Death in the eye of the law occurs almost everyday. Whether it be of old age, terminal illness, or even of an unknown cause, death cases are handled swifted and frequently. A wrongful death however, is caused by the deliberate or negligent actions of a person, a company, or any third party involved in the situation, and is handled much differently. Wrongful death cases include all counts of murder, car accidents, dangerous work environments, and much more. Here are some of the basics of wrongful death in Minnesota.
While dealing with the recent death of a loved one isn’t the easiest, the moment you suspect the death was wrongful, responding quickly is in your best interest. The Minnesota Statute of Limitations does put a time limit on when you can file the case. Ideally, it’s up to family members to bring the case forward to the court. If the family is somehow unable to be involved in the case, a “trustee” can be appointed instead.
Wrongful death lawsuits in Minnesota are measured in money damages, including funeral/burial costs, medical expenses, loss of income, etc. The overall amount awarded is decided by the jury, based on the evidence available and if the death was in fact wrongful. The jury takes into account all expenses included and the relatives affected. Additional claims/charges can be filed as well, based on the severity of the case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if a loved one or someone you know is a victim of a wrongful death, Nelson Personal Injury will be ready to assist you. We know that you will have many questions about your rights and the claim process. Visit our FREE case evaluation page here, or call us today at (320)-252-1200. All consultations with our experienced Personal Injury attorneys are confidential and without obligation.
Note: This article uses information adapted from the 2017 Minnesota Statutes and from Dani Alexis Ryskamp for Nolo.com. The full articles may be accessed at the links below.
Sources:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/573.02
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wrongful-death-lawsuits-minnesota.html
