Course Description

• Demonstrate, interpret and analyze basic common law, statutes, and rules relating to personal injury litigation.
• Perform and evaluate practical tasks a paralegal handles in a personal injury case including legal research, investigation, and trial preparation.
• Explain the basics of a) the trial process, b) the burden of proof, c) negligence law, and d) procedural considerations.
• Explain, interpret and analyze the law as it relates to specific negligence cases, Minnesota statutory tort reforms, and the appeals process available to the loser.
• Review, analyze and evaluate a general understanding of medical malpractice and malpractice of other professionals.
• Explain and interpret the basic law of automobile liability, premises liability, liquor liability, and products liability.
• Write a short memorandum as part of handling personal injury cases.
• Draft, review and revise specific discovery documents in a personal injury case.

1. Introduction Lecture, Definitions and the Courts (2 Hours)
2. Client Interview; Review Interview Summary; Questionnaire, Docket Sheet, and Retainer Agreements
   (2 Hours)
3. Read Introduction Letter and Turn Down Letter – Lecture on Documentation
   of Files and Legal Malpractice (2 Hours)
4. Review all Authorizations and Releases, Medical Narrative Report Request Letter, and Medical Records Request Letter –b Lecture on Interaction and Dealing with Doctors and Governmental Agencies including Police (2 Hours)
5. Review No-Fault and How it Works – Lecture on No-Fault Insurance Issues
   (2 Hours)
6. Review Letter on Adverse Medical Examination, Letter of Protection and Doctor’s Lien (2 Hours)
7. Read Dram Shop Notice – Lecture on Liquor Liability (2 Hours)
8. Review Examples of Pleadings, i.e. Summons, Complaint and Acceptance of Service Lecture on Introductory Pleadings (Summons and Complaint,
   Answers, Answers & Counterclaims)
   (2 Hours)
9. Review Discovery and Depositions-Lecture concerning Discovery;
   Sample Summons and Complaint Due for Project (2 Hours)
10. Lecture on Depositions and Additional Discovery; Request for Production of Documents; Review Motions on Personal Injury Issues (2 Hours)
11. Review Statement of the Case and Proposed Jury Instructions- Lecture on Drafting Statement of Case and Jury Instructions. Discovery i.e. -Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, and Request for Production of Documents Due (2 Hours)
12. Video on Preparation for Trial (2 Hours)
13. Lecture on Case Outline: Review Plaintiff Exhibit List (2 Hours)
14. Video on Final Argument – Lecture on Releases and SettlementsFact Brief, Outline of Case Due (2 Hours)
15. Lecture on Alternatives to Litigation and Preparation for Arbitration – Review for Final Examination (2 Hours)
16. Final Written Examination (2 Hours)

Total Semester Hours: 32 Hours