Accidents are one of the most painful ways to lose a loved one. If your family member, relative, or unborn child has died as the tragic result of another person's negligence, inattention or carelessness, you may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim against the parties responsible.
Meshbesher & Spence will help you seek justice in your tragic circumstances.
Wrongful death claims can take many forms. In Minnesota, wrongful death cases could include:
- Car accidents or public transportation accidents
- Medical mistakes
- Work-related exposure to dangerous conditions or substances
- Product malfunction or defects
- Accidents resulting from the illegal sale of alcohol*
To recover compensation, it must be shown in court that a person or company was responsible or at fault for causing the death.
Damages in wrongful death claims are generally limited to the monetary losses suffered by the family of the deceased and can include:
- Any monetary support or income the deceased provided to the household
- The value of the comfort, assistance, advice, protection, or companionship of the deceased
- The value of the contribution the deceased would have made to society
Unfortunately, the State of Minnesota does not allow damages to be awarded for grief, sorrow, pain or suffering of the family.
Wrongful death claims can be complex.
Unlike a personal injury claim, all wrongful death claims are brought to the court by a trustee, who is usually a family member appointed by the court to represent the closest relatives of the person who died.
All wrongful death claims in Minnesota must be brought to the court within three years of the individual's death.
What You Should Do
Wrongful death laws are complex and claims are often difficult to prove. However, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe that you should be compensated for your loved one's untimely and accidental death. Contact the Minnesota attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence immediately to discuss your case.
*In these cases (sometimes known as "Dram Shop Claims"), each individual next of kin must bring their own claim instead of using a trustee to represent the entire family. The timeline is also slightly different in these cases. To be allowed in court, notice of the claim must be given within 240 days of hiring an attorney, and a lawsuit must begin within two years of the illegal sale of alcohol.