Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. The shock is overwhelming. The grief is crushing. The financial impact is often immediate and frightening.
Families suddenly find themselves asking questions they never thought they would have to: How will we pay the bills? Who will stand up to the insurance company? How can we ensure this never happens to another family?
As a Minneapolis injury lawyer, we have dedicated our lives to helping families answer those questions. We know that money will never replace the love of a spouse, parent, or child. But we also know that justice matters.
Accountability matters. Having the financial resources to rebuild and protect your family’s future. That is why we fight relentlessly for our clients, making sure no insurance company or negligent party can avoid responsibility.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we bring not only compassion but also proven experience and results. Led by attorney Matt Nelson, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.
We understand that when families come to us, they are in the darkest chapter of their lives. Our mission is to provide hope, guidance, and strength through skillful advocacy.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Are Different
Every personal injury case involves pain, but wrongful death cases carry a deeper weight. These cases are not just about medical bills or lost wages. They are about the absence of a life that can never be replaced. In Minnesota, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek justice for the loss of their loved one.
That means compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Lost financial support the loved one would have provided
- Medical expenses related to the injury leading to death
- Pain and suffering the deceased endured prior to their death
As an experienced wrongful death attorney in Minneapolis, MN, we know that these cases demand more than legal skill. They require sensitivity, respect, and the ability to tell a family’s story in a way that resonates with juries, judges, and insurers.
The Experience of Attorney Matt Nelson
Authority is earned through results and dedication. Our attorney, Matt Nelson, has built his career on fighting for justice in Minnesota. Born and raised in St. Cloud, he developed the discipline of a student-athlete while playing for Saint John’s University under legendary coach John Gagliardi.
His time on the 2003 National Championship football team instilled in him the values of persistence, teamwork, and preparation, values he brings into the courtroom today.
Matt graduated with honors from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, ranking in the top 5 percent of his class. He was repeatedly on the Dean’s List, received the Dean’s Award for earning the highest grade in multiple classes, and served as an editor of the University of St. Thomas Law Journal. This academic excellence reflects the same work ethic he now applies to every case.
After gaining experience at a downtown Minneapolis law firm, Matt joined Nelson Personal Injury in 2012, working alongside his father before becoming a partner in 2022. Since then, he has dedicated his practice exclusively to representing injured clients and families affected by wrongful death. He has taken on powerful insurance companies and corporations, securing verdicts and settlements that have changed lives.
Some of Matt’s notable recoveries include:
- $2.75 million truck accident recovery
- $783,000 construction accident recovery
- $775,000 negligence recovery
- $775,000 salon negligence settlement
- $650,000 truck accident recovery
- $525,000 truck accident settlement
- $500,000 slip and fall recovery
- $497,500 slip and fall recovery
- $480,000 fireworks accident recovery
- $350,000 motorcycle accident recovery
- $250,000 dog bite recovery
These results reflect not only skill but also a commitment to giving every client the best possible chance at justice.
Standing Up to Insurance Companies
One of the greatest frustrations families face after a wrongful death is the way insurance companies respond. Too often, instead of compassion, families are met with delay, denial, or attempts to minimize the value of their claim. Adjusters may try to take advantage of grieving relatives who do not yet know their rights.
We have seen these tactics countless times, and we refuse to let them succeed. As a Minneapolis, Minnesota personal injury lawyer, Matt Nelson has gone head-to-head with insurers of all sizes. We know their strategies, and we know how to overcome them. Our approach includes:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of death and building evidence early
- Consulting with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and financial specialists
- Presenting a clear and compelling narrative of the family’s loss
- Preparing every case as if it will go to trial, which increases leverage in negotiations
This preparation ensures that when insurance companies come to the table, they understand that we are ready to fight as long as it takes.
Cases We Handle
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different types of accidents. Over the years, we have represented families in cases involving:
- Automobile and motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
- Premises liability incidents, including slip and fall cases
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Workplace injuries
- Fires and explosions
Each case has unique challenges, but our dedication remains the same. Whether your loved one was lost in a truck collision on I-94, a fall at a business, or an avoidable workplace accident, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Brain Injury and Catastrophic Injury Claims
Not all tragedies involve immediate death. Sometimes, victims suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries before passing away. We have handled cases where families endured lengthy hospitalizations, mounting medical bills, and emotional anguish before the ultimate loss. These cases require an attorney who understands both the medical complexity of brain injuries and the long-term financial impact on the family.
We combine medical knowledge with legal advocacy to make sure every element of loss is recognized. This includes rehabilitation costs, future lost income, and the emotional toll on the family.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney
When families search for an injury attorney in Minneapolis, they are often overwhelmed. Many firms advertise aggressively, but not all attorneys have the depth of experience or the track record needed for complex wrongful death claims.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we believe our difference lies in three qualities:
- Experience: Decades of combined knowledge in handling wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.
- Results: Millions of dollars recovered for Minnesota families.
- Compassion: A genuine commitment to walking beside clients during the most challenging times of their lives.
We encourage families to ask questions, review past results, and understand how a firm approaches cases. The attorney you choose will be your advocate, your guide, and sometimes your voice when grief makes speaking difficult.
Certified No-Fault Arbitrator
Matt Nelson is also certified as a no-fault arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association. He has served as an arbitrator in over 100 cases involving car accidents. This perspective gives him unique insight into how cases are decided.
By understanding how arbitrators and judges analyze evidence, Matt is better equipped to prepare and present his clients’ cases.
A Personal Commitment to Minnesota Families
Our connection to Minnesota runs deep. From growing up in St. Cloud to raising a family in Minnesota, to practicing law in the Twin Cities and beyond, our roots in this state shape who we are. Matt is not only an attorney but also a husband, father, coach, and neighbor. He understands the importance of family and the devastation that comes when a loved one is taken too soon.
We take every case personally because we know that behind every file is a family facing real loss.
How We Support Clients Beyond the Courtroom
Wrongful death claims are about more than legal filings. Families often need support in many areas of life. We help our clients by:
- Connecting them with grief counselors and support groups
- Guiding on navigating insurance paperwork
- Helping with probate and estate-related questions that arise after a wrongful death
- Ensuring families understand each step of the legal process
Our goal is to shoulder as much of the burden as possible, so families can focus on healing.
Why Justice Matters
Some families hesitate to pursue legal action because they feel it is about money. We remind them that wrongful death claims are about accountability. Holding negligent parties responsible prevents future harm. It sends a message that reckless behavior will not be tolerated in Minneapolis or anywhere in Minnesota.
When we recover damages, we provide families with stability in the face of uncertainty. We help ensure children can go to college, mortgages can be paid, and financial futures are protected. That is not about greed. It is about survival, dignity, and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in Minneapolis
What qualifies as a wrongful death case in Minneapolis?
A wrongful death case arises when someone loses their life because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another person or company. In Minneapolis, wrongful death claims can stem from car accidents, truck collisions, medical negligence, workplace accidents, or unsafe property conditions. If your loved one’s death was preventable, Minnesota law allows surviving family members to pursue justice and compensation.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, a trustee is appointed by the court to represent the surviving family members in a wrongful death claim. The trustee can be a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. The trustee acts on behalf of all heirs, ensuring that the compensation is fairly distributed to those who have suffered the loss.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Minneapolis?
In Minnesota, most wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death, and no more than six years from the negligent act that caused it. Because deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, it is crucial to speak with a wrongful death attorney in Minneapolis, MN, as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and your family’s rights are protected.
What types of damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Families may be entitled to recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship. Courts also recognize the value of guidance, emotional support, and protection that the deceased provided to family members. Every case is unique, but the goal is to provide financial stability and accountability for the harm caused.
Why should I hire an attorney for a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death cases are complex and often involve insurance companies that will try to minimize payouts. An experienced Minneapolis, Minnesota personal injury lawyer can investigate thoroughly, build a strong case, and fight for maximum compensation. At Nelson Personal Injury, we take on the legal burden so families can focus on grieving and healing.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your family. This allows every family access to justice, regardless of financial circumstances.
Taking the First Step
The hardest part for many families is reaching out for help. We understand that. Speaking about legal claims amid grief can feel overwhelming. That is why we make the process as compassionate and straightforward as possible.
When you contact us, you will speak directly with an experienced attorney who listens to your story and explains your options. There is no pressure. No obligation. Just a conversation about how we can help.
Your Advocates in the Darkest Times
There is no greater honor than standing beside families who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a Minneapolis wrongful death injury lawyer, our role is to fight for justice while offering compassion and guidance. We cannot take away the pain of losing a loved one, but we can help ease the financial and emotional burdens that follow.
Matt Nelson and our team at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, are committed to making sure families are not alone in this fight. With proven results, deep Minnesota roots, and a passion for justice, we are here to help you through this difficult journey.
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, we invite you to contact us today. Let us stand with you, protect your rights, and fight for the justice your family deserves.
