If a loved one was hurt in an accident that was caused by a wrongful act or omission of an individual or corporation, Minnesota law allows surviving spouses, children, parents, and next-of-kin to file a wrongful death action. An experienced wrongful death attorney from our firm can help with all steps of this process, including identifying a court-appointed trustee. The trustee represents all next-of-kin and has the power to file and settle a claim.
Generally, a wrongful death claim arises from the negligent or careless actions of a person or organization. These acts can include motorized vehicle crashes, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, or the use of defective products. For a claim to move forward, there must be a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the defendant’s negligence and the death.
Establishing a causal connection may be challenging without legal expertise. Our Mankato attorneys offer the assistance surviving family members need for bringing a wrongful death claim.
While financial compensation can never make up for the loss of a loved one, it can ease the burden that remains after the death. Minnesota law allows surviving family members to claim damages for a variety of categories, including past earnings, funeral and burial expenses, and the counsel, guidance, aid, advice, comfort, assistance, companionship, and protection the decedent would have provided if they had lived. Recent updates to Minnesota law also permit the next-of-kin to make a claim for the conscious pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death.
Minnesota’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is typically three years from the date of death. However, this can vary depending on the circumstances of the claim. Determining which statute of limitations applies may require the legal advice of an attorney.
The loss of a loved one is difficult, and tackling the legal system may seem overwhelming. With a caring team of compassionate lawyers, grieving families can take comfort in knowing their rights are protected.
Contact Maschka, Riedy, Ries, & Frentz Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
