Death
Losing a loved one can be one of the most challenging experiences to go through. It is hard to make sense of what has happened and comprehend your loss. You may be overwhelmed by your situation and responsibilities now that your loved one is gone.
We can help. Our Minnesota wrongful death attorneys at Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates can help you sort through the legal issues surrounding the death of your loved one. Our lawyers have gained a national reputation and been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA, TV stations, including KSTP and WCCO and others. In recognition of their achievements, Pritzker | Ruohonen attorneys Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen have been named Minnesota “Super Lawyers” by Minnesota Law & Politics. Fred Pritzker has also been selected for inclusion in the most recent edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
To contact a Minnesota wrongful death lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen, please:
- Call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free)
- Email one of our Minnesota wrongful death lawyers
Who Can Bring a Minnesota Wrongful Death Case?
In a Minnesota wrongful death case, the spouse and next of kin of the deceased can bring a claim against the parties responsible for the death. Under Minnesota wrongful death law, most wrongful death cases require the court to appoint a trustee, who will act on behalf of the family to bring a wrongful death claim. The wrongful death trustee is usually a family member. A wrongful death trustee is not required for a dram shop claim, i.e., a claim against a business that sells liquor.
At the end of a Minnesota wrongful death case, the wrongful death trustee divides the proceeds among the family members.
Wrongful death cases are not criminal cases (only state and federal prosecutors can bring criminal charges), but rather cases brought under the Minnesota wrongful death law (Minnesota Statutes, section 573.02) are meant to compensate the heirs of the deceased for their losses.
Compensation for Families in a MN Wrongful Death Case
In a wrongful death case, the heirs are able to recover lost income that would have been provided for them had the deceased not been killed. In the state of Minnesota, it is only possible to recover pecuniary losses; you cannot recover damages for survivor grief or pain and suffering experienced prior to death for the deceased. However, it is possible to recover damages for:
- Loss of advice
- Loss of care
- Loss of comfort
- Loss of companionship
Under Minnesota Statute 573, heirs can also make a claim for reimbursement for:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost potential earnings
Punitive damages can be recovered if it is clear that the defendant showed a clear disregard for the safety and rights of the deceased.
Statute of Limitations in a Minnesota Wrongful Death Case
Under Minnesota law, the heirs of the deceased have three years to file a wrongful death claim, unless the death was a result of medical malpractice in which case the Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice applies.
Accidents and Incidents That Can Lead to Death
Wrongful death cases can involve a variety of accidents and incidents that resulted in death including:
- Minnesota Automobile Accident
- Minnesota Product Liability
- Minnesota Medical Malpractice
- Minnesota Fire and Explosion
- Minnesota Assault
- Minnesota Dog Bite
The experienced Minnesota wrongtful death attorneys at Pritzker|Ruohonen represent survivors of those killed in a wrongful death accident throughout Minnesota including but not limited to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, Roseville, Chisago, Lindstrom, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Cross Lake, Malmo, Little Falls, Saint Joseph, Murdock, Wilmar and Evan.