The aftermath of an unexpected death is never easy, especially if that person was a close member of your family. It can be even more challenging to learn that their passing was avoidable and the result of an act of negligence.
You may have a viable case for compensation, and our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights. You do not have to face these challenges alone; a St. Peter wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help.
If negligence leads to a loss of life, it may be time to explore the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. That said, some situations are more likely than others to lead to a viable compensation claim. Some commonly cited grounds for wrongful death include:
Losing a family member in any of these ways can be traumatic. If you have questions about your rights in St. Peter, our wrongful death attorneys are here to answer them.
Most states either allow the surviving relatives to sue the responsible party directly or give this power to the representative of the deceased’s estate. That is not how we approach wrongful death claims in Minnesota.
As an attorney can further explain, in St. Peter, the courts appoint a trustee to handle a wrongful death claim. The surviving relatives can petition the court to name a trustee, who is often a close relative of the deceased.
Once the court names a trustee, that person has the right to file a lawsuit and manage the claim, on behalf of all of the next of kin. If the trustee is able to obtain a financial recovery, the proceeds will be split among the next of kin in a process that requires approval from the judge.
It is never in your best interest to put off a discussion with an attorney. If your loved one passed away due to another person’s negligence, you can benefit from talking with our firm as soon as possible. This is due in part to a legal deadline imposed in such cases.
According to Minnesota Statutes § 573.02, you generally have three years from the date of a person’s death to file a lawsuit. Of course, there may be times when a person who suffers a fatal injury or illness does not pass away on the date of the incident. In this case, there is a maximum term of six years from the date of injury or illness to file a lawsuit, regardless of when your loved one actually passed away.
Navigating these complicated legal deadlines is rarely easy on your own. Thankfully, you have the right to hire an attorney to guide you. Our wrongful death lawyers are here to ensure you file your St. Peter case on time.
Dealing with the sadness and grief from an unexpected death is more than enough for one person to worry about. You deserve to focus on your family during this difficult time instead of navigating the legal system. We have spent years advocating for families like yours after the death of a loved one.
We are here if you are ready to explore your legal options. Reach out to a St. Peter wrongful death lawyer today to get started with a free consultation.
