The sudden loss of a loved one can create immense financial and emotional burdens, and stress for family members. Those who negligently caused the loss of a loved one should be held accountable and responsible. In the wake of a loved one’s death, dealing with the insurance companies, last medical bills, and all the paperwork can be overwhelming. A wrongful death lawyer can step in and take care of the legal paperwork and bills, so that you are able to handle the other family affairs.
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The time to file a claim and the process can be confusing. First of all, in a wrongful death case, it is required that a Trustee be appointed to handle the claim on behalf of the decedent. This can be one or more persons who will then be in charge of handling any insurance claims or lawsuits for the wrongful death. Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of the date of death, if the matter cannot be resolved, or at least within 6 years of the when the underlying harm occurred. Claims that aren’t filed within that time frame will most likely be dismissed by the court. In cases where the death is caused by medical malpractice, there is less time to file a lawsuit. The claim must be filed within three years of the death, but there is also a reduced deadline of four years following the date of the health care provider’s error. If the victim was murdered, there is no statute of limitations for filing a claim.
Negligence is an integral part of any wrongful death case. The deceased person would still be alive had it not been for another party’s negligent behavior. In Albert Lea, Minnesota, wrongful death is often caused by:
Car accidents are some of the most common ways people are injured. They can be caused by various factors, including reckless driving or poor manufacturing standards. Because of those, car accidents can result in a variety of potential injuries that can harm a wide range of people.
Products don’t always work as they should, and it can be scary when they malfunction, especially those meant to ensure your safety. Ultimately, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to control the quality of those products.
Even though medical professionals are highly trained and must obey a strict code of ethics and procedures, they are not infallible. Medical professionals can breach their professional duty and that violation could cause someone’s death.
When you are a visitor on someone’s property, the property owners are responsible for keeping you reasonably safe. Property owners aren’t always up to the task of maintaining the safety of their premises.
Thousands of people are injured every year from on-the-job accidents. Your employer is responsible for ensuring the workplace is operating at safe standards, but there are times when employers neglect safety. They may do so out of a lack of proper training, or to save money.
There are numerous possible consequences for those involved in a wrongful death case. As the survivor of someone who lost their life in a wrongful death accident, you are well aware of how far-reaching the impact of a loved one’s death can be. It may give you some comfort knowing you can pursue damages for all you have suffered following your loved one’s death.
Should you choose to file a wrongful death claim, you could potentially receive compensation for the following:
While there is no set formula for predicting how much compensation family members can receive for their losses, there are various damages you can recover with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
A loved one’s death at the hands of negligence is a tragic thing to experience. While it’s difficult to deal with, you should consider taking legal action against the negligent party with the help of a skilled wrongful death lawyer.
At Knutson + Casey, we have helped thousands of clients successfully resolve their cases, so rest assured we will work tirelessly towards the successful completion of yours. To learn more about how we can help your wrongful-death case and to schedule your free consultation, call us at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form.