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At Knutson + Casey, we help families in Mankato navigate one of life’s most painful experiences—losing a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Whether your family member passed away due to a fatal crash, medical error, worksite accident, or another avoidable event, we’re here to guide you through the legal process with compassion, clarity, and relentless advocacy. Our goal is to hold the responsible party accountable and help your family secure the financial and emotional justice you deserve.
Knutson + Casey offers decades of experience handling wrongful death claims in southern Minnesota. We understand how overwhelming and emotionally charged these cases are, which is why we take a respectful, family-centered approach. Our attorneys offer strong legal guidance, strategic case-building, and fierce courtroom advocacy when needed. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your family. From the first consultation to the final resolution, we’re with you every step of the way.
A wrongful death happens when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. These tragic losses can stem from:
Motor vehicle crashes (car, truck, motorcycle)
Fatal workplace or construction site accidents
Medical malpractice or surgical negligence
Unsafe property or premises hazards
Dangerous or defective consumer products
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Assault, violence, or DUI-related incidents
Our team conducts a thorough investigation into the cause of death, uncovers responsible parties, and builds a compelling case that honors your loved one’s legacy.
In Minnesota, a wrongful death lawsuit must be initiated by a court-appointed trustee—often a close relative like a spouse, parent, or child. This trustee represents all qualified surviving family members, including:
The surviving spouse
Biological or adopted children
Parents or guardians
Siblings or next of kin
Knutson + Casey assists with the trustee appointment process and handles all legal filings and procedures on your behalf.
No amount of money can undo your loss, but a wrongful death lawsuit can help provide long-term security and justice. You may be eligible to receive compensation for:
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical bills incurred before death
Lost income and future earnings
Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
Emotional pain and suffering experienced by the family
Legal fees and other estate-related expenses
We ensure every aspect of your loss—financial and emotional—is thoroughly evaluated and included in your claim.
Legal action after a wrongful death can help families find closure and accountability. Holding a negligent individual, corporation, or institution responsible not only brings justice for your loved one but can help prevent similar tragedies in the future. For many Mankato families, a successful lawsuit is one way to honor their loved one’s memory and create meaningful change.
At Knutson + Casey, we’re dedicated to guiding you through this process with care, purpose, and strength.
While every case is different, here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
1. Free Case Review
We begin with a complimentary consultation to learn about your situation.
2. Trustee Appointment
We file the necessary documents with the court to officially name a trustee.
3. Detailed Investigation
Our team gathers all relevant documents, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to build your case.
4. Filing the Lawsuit
We formally file the wrongful death suit and notify the responsible parties.
5. Settlement Negotiations
Many cases resolve out of court. We negotiate firmly to secure maximum compensation.
6. Trial (if needed)
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to represent your family at trial.
Alongside wrongful death cases, Knutson + Casey also handles:
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Slip and fall injuries
Medical malpractice
Nursing home neglect
Dog bites and animal attacks
Construction site injuries
If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you don’t have to go through this alone. Knutson + Casey is here to help you understand your legal rights and explore the path toward healing, closure, and compensation.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota?
You generally have three years from the date of death to file, and no more than six years from the date of the negligent act.
What if multiple family members want to file?
Only one court-appointed trustee may file on behalf of all beneficiaries. We help manage this process smoothly.
Do all wrongful death cases go to court?
Not always. Many settle through negotiation, but we prepare each case for trial to ensure we’re ready for any outcome.
What are the legal fees?
We work on contingency, meaning you only pay us if we win compensation for your family.
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
June 18, 2025
At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.