If you’re entangled in a complicated legal issue, it is only natural for you to seek help and find a way out. The question of whether or not you can afford a lawyer is bound to weigh heavily on your mind. A lot of people turn to Legal Aid in such situations. However, only those eligible can avail of this free or low-cost legal service.
Before you start looking for Legal Aid, you should know that you may or may not be eligible for this type of legal assistance. A lot will depend on your financial situation and your unique legal problem. More often than not, Legal Aid offices do not handle personal injury claims in Minnesota. However, depending on your specific circumstances, exceptions in cases related to personal injury in Minnesota may be possible.
Getting Legal Aid in Minnesota
If you can’t afford to hire an attorney for your case, all is not lost. You can turn to state-sponsored legal Aid programs, such as Central Minnesota Legal Services, which is a non-profit organization that provides free legal aid to low-income people and seniors. Similarly, depending on where you reside, you can also approach the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services for assistance.
You need to bear in mind that certain income limits and other restrictions that may apply for you to become eligible to receive their assistance.
Who Provides Legal Aid?
Legal aid can come from various sources, and the providers may differ in size and the cause they support. For example, some providers may focus only on specific issues like domestic violence, while others may accept cases from cities or states with lowered restrictions on the issue at hand.
Generally speaking, the total amount dedicated to the delivery of civil legal aid in the U.S. is nearly $1.345 billion. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) alone provides around one-fourth of this funding, making it the largest funder of the Legal Aid program in the U.S.
Other funding sources for Legal Aid include private donations and foundations, state-funding, grants from federal, state, and local government bodies, and cy pres awards.
What Cases Does Legal Aid Cover?
A Minnesota Legal Aid lawyer can represent people in the following types of cases:
- Employment
- Taxes
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Public health benefits
- Family matters
- Senior issues
- Domestic violence
- Immigration issues
Sometimes, due to certain restrictions, a Legal Aid lawyer may not be able to provide representation in a legal matter. In such cases, they may refer your case to a volunteer lawyer.
Can You Get Legal Aid for Your Personal Injury in Minnesota?
Typically, personal injury in Minnesota cases doesn’t fall under the purview of the state’s Legal Aid services. However, you may be eligible for it under certain extraordinary circumstances.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, for instance, and have suffered personal injuries due to it, you may be able to avail representation for your case. Generally speaking, Legal Aid can be sought by only those who are facing potentially life-changing situations or have committed violations that are impacting other people’s rights.
Some Legal Aid programs offer pro bono legal services, where private attorneys represent individuals who cannot afford lawyer’s services, at no cost. In other words, pro bono programs are meant to help people from low-income groups connect with volunteer lawyers, who are willing to handle their case for free or for a nominal fee. These programs are also usually sponsored by state or local bar associations.
Conclusion
Legal Aid is an invaluable option for low-income individuals who cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent them. It can prove to be a big boon for those looking to approach the judiciary for justice but don’t have the monetary resources to be able to do so. However, not everyone is eligible for Legal Aid and the law requires that certain criteria be met to qualify for it. While Legal Aid does not accommodate personal injury cases, some exceptions are possible. Hopefully, the above information will help you understand what it does and does not cover. You will do well to speak to a qualified Minnesota lawyer to gain further clarity.
Call Our Knowledgeable Personal Injury Lawyers Immediately
Being a victim of personal injury due to someone else’s negligence can be frustrating. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to receiving Legal Aid. It is best to consult a lawyer to find out whether or not you are eligible for it. The team of skilled attorneys at Carlson & Jones, P.A. is ever ready to provide you with sound legal guidance in this matter. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 855-762-6548 or contact us through our online form.