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Losing someone you love is devastating—and when their death is caused by another’s wrongful actions, the pain is magnified. At Knutson + Casey, our Minnesota wrongful death lawyers provide strong, compassionate representation for families in Owatonna and throughout the state. We understand both the legal complexity and the emotional toll involved, and we’re here to help you seek justice and secure financial support during this incredibly difficult time.
Under Minnesota law, a wrongful death claim can be filed when someone dies due to another party’s wrongful act or failure to act. If the deceased would have had a personal injury claim had they survived, their family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
A court-appointed trustee—usually a surviving spouse, parent, child, or another close relative—must file the wrongful death claim. This person represents all affected family members.
Key deadlines include:
3 years from the date of death
6 years from the date of the incident (if different)
No time limit applies in cases of murder
Wrongful deaths can arise from many types of negligence or wrongdoing, including:
Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
Medical malpractice or surgical errors
Defective products or unsafe premises
Criminal acts or reckless behavior
Workplace accidents or equipment failures
Minnesota allows family members to recover several types of damages, including:
1. Funeral and burial expenses
2. Medical bills related to the fatal injury
3. Loss of income, benefits, and financial support
4. Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
5. Emotional distress and pain experienced by the deceased before death
6. Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm
Recent changes in Minnesota law now allow additional recovery for emotional and physical suffering experienced by the decedent before death.
Our legal team offers comprehensive support throughout the wrongful death process:
Appointing a Trustee – We help you select and appoint a qualified representative to file your claim.
Thorough Investigation – We gather critical evidence: accident reports, expert testimony, medical records, and more.
Accurate Valuation – We assess your full losses, including future financial support and emotional harm.
Complete Legal Handling – From document filing to settlement negotiation or courtroom litigation, we manage it all.
Maximizing Results – We pursue the full range of compensation your family is entitled to under Minnesota’s updated laws.
Wrongful death claims are time-sensitive. You typically have three years from the date of death (or up to six years from the incident). If you wait too long, you may lose your right to file. We act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Who files the wrongful death lawsuit?
A court-appointed trustee—often a spouse or next of kin—files the claim on behalf of the family.
What damages can we recover?
You may recover funeral costs, medical bills, loss of income and support, companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Is there a time limit to file?
Yes—3 years from the date of death, or 6 years from the incident. Murder cases have no statute of limitations.
Who receives the compensation?
The court allocates the award among the surviving spouse and next of kin, based on each person’s losses.
Why hire a wrongful death lawyer?
These cases are legally complex and emotionally intense. Our attorneys take the burden off your shoulders, protect your family’s rights, and fight to recover everything you’re owed.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongdoing in Owatonna or the surrounding area, don’t go through this alone. Let Knutson + Casey guide you through the legal process with empathy, clarity, and fierce advocacy. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.