Resources
Life can change in an instant—but your dignity, security, and future should never be left uncertain.
Protecting the rights and autonomy of people with injuries, disabilities, and serious health challenges is at the heart of The Valley Advocacy's practice. The Valley Advocacy, PLLC is committed to making sure clients are treated with dignity and empowered with information.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them. That’s why I’ve gathered trusted resources and government links below—to help you learn more about the systems that affect you and your family.
Social Security Disability Claims (SSDI & SSI)
Understanding your rights regarding social security disability claims is essential. The Valley Advocacy, PLLC, provides detailed insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and the necessary guidance to ensure your claim is successful.
For more information on Social Security disability programming, you can also visit the following sites:
SSDI and SSI benefits for people with disabilities | USAGov
Who can get Family benefits | SSA
Nearly 300,000 Americans Are Waiting to Dispute Social Security Decision - Newsweek
What Is the Wait Time for SSDI? | Complete 2025 Guide
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Guardianship & Conservatorships
Making decisions about guardianships and conservatorships aren’t just about legal documents—it’s about caring for the people who matter most. I understand how personal and emotional these choices can be, and my role is to guide you through them with clarity and compassion.
The resources below are a helpful starting point if you’d like to learn more about these important areas of law. When you’re ready, I’m here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help create a plan that protects your loved ones and provides peace of mind.
Rules, Laws & Resources - Guardianship
Personal Injury
Under Minnesota law, every registered motor vehicle must carry no-fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or basic economic loss benefits. This system requires your own insurance company to pay your initial medical bills and lost wages after a car crash, regardless of who caused the accident.
The mandatory minimum no-fault coverage in Minnesota is $40,000 per person per accident, divided into two core categories:
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Medical expense benefits: At least $20,000 for reasonable and necessary medical care, treatments, prescriptions, and travel mileage related to the crash.
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Non-medical/economic loss benefits: At least $20,000 for lost wages (capped at 85% of gross income up to $500 per week), household replacement services, and funeral costs (up to $5,000).
No-fault insurance handles immediate financial losses, but it does not cover property damage or pain and suffering. You may file a liability claim or lawsuit against an at-fault driver for non-economic damages only if your case meets specific legal thresholds:
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Medical expenses exceed $4,000.
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Disability from working lasts 60 days or more.
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Permanent injury or permanent disfigurement occurs.
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Death results from the accident.
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Below you will find resources for other areas of law that are not currently offered by the Valley Advocacy but commonly affect the injured, disabled, and their caretakers. No injury or disability is a static experience. Please help yourself to the resources below and if you have further questions, please feel free to reach out. Clients with any additional injury, disability, or caretaking related needs outside the scope of The Valley Advocacy, can expect attorney Amber R. Kershaw to provide meaningful referral connections because sometimes it can take a village to heal all facets touched by severe injury or disability.
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Education Law
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by IEP meetings, school investigations, or wondering what steps you can take—whether it’s filing a complaint, requesting a due process hearing, or learning more about your child’s rights—you’re not alone. The resources below can help you better understand the process and your options.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) | U.S. Department of Education
Free Appropriate Public Education | U.S. Department of Education
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | U.S. Department of Education
Wills, Trusts, & Probate
Living Trusts - Probate and Planning
Patient Rights & Medical Advocacy
When your health, benefits, or care are on the line, navigating insurance denials and protecting your patient rights can feel overwhelming. While there are government agencies where you can file complaints and seek information, these systems can be complex, slow, and difficult to navigate alone.
That’s where I can help. As an attorney focused on disability law, patient rights, and insurance disputes, I provide the advocacy and legal support needed to ensure your voice is heard.
Below, you’ll find links to government portals and resources where patient complaints can be filed directly. These are valuable tools—but if you want a knowledgeable advocate to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome, I am here to stand by your side.
Report a Patient Safety Concern or File a Complaint | Joint Commission
Health Facility Complaints and Provider Compliance Division of Minnesota | CMS
Quality of Care Complaints - MN Dept. of Health
Report Discrimination / Minnesota.gov
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care / Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care (OOLTC)
Your Guide to Filing a Complaint About HHS Programs and Services | GovFacts
MDH HMO Enrollee External Appeals and Complaints - MN Dept. of Health