Losing a family member due to someone else’s carelessness can change your life in an instant. Sudden losses are especially traumatic because they could have been prevented. In Minnesota, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim or lawsuit against the person or company responsible for the tragedy.
A New Ulm wrongful death lawyer can answer your questions and ensure the law protects your rights. While no lawsuit can replace a loved one, our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you pursue the financial recovery your family deserves.
It is possible to pursue a wrongful death action if a person dies as a result of another party acting negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. Many wrongful death cases begin as accidents that should never have happened. Others involve dangerous conduct or even intentional crimes.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil case, which means it is separate from any criminal charges connected to the death. Even if prosecutors never file criminal charges, surviving family members may still have the right to pursue compensation in civil court.
Wrongful death compensation may include damages related to:
Our attorneys represent New Ulm families in wrongful death matters and can answer any questions you might have about the claim.
Minnesota handles wrongful death cases differently from many other states. In most jurisdictions, either the surviving heirs can file the lawsuit on their own, or the right falls to the estate’s representative. Here, the court appoints a trustee to bring the claim on behalf of the surviving family.
The trustee acts in the best interests of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other next of kin who suffered losses because of the death. Often, the court names one of these family members as trustee upon a petition to the court. A lawyer from our firm can advise you on who can file a wrongful death action following the loss of a loved one in New Ulm and who may be in the best position to serve as the trustee.
Wrongful death lawsuits can arise from many different situations. Some of the circumstances where our New Ulm wrongful death claims attorneys can help include the following:
You should not have to navigate the legal system alone, especially after the passing of a close family member. Our team is here to provide you with the support and counsel you deserve.
State law limits the amount of time a family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, under Minnesota Statutes § 573.02, the deadline is three years from the date of death, with a maximum limit of six years from the act that caused the injury or death. This extended six-year period may be necessary if a person lives past the date of their fatal accident. Certain circumstances may give rise to an even shorter amount of time to file a claim.
Missing the filing deadline can permanently prevent a family from recovering compensation. This is because the courts may have no choice but to dismiss a wrongful death action permanently if someone files it after the time limit expires.
Given the seriousness of these cases, it is important to promptly speak with an attorney experienced with New Ulm wrongful death claims. In addition to the legal deadline, it is also helpful to give your legal team time to build a viable case for compensation.
If you are dealing with the unexpected death of a family member due to someone else’s actions, now is the right time to speak with a New Ulm wrongful death lawyer. Our attorneys proudly serve families throughout Minnesota who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
