If you recently lost a loved one in an unexpected accident, such as a motor vehicle wreck or fatal workplace accident, contact the lawyers at Hall Law P.A. Our Edina wrongful death attorneys will protect your rights and best interests in the face of unimaginable tragedy. We will give your deceased loved one a voice, demanding justice and accountability from the at-fault party. Call (800) 292-1979 to arrange a free consultation with our local lawyers.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 573.02, a wrongful death is caused by the misconduct of any person or corporation. If someone commits a wrongful act, such as negligence or intentional wrongdoing, and this results in a fatal injury, that person will be liable. Bringing a wrongful death claim can enable surviving family members to obtain legal justice and financial compensation by holding the wrongful party accountable.
In Minnesota, the only parties with the legal right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit are the loved one’s surviving spouse, children, siblings, parents or grandparents. Surviving loved ones can file the claim themselves or ask the court to appoint a trustee to represent the family. It will be the filing party’s responsibility to demonstrate the defendant’s fault for the loved one’s death. This requires a preponderance of the evidence, or enough evidence to prove the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing the fatal injury.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Proving liability for wrongful death in Minnesota is not always easy. It often requires evidence such as medical records, a coroner’s report, experts, eyewitnesses, photographs and accident reconstruction. A lawyer can help you with the most difficult aspects of your claim, such as fulfilling the burden of proof. A lawyer will gather evidence of wrongdoing while you focus on mourning and healing. A lawyer will also make sure the defendant’s insurance company offers an amount that is fair for your devastating loss. Most importantly, a wrongful death lawyer will make sure you and your family have everything you need during this tough time.
What Compensation Is Available?
It is impossible to make up for the wrongful death of a loved one, especially with money. However, financial struggles should not be something you have to deal with while also grieving a relative. Seeking financial compensation through a wrongful death claim can put your mind at ease by providing your family with financial stability. A monetary award could pay you for several losses, including:
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses from the date of the injury to the date of death
- A lifetime of lost earnings and employment benefits
- Lost inheritance
- Loss of the loved one’s services and care
- Loss of the loved one’s companionship, love and spousal consortium
- The family’s mental anguish and grief
You and your family should not have to worry about how you will pay the bills or afford the funeral your loved one deserves after a wrongful death. A successful settlement or judgment award in Edina could help you move forward with peace of mind while you mourn the loss of a loved one. Forcing the defendant to pay for his misconduct can bring you justice and closure.
What Is the Deadline for Filing?
Every state has a different statute of limitations, or deadline, for filing wrongful death claims. In Minnesota, you have no later than three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a civil claim. If you wait longer than three years, the courts will most likely refuse to hear your case, with a few exceptions. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible about your specific deadline.
Contact Hall Law P.A. for a Free Wrongful Death Consultation
If someone close to you suffered a fatal injury due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact Hall Law P.A.You may have the right to file a wrongful death claim as a surviving family member. We will answer your questions and do our best to provide peace of mind when you need it the most. Call (800) 292-1979 today for a free consultation in Edina, Minnesota.