Minnesota Wrongful Death Attorneys

We Help Families in Minnesota Recover Compensation After a Tragic Loss

Suddenly losing a loved one constitutes a major traumatic experience for families. The emotional distress of losing a partner, parent, child, or another loved one gets compounded when the loss also brings financial hardship.

Expenses for medical treatment, lost household income, and other costs increase the stress for those grieving a tragic loss.

Finally, knowing a loved one would still be alive if not for the negligence of another also adds to the trauma that families face after the death of a family member.

Minnesota law provides a pathway for eligible surviving family members to seek compensation for damages in civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for the loved one’s death.

Money will not take away the grief or return a loved one to their family and friends. However, compensation for damages after a wrongful death can provide some financial relief for the economic and non-economic losses related to the death of a loved one.

If you are mourning the loss of a family member, you might qualify to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit depending on your relationship with the deceased.

Contact the experienced and compassionate Minnesota wrongful death lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation to discuss the circumstances of your loved one’s death and determine your eligibility to pursue compensation.

Schedule a free consultation with an attorney in our law firm and find out how we can help you today.

Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Advocates for Families After They Lose a Loved One

The skilled legal team at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has ample experience in the settlement, negotiation, and litigation of personal injury claims, including those involving wrongful death.

The firm’s commitment to client advocacy and seeking justice has led to the recovery of millions of dollars in jury awards and settlements for clients.

We cannot guarantee a specific financial outcome for your wrongful death claim because each case involves unique facts and circumstances.

A wide range of factors impact the value of the claim and whether a client receives maximum compensation.

However, the dedicated Minnesota wrongful death lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers strive to build the best case possible and diligently pursue maximum compensation for their clients.

Contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation and find out how they can help you.

Minnesota's Definition of Wrongful Death

Many deaths come without warning, often long before the deceased had the chance to live a full life. Not all tragic and sudden losses qualify as wrongful death.

Like many other states, Minnesota defines wrongful death as a death resulting from a wrongful act or omission of any individual or business.

On May 20, 2023, the Minnesota Survivorship Statute officially took effect as part of the Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety Bill, following its signing by the governor.

This new law brings significant changes compared to its predecessor. It grants surviving spouses and family members the right to pursue claims for various forms of harm experienced by the deceased individual prior to their death, regardless of whether the injury directly caused the death or if it occurred coincidentally.

These claims encompass pain, suffering, embarrassment, emotional distress, disability, and disfigurement.

The Minnesota legislature has provided additional compensation for grieving family members whose family members had been injured by the fault of others.

Up until now, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys have been known to drag their feet if an injured person was either very old or sick.

Now, all personal injury damages survive the death of the injured person.

This new law provides at least a small measure of justice for people suffering terrible losses, by allowing survivors to keep the first $20,000 of paid medical bills and the first $20,000 of lost income.

Before, those amounts are deducted from the verdict because they were generally paid by insurance.

Eligible Family Members in Minnesota Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In Minnesota, only certain family members have the legal right to petition the court for a trustee to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Family members who have lost companionship and financial support after losing a loved one can file a wrongful death claim.

This includes:

• Current surviving spouse
• Children
• Parents of the deceased, if no children exist
• Siblings of the deceased when there are no surviving parents or children
• Parents who have lost a minor child

When more than one family member wants to file a claim, they must join together in one case.

In the event a survivor does not want to file a claim, a lawyer can help create the proper documents for that individual to relinquish his or her right to any portion of a settlement or awarded damages.

Various Scenarios Lead to Wrongful Death

Negligence and intentional harm that falls under the umbrella of a wrongful act or omission lead to fatal injuries in many scenarios.

Below, we discuss some common situations that frequently give rise to wrongful death claims for eligible surviving family members:

Traffic Accidents

Most wrongful deaths occur during traffic crashes. Passengers and drivers in cars, trucks, and other commercial vehicles face potentially fatal injuries when a severe accident occurs on Minnesota roads.

The same is true of bikers, cyclists, and pedestrians involved in traffic accidents. Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety collects and records data about traffic crashes throughout the state.

That agency reports:

• More than 350 people die in traffic accidents each year on Minnesota roads.
• The vast majority of fatal crashes in Minnesota occur with non-fixed objects, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or animals.
• More than two-thirds of fatal crashes occur on clear days.
• Despite Minnesota’s long, snowy winters, less than one-quarter of fatal crashes occur on wet, snowy, or icy roads.
• Most fatal crashes occur during daylight hours.
• More than 60 percent of fatal crashes occur in Minnesota’s rural areas.
• Alcohol-related fatal crashes account for about 30 percent of all fatal crashes.
• Fatal pedestrian and bicycle crashes occur more often in the Twin Cities than in other places throughout the state.

Traffic crashes occur for various reasons, but almost all are preventable. Negligent drivers who don’t follow the rules of the road, consume alcohol or use drugs before driving, or engage in dangerous distractions while driving put others at risk for fatal accidents and injuries.

Reckless and careless drivers who cause fatal accidents on Minnesota roads open themselves to financial responsibility for damages in a wrongful death claim.

Workplace Accidents

Most people spend at least nine hours at work each day, and sometimes even more. The more time someone spends at the workplace, the greater chance of suffering a fatal workplace injury.

Some jobs carry more risk than others. The United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 100 workers in Minnesota die on the job each year.

The exact numbers change each year, but the trends are similar. About half of all fatal accidents in Minnesota workplaces are transportation-related.

Other fatalities in the workplace occur because of heavy equipment, fires, explosions, workplace violence, or exposure to toxic and harmful substances.

Benefits also include death benefits for surviving family members. If dangerous working conditions lead to the death of a loved one, families can sometimes recover additional compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.

Workplace wrongful death claims are complex cases that often include several parties, such as business owners, property owners, subcontractors, drivers, or other third parties.

A knowledgeable Minnesota wrongful death lawyer can review your case and find the best path to recover damages if your loved one died due to a workplace injury.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Although a wide range of accidents can occur on another person’s property or at a business, slip and fall accidents happen frequently.

Minnesota law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Additionally, property owners have a legal duty to warn visitors of dangerous conditions or known hazards as a way to keep them safe.

Careless property owners who do not adequately maintain their properties or warn visitors about dangers can be held financially liable for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit if a visitor suffers a fatal injury.

Slip and fall accidents constitute the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Depending on the location of the TBI and its severity, a TBI can prove fatal.

Slip and fall accidents occur for various reasons, including poorly maintained floor coverings, old steps, and loose handrails.

In addition, trash, debris, or spills create dangerous conditions that cause visitors to slip and fall or trip and fall, potentially leading to a deadly injury.

Recovering Damages in Minnesota Wrongful Death Lawsuits

While grieving the sudden loss of a loved one, if you suspect or know their death occurred because of negligence, Minnesota law gives you the right to seek compensation for damages related to your loss.

Damages commonly awarded in wrongful death lawsuits include compensation:

• Medical expenses up until death, including ambulance and emergency services, hospitalization, diagnostic scans, lab tests, and prescription medication
• Lost income or lost wages for any time the deceased missed work until they passed
• Funeral expenses including a viewing, a wake, or a memorial service
• Costs for cremation or burial
• The monetary value of financial support the deceased provided the family before their death
• Pain and suffering until the time of death
• Mental anguish until the time of death
• Loss of society and companionship
• Loss of parental guidance and support for minor dependent children
• Punitive damages when wrongful death occurs because of gross negligence or willful harm

Protecting The Families Of Fatal Accident Victims In Minnesota

Has your family lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence? As you come to grips with your loss and face the short and long-term financial concerns, you do not have to bear this burden alone.

An experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to provide your family with the financial resources you need and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.

With our various office locations across Minnesota, you can rely on our law firm for the vigorous representation and empathetic support you need during your time of grief. Regardless of your location, our commitment to your cause stands unwavering. Trust us to be the cornerstone of your wrongful death claim and the empathetic guide you need during these challenging times.

We are dedicated to protecting the financial well-being of families who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident.

We will take the time to understand your situation and your needs, answer your questions, and make this process as stress-free as possible for you.

Making Things Right For Your Family

No amount of money can fully replace what you have lost as a result of losing your spouse, parent, sibling, or another family member.

The best we can do is pursue a wrongful death claim in our civil justice system. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loss and then pursue compensation from all liable parties to make sure you have the resources you need to cover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost future earnings
• Loss of companionship
• Medical costs
• Your loved one’s pain and suffering while still alive

You and your family did not bring this on yourselves, and you should not be left to bear the financial burden alone.

We will fight to make sure you are not hurt a second time by the insurance companies and other parties.

Minnesota Wrongful Death FAQs: When Negligence Results in Loss

The tragic and sudden death of a loved one due to negligence can leave you heartbroken and confused. The permanent loss you suffer from another person’s careless actions may warrant a wrongful death claim and lawsuit.

Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you fight for compensation and justice for your loved one’s untimely death. 

Learn more about wrongful death in the following FAQs:

Contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Today

Researchers note that doctors classify grief into two categories: acute and persistent. Acute grief lasts approximately the first six to 12 months after a loss. Persistent grief is just that—persistent and ongoing grief that never stops. 

The untimely death of your loved one can cause you chronic stress and other health-related issues.

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer allows you more time to manage your grief and less time to dwell on the details of your case.

Rest and spending quality time with loved ones is imperative for protecting your health. 

Planning a funeral or memorial service is an emotionally draining time. It is not the time to deal with assertive insurance adjusters.

Once you hire a member of the Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team, you can refer all calls to your attorney. 

Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers takes great pride in helping Minnesotians fight for the justice they deserve.

While compensation is never guaranteed, it is worth pursuing when you suffer a loss due to negligence.

No one should die due to another person’s decision to drive drunk, use unsafe work equipment, or any other negligence-related reason.

You can contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for your free case consultation.

You should be able to focus on recovering from your injuries and not stressing about the complicated process of filing a personal injury claim. Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate your accident and the events leading up to your injury. We will do everything in our power to build the strongest legal argument to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 
Contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers online or at (612) 688-4459 for your free consultation and let our legal team help you on your journey to recovery.