). Contact the family law attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd. We have experience with all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Train passengers can sustain injuries in a variety of situations. Despite a relatively safe reputation, train passenger accidents occur more often than you might think. We typically hear about train collisions and derailments on the news, but many train passenger injuries occur when a train comes to a sudden stop or strikes a vehicle at a crossing, from slips and falls, or from defective equipment or loose baggage, for example.Investigations into accidents and passenger injuries can uncover a wide range of potential causes, from malfunctioning safety systems or employee error to problems with the track or signals. Because of the potentially catastrophic results and devastating consequences of train accidents, working with an experienced, knowledgeable railroad attorney is critical for injured train passengers.Train passengers trust that train operators are properly licensed, well-rested, and able to safely perform their duties to protect those around them. They also trust that railroad managers, who are responsible for inspecting track, making sure safety devices are working, and ensuring a safe environment for passengers, are doing their jobs. Unfortunately, too frequently this is not the case, or the railroads cut corners. National Transportation Board statistics show that in an average year, well over 1,000 passengers are injured. Many passengers suffer fatal injuries every year. These statistics can spike dramatically when a major derailment or accident occurs, such as the 2015 Amtrak derailment, the 2005 and 2008 Metrolink and Union Pacific accidents, and the 1993 Amtrak accident.Because of the forces involved and size and power of trains, train accidents can cause a wide variety of significant injuries. The experienced train accident attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd have handled cases with injuries ranging from lacerations and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and death.Train accident lawsuits are usually much more complicated than regular personal injury lawsuits, and will involve lengthy, complex investigations and formal litigation that will be hard fought by railroads and their attorneys.Railroad accidents can be devastating. Your livelihood, your ability to work, provide for your family, and pay for medical bills, and your ability to lead a fulfilling life could be at stake. The railroad's claims investigators and lawyers will work against you from the minute the accident is reported.The Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm handles railroad injury claims, backed by years of experience litigating these cases. We represent clients involved in accidents on Amtrak trains, light rail passenger trains such Minneapolis/St. Paul Northstar light rail, Chicago Metra, California BART, Metrolink, and Caltrain, Seattle Sound Transit, Florida SunRail, TriRail, and high speed passenger rail, as well as tourist railroads and other carriers. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.Contact us today for an initial consultation.

Approximately eight out of ten Americans will suffer from some sort of back problem or injury during their lifetime. Back injuries are painful, restricting your activities, often making common movements or tasks like sitting, standing, or doing housework difficult. Back injuries can interfere with your ability to work. Even getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge.Back pain can result from injuries suffered in workplace, construction, motor vehicle, or other types of accidents. It is important to see a doctor as soon as the injury occurs. Early treatment of a back injury by a qualified health care professional can help to prevent long-term pain and disability.Treatment for back injuries varies. Many individuals find that physical therapy, chiropractic care, or therapeutic massage alleviates their pain. However, back injuries may require additional diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan, or treatment by a pain management specialist or spine surgeon. Many patients rely on injections, steroids, medications, or even surgery to manage or alleviate the pain.Back injuries are serious and can be life-changing, especially if the injury occurred as the result of an accident. Look to the personal injury lawyers of Bolt Hoffer Boyd for support and guidance. We have years of experience helping individuals with back injuries caused by all types of accidents. We are familiar with the anatomy of the spine, how injuries occur, and forms of treatment. You may be entitled to compensation for your injury and losses.Call us today for your free consultation.

Broken bones or fractures are a common injury, prompting nearly 7 million medical visits a year in the United States.Sometimes a broken bone heals without complication in six weeks with no further problems. Other times, the fracture leads to a long, painful, and incomplete recovery. Some require surgery and extensive therapy. The type of fracture, its location, and treatment methods all impact the recovery experience.Broken bones are often the result of accidents. The personal injury attorneys at Bolt Hoffer Boyd have handled cases involving many types of accidents and fractures of nearly every bone in the body. Motor vehicle accidents can cause spinal injuries such as compression fractures and facet joint fractures in addition to broken limbs. Construction accidents can also cause serious fractures.Treatment methods for fractures vary, from simple air splints and casts to surgical plates and screws. Your medical team will determine a treatment plan to return you to your pre-accident condition, but that's not always enough.Broken bones and fractures can cause long-lasting, painful issues. The personal injury attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd will help with claims for disability as well as your pain and suffering. Call us today to learn more.

On average, six million car accidents occur in the United States each year. Half of these result in serious injuries, many of those injuries permanent. More than 90 people die in car accidents every day.Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, as well as emotionally straining and financially stressful. The costs of a car accident can add up quickly, and submitting insurance claims can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don't attempt to work with the insurance companies on your own. Insurance companies have experienced negotiators working for them. You should, too.Let Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm handle the details of motor vehicle accident insurance claims and accident compensation. Our experienced, skilled attorneys can assess damages and losses to accurately determine the value of your lawsuit and settlement, including long term medical treatment, lost time/compensation from work, and long term physical or psychological effects. Trust the personal injury attorneys at Bolt Hoffer Boyd to collect the compensation you're entitled to. We'll guide and support you every step of the way, providing expert knowledge and legal counsel throughout the process. Call today for a free consultation with one of our personal injury and wrongful death lawyers.

More than half of our nation's personal bankruptcies are caused by medical bills. While many of these bankruptcies result from long-term illnesses, many others occur because of catastrophic injuries.Catastrophic injuries can be caused by a variety of different accident types, including car, truck, or motorcycle crashes, pedestrian or bicycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, burn accidents, gas explosions, construction site accidents, birth injuries, medical malpractice, premise liability accidents, and more. The result is a traumatic injury that may include brain damage, paralysis, amputation, a coma, or worse.When the negligence or recklessness of another person caused the accident that result in such injuries, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is imperative.While you and your family are suffering from the disability and trauma associated with a catastrophic injury, medical bills keep piling up. This situation can be even more financially devastating when the family wage earner is the person injured or needs to stay home to take care of their injured loved one. This is the worst possible time to lose your entire family's earnings. If you are experiencing these types of problems due to a catastrophic injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd. We'll help you recover compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a catastrophic injury.Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Child support is an ongoing payment from one parent to another to help pay for the essential needs of a child such as housing, food, clothing, and other day-to-day expenses. Child support considerations may be a significant focus of divorce, custody, or paternity matters. Types of support may include basic child support, medical/dental support, and childcare expenses.Determining child support obligations can be a complex process. Guidelines and formulas are unique for each state. Other factors and considerations can further complicate matters, including understanding gross income versus potential income, childcare expenses, public assistance, and more.Questions regarding child support don't just come up when the child is born or when parties divorce. Parents often wish to review child support determinations when circumstances such as income or expenses change.The experienced family law attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd can help you understand the complex nature of child support and determine a course of action that's the best fit for you and your family. Whether you're paying child support or receiving it, we'll be with you every step of the way.Contact us today with your questions about child support or to schedule an initial consultation.

On-the-job injuries can occur in an instant, but can be life-changing with long-term consequences. Although contractors and employers take every precaution against injury, construction sites present some of the most dangerous work conditions. Heavy equipment and construction materials, working in unprotected areas high off the ground, unguarded fall points, and other less-than-ideal conditions often result in workplace injuries or fatalities.Workers' compensation insurance should cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but these benefits are limited and do not cover all losses, which is why it is important to find a good construction accident attorney to investigate potential claims against other parties. Sometimes workers' compensation insurers also deny legitimate benefits claims or will not pay medical bills that are related to the injury.Often the injury occurs at the fault of another contractor. A claim against the at-fault party differs from a workers' compensation and should be handled by a personal injury attorney.The personal injury attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd have years of experience successfully handling construction accident claims, against both small and large construction contractors. We have the resources and the knowledge to help you with even the most serious on-the-job injury. Contact us today if you have been injured in a construction accident.

We believe that everyone should have an estate plan, whether simple or complex. If you die or become incapacitated, proper estate planning provides relief and direction to your family members.Our estate planning process is simple. First, we take the time to understand your goals. Next, we help you understand the options available to accomplish those goals. Finally, we work with you to put a comprehensive estate plan in place. Proper estate planning offers support for your family, helps avoid probate, avoids or minimize taxes, protects a business, preserves a family cabin, provides for a charity, maximizes government benefits, and minimizes family conflict through a clear, legally proper expression of your wishes.Without an estate plan in place, the court system and the government will determine what happens to your assets and your children.Elder law is an area of estate planning focusing on issues related to the aging process, incapacity, disability, and government benefits, while addressing common estate planning issues. At Bolt Hoffer Boyd, we bring a high level of compassion and professionalism to assist clients and family members with elder law issues. We offer a variety of services to help with your estate planning and elder law needs including wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, transfer on death deeds, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, business succession planning, guardianships, conservatorships, family support trusts, trust administration, estate tax planning, and much more. To learn more about estate planning and elder law, please read our frequently asked questions or contact our estate planning and elder law practice group to set up a free consultation today.

Railroad workers routinely work in some of the most hazardous conditions of any industry in the country. Congress passed the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in 1908 to address dangers railroad workers face daily. For over 100 years, FELA has been the sole remedy of railroad workers injured or killed while working.Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States reaffirmed the strength of FELA, stating that railroads are responsible for injuries if their negligence played any part, no matter how slight, in causing the injury. Bolt Hoffer Boyd attorney Joe Sayler authored a brief that was twice cited by Justice Ginsburg's majority opinion.Despite attacks by the railroad industry, FELA continues to provide a fair compensation system that allows injured railroad workers to recover their full damages rather than be subjected to severely capped compensation available through with state-mandated workers' compensation schemes.Most law firms do not have the knowledge of the railroad industry or the resources to fight the railroads on FELA claims. Good FELA attorneys are familiar with the railroad industry, have a wealth of documents and knowledge related to FELA claims, and know how to navigate these hard-fought cases. The FELA attorneys at Bolt Hoffer Boyd have proudly represented injured railroad workers from every major union and craft.For more resources on FELA, critical advice on what to do when you're injured, strict liability, injuries common to workers, and other topics, visit our resources page.Contact Bolt Hoffer Boyd to schedule an initial consultation with a FELA railroad injury attorney today.

The sense of adventure and pure enjoyment that come from riding a motorcycle are unsurpassed. At Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm, we completely understand the appeal. More than half of our employees are licensed motorcyclists who ride regularly. We're also aware of the dangers that confront motorcyclists daily. Trust our experienced personal injury attorneys for any motorcycle-related accident.A motorcycle's visual profile on the road is less than one-third of that of an automobile. No matter how vigilant you are as a motorcyclist, however mindful of the rules of the road, someone else's negligence may cause an accident that could result in injury. "Start Seeing Motorcycles" is not just a catchy phrase, it is an imperative.While motorcyclists must obey the same traffic rules as other motorists, motorcycles are not considered "motor vehicles" and are therefore not entitled to the same protections. Motorcycle insurance law is not as regulated as that of car insurance. You may find yourself, as an injured motorcyclist, without the insurance coverage you thought you had before your ride began. We will review your insurance to make sure you are getting all the coverage you are entitled to claim.Too often, motorcyclists sustain severe injuries, including disabling leg fractures, concussions, skull fractures, or other head injuries, due to the negligence of another driver. We are proud to play a critical role on the recovery team of injured motorcyclists, providing help with wage loss, medical bills, and disability payments.If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a motorcycle, contact the personal injury attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm to discuss the circumstances surrounding the motorcycle accident and related injuries and losses.

When a child is born to unmarried parents, the custody and parenting time rights, specifically of the father, will need to be determined by the court.At the time of the child's birth, the parents often sign a legal document called a Recognition of Parentage to establish the father's paternity; however, this document does not establish custody rights or parenting time. Because of this, we always recommend seeking legal counsel so that you can take the appropriate legal steps to establish these rights as a mother or father.The experienced family law attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd can help parents navigate the paternity and custody rights process. We'll help determine if the dispute can be settled outside of court, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.Contact us for an initial consultation.

Pedestrians often take shortcuts across or along railroad tracks that divide neighborhoods and cities. When pedestrians are injured or killed while doing so, railroad companies can be quick to label and vilify the victims as "trespassers."The Federal Railroad Administration and other industry leaders recognize that the relationship between pedestrians and railroad tracks is complicated. Many pedestrians choose to use unofficial pathways rather than go miles out of their way to reach designated vehicle crossings for their daily trips to schools, work, and grocery stores. Recreational activities such as walking, biking, fishing, snowmobiling, and many more may bring individuals dangerously close to railroad tracks. Wheelchairs can become stuck on poorly maintained crossings. Children are naturally drawn to railroad tracks and trains. This inherent curiosity combined with inadequate safety measures and systems can be tragic.Railroads are aware that rights-of-way are dangerous places for pedestrians. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has organized industry workshops to address nationwide safety concerns and "to identify and recommend new and existing strategies that the rail industry could pursue to assist in reducing the number of pedestrian and trespasser casualties." Access presentations from the 2008, 2012, and 2015 workshops.Representatives from major freight and passenger railroads have attended these workshops, including BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, as well as many other regional and local freight and passenger railroads.Industry research shows that fencing and other economical engineering solutions are highly effective deterrents. The journal of Accident Analysis and Prevention conducted a study in Finland to track countermeasures to right-of-way trespass. The study measured the impact of three trespass mitigation strategies at highly trespassed areas, namely fencing, landscaping barriers, and signage. The largest reduction in the number of trespasses was found for fencing (94.6%), followed by landscaping (91.3%). Signage reduced trespassing by 30%, but the study concluded that this drop would be temporary unless law enforcement strictly enforced the signage. In short, physical barriers like fencing are highly effective in reducing rights-of-way casualties.Similarly, the FRA tracked trespassing along the Florida East Coast Railway, finding that trespassing was an "epidemic," and recommended fencing as a part of the trespassing mitigation strategy. An East Coast railroad reported that installing fencing to channel pedestrians to safe crossings was highly effective in reducing trespassing casualties.The rail industry clearly views pedestrian casualties on railroad rights-of-way as their deadliest problem. Equally clear, the railroad industry and the FRA regard fencing as an effective and important tool in preventing right-of-way casualties. Despite this, most railroads have refused to incorporate any of these recommended practices.Today, the leading rail-related type of death in the United States is pedestrians killed on railroad rights-of-way. While crossing accidents have long highlighted the need for safety improvements, more pedestrians are killed in non-crossing accidents than are in motor-vehicle crossing accidents. Nationally, more than 500 pedestrian fatalities occur each year, and nearly as many are injured. Although far less publicized, more pedestrians are killed on railroad tracks than are killed in crossing accidents. The majority of these are preventable.Contact the skilled, experienced attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm if you or a family member have been involved in a pedestrian train accident.

Many parties will never return to court or see a lawyer again once a Judgment and Decree or final Order is in place. However, it may become necessary to modify or enforce provisions of an existing order. This may include reviewing child support or adjusting parenting time schedules. Another common issue occurs when one party violates or is in contempt of the court order, and a motion is filed to request enforcement. Many disputes arising from existing court orders require mediation. Some can be settled out of court, while others may result in formal court proceedings.The family law attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd have the experience and knowledge to guide you through this process, whether you'd like to initiate a post-decree motion or you need to respond to one.Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. The probate process can be filled with stress and complications. Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring assets to heirs upon the death of an individual. Although a will may make the probate process more efficient and reduce complications, it does not help an individual avoid probate. Whether an estate is probated depends on the type of assets in the estate. If probate is necessary, a petition must be filed with the county probate court to start the probate process.We work closely with personal representatives and others involved in probate to help families navigate the process. We start out by determining whether or not probate is necessary. After making that initial determination, we assist throughout the probate process step-by-step. Given the fact that probate is a detailed process, with several deadlines, filing requirements, and other very specific procedures, we work with you to simplify the probate process and help with its successful completion.Our goal is to act as a compassionate and professional guide, reducing your stress and minimizing complications. Our probate law practice group will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the probate process or estate administration.To learn more about probate, read our frequently asked questions or contact us for an initial consultation with one of our probate attorneys to start the probate process.

In addition to injuries and fatalities, train derailments and other railroad accidents can cause extensive property damage. Railroad property damage claims can range from a massive derailment causing millions of dollars in infrastructure damage to small, local incident such as when a railroad uses or destroys property they falsely claim is theirs. Some common types of railroad property damage accidents include fires from train sparks, train explosions, oil car explosions, train derailments, railroad crossing accidents, railroad cargo spills and more. Bolt Hoffer Boyd lead railroad attorney Joe Sayler represented an elderly North Dakota couple whose dream home was destroyed in a railroad incident. In the wake of a derailment, the railroad had requested that a small portion of the property be used to access the train tracks, promising compensation and that the property would be left in better condition than new. However, the railroad dug up and claimed hundreds of yards of the couple's land to rebuild their train tracks, removing numerous mature trees and shifting the foundation of the house in the process. Despite their assurances, the railroad refused any compensation or to fix the property. Fortunately, with our help, the property was fully restored and the couple was fully compensated for their losses.Railroad companies often cut corners to save money and do whatever it takes to protect their public image. If a railroad incident or accident has caused damage to your property, don't assume that the railroad will correct the situation. Contact a railroad attorney at Bolt Hoffer Boyd. Our attorneys bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to your railroad accident case. We understand the extent to which a railroad can cause property damage, and the difficulty of dealing with railroad claim departments. We will work hard to make sure that you are fully compensated and that the railroad is held accountable for the property damage and any necessary repairs.Contact the experienced railroad attorneys at Bolt Hoffer Boyd to schedule an initial consultation.

While many spinal cord injuries result in full or partial paralysis, many other painful conditions can occur from a damaged spinal column.A herniated or inflamed disc can cause pinched nerves, requiring surgery and weeks of bed rest and extreme pain. Some back injuries result in permanent numbness or weakness, even without paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can leave an individual with complete lack of independence or mobility.Surgery, extensive therapy, long-term care, and other forms of lengthy or life-long care are often associated with spinal cord injuries. Injuries of this nature can be caused by a variety of different accidents, including car crashes, slip and falls, construction site accidents, and more. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the recklessness or carelessness of another person, contact the Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm.Our personal injury attorneys have been ranked top in the state by multiple organizations and publications. We have the experience and knowledge to resolve your case with the compensation you deserve. Call us today.

The establishment of the legal right to care for a child by a grandparent, family member, or someone other than the child's parent is known as third-party custody. These custody rights allow the custodian to make important decisions for the child regarding education, medical care, and finances.Third-party custody action does not terminate the rights of the child's parent, but it may restrict the parent's ability to care for the child without the permission of the third-party custodian. This may be necessary if the parent is violent, has substance abuse issues, or cannot provide a safe environment for the child. Third-party custody cases are governed by Minnesota Statue § 257c.03. The legal requirements for third-party custody actions are very specific, and the process can be complicated. Trust the experienced family law attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd for guidance and support. Contact us today.

Train derailments cause widespread damage. Often highly publicized and always preventable, train derailments are usually the result of a railroad's failure to follow established safety and engineering standards, as well as violations of Federal Railroad Administration regulations and laws. Common causes of train derailments include defective railroad tracks, train to train collisions, defective and faulty railroad equipment that violates federal and state laws, overworked train operators, lack of safe equipment, as well as other causes.Train derailments can result in catastrophic consequences. Highly toxic materials, such as oil, chlorine, anhydrous ammonia, and many other toxic chemicals are too dangerous to be transported on America's highways. The massive forces, high speeds, and weight of the locomotives and train cars combined with often hazardous or toxic cargo and poorly maintained tracks or equipment create potentially devastating situations in the event of derailment.This dangerous combination is illustrated in the case of a 2002 derailment. Canadian Pacific Railroad (Soo Line Railroad) failed to maintain its tracks near Minot, North Dakota. The condition of the tracks violated federal laws, causing a train with several cars full of anhydrous ammonia to derail. A plume of this toxic chemical covered large sections of the town, resulting in deaths and hundreds of injuries.If you have suffered an injury or illness caused by a train derailment, contact the knowledgeable, experienced railroad attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd. We understand the technicalities and complexities of railroad operations and procedures, and we'll work hard to hold the railroad accountable.Contact Bolt Hoffer Boyd Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a train derailment attorney.

Losing a family member is the worst experiences one can go through. When someone else, whether it is an individual or company, is responsible for that loved one's death through an act of negligence or recklessness, family members will find the situation overwhelming and hard to cope with. In addition to losing the care, comfort, and support of a loved one, there may very well be financial implications involved, too. Families who lose a loved one who is a breadwinner and was providing the family with income often are struggling to make ends meet and pay bills on time along with coping with their grief.Wrongful death can result from car, boat, or ATV accidents, work or construction accidents, medical malpractice, negligent security, premise liability, a product defect, or any number of other personal injuries. The personal injury and wrongful death attorneys of Bolt Hoffer Boyd can help you identify the party responsible for your family's loss and seek compensation for any negligence or recklessness.Contact us today for your free consultation.