Nicolet Law Wins $1.9 Million Verdict for Teen Injured in Crosswalk

A Steele County jury has awarded $1.9 million to a teenager who was struck by a car while riding an e-scooter through a crosswalk in Owatonna, Minnesota. The verdict, rendered on Friday afternoon after a three-day trial before Judge Karen Duncan, followed more than two years of liability denials by the driver's insurer, State Farm.

The teen, represented by Nicolet Law attorneys Lindsay Lien and Nicholas Angel, suffered a severe kneecap fracture that required multiple surgeries. She is expected to experience lifelong knee pain and endure future surgery. The case highlights the physical and financial toll of traffic incidents on young people and the persistence required to secure compensation.

At trial, defense attorneys argued that the teen was at fault for using the crosswalk instead of traveling with vehicular traffic on a roadway witnesses described as 'very busy.' Lead trial counsel Lindsay Lien thanked the jurors for their consideration. 'We asked the members of the jury not for sympathy, but simply to give the client back what had been taken from her—and we are glad they listened to her story,' Lien said.

Nicolet Law President Russell Nicolet also praised the outcome. 'This is what we're about. We deliver Midwest Justice to people that deserve it. We believed in the case, and we're glad the jury got it right,' Nicolet said.

The verdict sends a clear message about accountability in personal injury cases. For Texas businesses and residents, it underscores the importance of robust safety measures for pedestrians and alternative-transportation users, as well as the potential financial exposure for insurers that deny valid claims. As Texas cities invest in walkable infrastructure and e-scooter usage grows, legal precedents like this one could influence how insurers handle similar disputes and how victims pursue justice.

Nicolet Law, a leading personal injury firm with more than 30 attorneys across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, represents those seriously harmed by motor vehicle collisions, product failures, fires and explosions, and other acts of negligence. The firm's involvement in this case demonstrates its commitment to advocating for injured individuals. For more information about Nicolet Law, visit https://www.nicoletlaw.com.

While this case occurred in Minnesota, it reflects broader trends in personal injury litigation that can impact Texas businesses and insurance practices. As Texas continues to grow, ensuring safe streets for all users—whether in cars, on bikes, or on e-scooters—is critical. This verdict serves as a reminder that negligence has consequences and that victims have the right to seek full compensation for their injuries.