Minneapolis Wrongful Death Attorney

Helping You Seek Justice After Losing a Loved One in Minnesota

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Families are often left with emotional pain, financial challenges, and unanswered questions. 

Meshbesher & Student, P.A. understands how difficult this time can be. Our legal team provides compassionate assistance to those seeking justice. We guide families through the legal process and work to hold responsible parties accountable. With years of experience, we handle wrongful death cases with dedication and care.

If negligence caused you to lose a close family member, call our Minneapolis wrongful death lawyers at (612) 200-1526. We can review your case for free and help you decide what to do next.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. It allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the damages they and the deceased suffered.

Many claims for personal injuries in Minnesota are based on common law (i.e., past court cases and the corresponding precedent those cases create). Wrongful death claims, however, are pursued under the Minnesota Wrongful Death Statute, Minn. Stat. § 573.02. This statute provides that a decedent’s next of kin (family members) can seek damages in court. They do so by filing a lawsuit with the help of a trustee the court appoints. Often, this trustee is a responsible family member, and their family supports their appointment. 

A family may also select an independent professional trustee or a family member as trustee. Either way, families must follow specific steps under the wrongful death statute to appoint a trustee. Only the appointed trustee can pursue a wrongful death claim under Minnesota law. 

Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim

Traditionally, damages in a wrongful death claim focused on losses experienced by the decedent’s next of kin. 

These damages include: 

• Loss of financial support 
• Loss of advice, aid, and comfort
• Medical expenses

These damages remain available in wrongful death cases. In 2023, the Minnesota legislature expanded the statute, allowing next of kin to seek damages the decedent experienced before death, like pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress.

Key Deadlines in Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Minnesota

Minnesota law sets clear rules for how and when a family can file a wrongful death case. In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of death, though specific facts may affect the deadline. Families who delay may lose the right to seek compensation. Acting promptly following a loss helps protect the family’s legal rights.

Working with a legal team familiar with Minneapolis courts and local practices helps families meet all requirements and timelines. With guidance at every phase, from the trustee appointment to possible court hearings, families can focus on healing without worrying about legal missteps or missing important deadlines.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death cases commonly occur from:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Work accidents
• Defective products
• Medical malpractice

Understanding what caused a wrongful death can be complex. Our wrongful death attorney in Minneapolis can help families identify all possible causes and responsible parties and seek the compensation Minnesota law allows.

How Meshbesher & Student, P.A. Can Help 

Our firm provides compassionate and experienced representation for families pursuing wrongful death claims. We handle every aspect of the legal process, from gathering evidence to navigating complex statutes, so families can focus on healing. We understand the emotional challenges involved and approach each case with care and diligence.

We work directly with families to determine the full scope of recoverable damages. This includes analyzing financial, law enforcement, and medical records, consulting with medical professionals, and calculating losses related to pain and suffering or emotional distress. Our team is thorough in understanding the unique circumstances of each case.

Navigating a wrongful death claim involves many legal deadlines and procedural requirements. We manage these details to avoid unnecessary delays. By staying proactive, we aim to resolve cases as efficiently as possible. Our experience with Minnesota’s wrongful death statute allows us to provide practical guidance throughout the process.

We take pride in advocating aggressively for fair compensation. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are prepared to pursue justice for our clients. Families deserve experienced legal support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Our wrongful death attorneys are here to help citizens in Minneapolis, MN, and beyond. You can fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

How long does a wrongful death claim usually take to resolve?

The timeline varies, but most wrongful death cases in Minneapolis take several months to more than a year. Factors include the complexity of the case, court schedules, negotiations, and whether the case goes to trial.

What types of damages may be available in a wrongful death case?

Possible damages include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering suffered by the deceased, and loss of companionship for surviving family members. The types and amounts depend on each situation and Minnesota law.