If someone else’s wrongdoing caused your loved one’s death, you may be entitled to monetary damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action allows you to recover compensation for the emotional and financial losses you suffered due to your loved one’s death. However, not all family members are eligible to receive compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to learn more in a free consultation.
- The first in line to receive damages in a Minnesota wrongful death lawsuit are the victim’s spouse, children, and parents.
- Siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may also be eligible for wrongful death compensation in Minnesota.
- Wrongful death compensation covers damages like funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and your loved one’s pain and suffering before their death.
- Eligible family members receive a share of the total award based on the extent of the losses they have suffered as a result of the victim’s death.
Who Can Claim Damages for Wrongful Death in Minnesota?
Under the governing statute in Minnesota, wrongful death compensation is intended to benefit the victim’s surviving spouse and next of kin, which includes family members like children, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandparents. The victim’s aunts, uncles, and cousins may also be considered next of kin.
Compensation in a Minnesota wrongful death lawsuit is divided between eligible loved ones in proportion to the losses they suffered from the death. That means only “next of kin” who suffered losses due to the victim’s death may claim damages for wrongful death. The court will determine which family members are eligible to receive compensation based on their damages.
How Are Wrongful Death Claims Paid Out?
Wrongful death compensation typically comes from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the death occurred in a car accident, for example, the compensation would likely come from the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy. If a defective product caused the death, the compensation may come from the manufacturer’s liability insurance. Wrongful death compensation can also come directly from the defendant’s assets.
Compensation in a Minnesota wrongful death claim may cover economic and noneconomic damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury or illness.
- Loss of household services.
- Loss of financial contributions.
- Loss of companionship, love, and support.
Punitive damages are also available in some Minnesota wrongful death claims. These are intended to punish the at-fault party for deliberately disregarding the safety of others. Though Minnesota courts reserve punitive damages for extreme cases of wrongdoing, they can significantly add to the value of your case when available.
How Our Minnesota Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help
If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s carelessness, our Minnesota wrongful death attorneys can defend your family’s right to compensation. When defendants and their insurers try to minimize our client’s claims, our skilled legal team pushes back hard to secure high-value case results. We are here to level the playing field. Our services include:
- Determining your eligibility to file a wrongful death claim.
- Identifying the at-fault party and gathering evidence to prove their liability.
- Calculating the full and fair damages you are legally entitled to.
- Filing a claim before the Minnesota wrongful death statute of limitations expires.
- Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies on your family’s behalf.
- Taking your case to court if a fair settlement is not reached.
We're Here for You: Consult Our Minnesota Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
Though no amount of money can make up for a loved one’s death, a wrongful death claim can provide your family with a sense of justice and accountability, as well as financial resources to move forward. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to learn more about Minnesota wrongful death lawsuits in a free consultation. Our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team is here to help.
