Fraud can come in many forms, but the common thread is that victims of fraud often suffer significant financial losses. When an individual, group, or company intentionally defrauds another party for their own gain, they could face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. An experienced St. Paul fraud attorney can help you recover compensation.
At Madia Law, we have a long history of helping fraud victims recover compensation from those responsible for their losses. Our firm has successfully recovered over $50 million on behalf of our clients. If you suffered losses as a result of fraud, contact our Minnesota fraud lawyers to schedule your free initial consultation.
Types of Fraud
Fraud comes in many forms. Any time that someone uses deception to attempt to unlawfully acquire something from another person, they are guilty of fraud. In most cases, fraud is used to ensure financial gain, but fraudsters can also target personal property. Some of the most common types of fraud include:
- Credit card fraud
- Tax fraud
- Securities fraud
- Wire fraud
- Bankruptcy fraud
If you know or suspect that you were the victim of fraud, securing the services of an experienced fraud attorney in St. Paul can be critical.
For a legal consultation with a fraud lawyer serving St. Paul, call 612-349-2729
Damages Your Fraud Attorney in St. Paul Can Help You Recover
There are a variety of damages you can recover if you were the victim of fraud. The specific damages in your case will depend on the details of your situation and the losses you suffered. Identifying all the damages you are eligible to claim is essential for recovering the full value of your case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most commonly awarded damages in fraud cases. These damages cover any financial losses you sustained as a result of the fraud. In addition to the direct costs of the money you lost to the party that defrauded you, other financial losses may be available, such as lost income if the scam caused you to lose your job.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are available in many fraud cases as well. These damages are awarded for the indirect consequences of the fraud, such as damaged personal relationships that arise from financial hardships. Any decrease in your quality of life will be considered, and compensation may be awarded.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are also often awarded in fraud cases. Fraud is a criminal offense, and the penalties are severe. Punitive damages are awarded in civil cases outside of criminal charges. However, the defendant may also be forced to pay fines if convicted of a criminal offense.
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When to File a Lawsuit
When attempting to recover compensation through a lawsuit after another party has defrauded you, it is important to be mindful of multiple factors.
The Statute of Limitations
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for fraud cases gives victims six years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for their losses. If you miss the filing deadline, you could be out of options for recovering compensation. While six years can feel like a long time, it can pass quicker than you think. Getting started on your case sooner rather than later is preferable.
Getting an early start is particularly essential because exceptions may apply to your case that further limit the time you have to file. Alternatively, the details of your case could allow you to file outside the standard six-year window.
An experienced attorney can identify the exact deadline for your case and ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time.
Building a Strong Case
Another reason to get started on your case early is that doing so will put your attorney in the best possible position to secure a favorable outcome. Waiting to hire an attorney will limit their ability to collect critical evidence.
Additionally, any witness testimony you rely upon will be less reliable the further from the time the fraud occurred. Putting your lawyer in the best position to win your case will greatly improve your chances of securing an adequate case result.
The Results of a Criminal Trial
Another thing to consider when planning to file a lawsuit is whether the at-fault party is also facing criminal fraud charges. While it is still advisable to hire an attorney early so they can gather evidence and begin preparing your case, they may advise you against filing your lawsuit until the criminal proceedings are complete.
If the liable party is found guilty of criminal fraud charges, you can use the verdict as evidence in your civil lawsuit. On the other hand, a not-guilty verdict will not work against you as the burden of proof is higher in criminal cases.
In a criminal trial, the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Meanwhile, in a civil lawsuit, your attorney must only establish that they more likely than not defrauded you.
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Reach Out to an Experienced Fraud Lawyer in St. Paul Today
Securing the services of an experienced attorney will give you the best odds of a favorable outcome for your fraud case. At Madia Law, our team of St. Paul fraud lawyers will work diligently to ensure you get the results you deserve. Unlike many other fraud lawyers, we are not afraid to take your case to court to get you the money you need.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form