Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, one that no family should ever have to endure. When that loss is caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, the pain is often compounded by feelings of confusion and injustice. While no amount of money can replace your family member, seeking accountability can provide a sense of closure and the financial stability your family needs to move forward. The dedicated team at Fields Injury Law is here to help you navigate this difficult time.
At Fields Injury Law, our compassionate Minnesota wrongful death lawyer understands the profound impact of a sudden loss. We are committed to helping families in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota pursue justice. If you have lost a family member due to a preventable accident, we are here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss how we can support your family.
Key Takeaways for Minneapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers
- A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another party.
- In Minnesota, a court-appointed trustee must file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person's surviving spouse and next of kin.
- Potential compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit can cover financial losses like lost income and medical bills, as well as the loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance.
- The statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims in Minnesota is three years from the date of the act that caused the death.
- Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for less than their full value, making it important for families to understand their rights before accepting an offer.
- A wrongful death legal team can manage all aspects of the legal process, allowing the family to focus on healing.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law for Your Minneapolis, Minnesota Wrongful Death Claim?
When your family is grieving, the last thing you need is the stress of coordinating with multiple law firms for different legal issues. At Fields Injury Law, we offer steadfast support and a uniquely integrated approach to help you through this challenging journey. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your family’s needs, and build a case designed to protect your future.
Our All-in-One Injury Solution means that we can handle every legal angle of your situation under one roof. Many fatal accidents, especially those occurring on the job, can involve personal injury, workers' compensation, and even disability claims for surviving family members. Our team works together seamlessly to manage these interconnected issues.
This coordinated approach provides numerous benefits for your family:
- Simplicity and Peace of Mind: You have one point of contact and one dedicated legal team, eliminating the confusion of dealing with multiple attorneys.
- Comprehensive Strategy: We see the full picture, allowing us to develop a legal strategy that addresses your immediate needs and long-term financial security.
- Efficient Progress: Our internal collaboration ensures your case keeps moving forward without unnecessary delays.
By handling all related legal matters, we allow your family to focus on what truly matters: grieving, healing, and supporting one another.
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What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Minnesota?
It can be difficult to understand the legal definitions and processes while you are coping with a loss. In simple terms, a wrongful death is a death caused by the "wrongful act or omission" of another person or entity. This means that if the person who passed away could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
These claims are established under a specific Minnesota law, Minn. Stat. § 573.02, which allows the family to seek justice and compensation. To successfully bring a claim, a Minneapolis wrongful death lawyer will work to prove several key elements:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party owed your loved one a duty to act with reasonable care. For example, all drivers on Hennepin Avenue have a duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The responsible party violated that duty through a negligent or reckless act. A drunk driver who causes a car accident, a careless doctor, or a company that sells a defective product are all examples of a breach of duty.
- Causation: This breach of duty directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages: The death resulted in quantifiable damages, such as lost income, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship suffered by the family.
Proving these elements is the foundation of holding the at-fault party accountable for the immense loss your family has suffered.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Wrongful death can result from nearly any type of preventable accident or intentional act. Our team has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of complex cases, including determining who can file for wrongful death under Minnesota law. We are prepared to investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death and build a strong claim on your family’s behalf.
- Personal Injury
- Truck Accidents
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Car Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Dog Bite Injuries
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
Our lawyers approach every case with the same commitment to thorough investigation and compassionate client support. We are dedicated to helping families find answers and hold all responsible parties accountable, no matter how the tragedy occurred.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Minnesota?
The process for filing a wrongful death claim in Minnesota is different from many other states. Instead of a family member filing the lawsuit directly, the court must appoint a "trustee" to file the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse and next of kin.
Often, this trustee is a close family member, such as the surviving spouse, an adult child, or a parent. Your Minneapolis wrongful death attorney will handle the legal process of petitioning the court to have a trustee appointed so the case can move forward.
How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Distributed?
Once a settlement is reached or a court award is granted, the funds are not simply given to the trustee. Instead, the court determines how the compensation should be distributed among the surviving family members. The law states that the money is for the "exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin," and it is distributed in proportion to the "pecuniary loss" they suffered.
Pecuniary loss is a legal term that means financial loss. However, in Minnesota, it is defined broadly to include non-financial losses as well. The court will consider several factors when deciding on the distribution, including:
- The financial support the deceased would have provided to each family member.
- The loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, and advice each family member has suffered.
- The specific relationship each person had with the deceased.
This process ensures a fair distribution that reflects the unique impact the loss has had on each surviving loved one.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After a fatal accident, the at-fault party's insurance company may contact your family very quickly with a first settlement offer. It can be tempting to accept it, especially when facing unexpected funeral costs and a loss of income. However, it is crucial to understand that the insurance company’s goal is to protect its profits by paying out as little as possible.
The first offer is almost always far less than the true value of your family’s claim. Insurers hope that you will accept the offer before you have a chance to speak with a Minneapolis wrongful death lawyer and understand the full extent of your losses.
Here’s what a quick settlement offer may not account for:
- Future Lost Income: The total earnings your loved one would have provided over their lifetime.
- Loss of Future Inheritance: The assets and wealth your loved one would have accumulated and passed on to the family.
- Non-Economic Damages: The profound, personal value of the loss of companionship, guidance, and support for each family member.
Once you accept a settlement, you lose the right to seek any further compensation. It is a final decision. Before you sign any documents or agree to any amount, it is vital to have an experienced legal advocate review the offer and advise you on the true value of your claim.
Compensation Available in a Minneapolis Wrongful Death Lawsuit
While no legal action can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide the financial resources your family needs to avoid hardship and build a stable future. The compensation, or "damages," is intended to cover the full range of losses your family has experienced.
As mentioned, these damages are collectively known as pecuniary loss in Minnesota. They can generally be broken down into two main categories:
Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses resulting from the death.
- Medical expenses incurred before your loved one passed away
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income, wages, and benefits your loved one would have earned
- The value of services, care, and assistance your loved one provided to the household
Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate the family for the profound, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag.
- Loss of companionship and society
- Loss of comfort, guidance, and advice
- Emotional pain and suffering of the deceased
Our legal team works with financial and economic professionals to accurately calculate the full scope of your family’s damages to ensure we are pursuing the total compensation you are entitled to under the law.
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Minneapolis Wrongful Death FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions families have regarding wrongful death claims.
What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations—the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit—for most wrongful death claims is three years from the date of the death. However, there are some exceptions, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your family’s rights.
Do I have to go to court for a wrongful death claim?
The vast majority of wrongful death cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. A skilled lawyer can often negotiate a fair settlement without the need for a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the team at Fields Injury Law is fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the justice your family deserves.
What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?
Minnesota follows a "modified comparative fault" rule. This means your family may still be able to recover compensation as long as your loved one was not 51% or more at fault for the accident. Any compensation awarded would be reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault. For example, if they were found to be 20% at fault, the total award would be reduced by 20%.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
At Fields Injury Law, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only collect a fee if and when we successfully recover compensation for your family. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. This allows your family to seek justice without any financial risk.
Wrongful Death Resources
Contact Our Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
The compassionate and dedicated team at Fields Injury Law provides the support and guidance your family needs during this difficult time. We will handle every legal detail of your case so you can focus on healing. Before your first consultation, it may help to review what to bring for your free case evaluation to ensure we have everything needed to start building your claim. When you work with us, we will immediately begin fighting for your family.
Our Minneapolis wrongful death lawyer can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Managing all communications with insurance companies and other parties.
- Working with experts to calculate the full value of your family's losses.
- Providing steady, ongoing support through every step of the legal process.
If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, please contact Fields Injury Law at (612) 206-3495 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the future your loved one would have wanted for you.
