Wrongful Death Attorney - Rochester MN

Rochester MN wrongful death lawyers at Patterson Dahlberg, have been helping families who have lost loved ones due to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other accidental causes for years. Wrongful death refers to a type of legal claim arising out of a negligent act resulting in a premature death of a family member. Minnesota law recognizes that there is significant economic and personal loss associated with such a catastrophic event and allows family members to pursue compensation against the at-fault party. These claims can be very complex and require the skilled guidance of an experience wrongful death attorney.

Personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Patterson Dahlberg have extensive experience in wrongful death claims.

Introduction to Civil Claims for Accidental Death in Minnesota

A claim for damages due to the death of a family member because of the negligence of someone else is known as a “Wrongful Death” claim.

Minnesota Law allows the “next of kin” of the decedent to make civil claims for compensation. The next of kin are the spouse and first-line blood relatives, including grandparents, parents, siblings, and children.

The first step is appointment of a trustee by a Minnesota District Court Judge. This person is typically the spouse of the decedent or the closest next of kin. The trustee should not have any possible fault or have any conflicts of interest.

Once the trustee is appointed the claim proceeds to obtain a recovery.

Wrongful Death Claims: Procedural Steps

1. Court Order - Appointment of Trustee for Next of Kin
2. Recovery of Wrongful Death Damages from at-fault party insurance
3. Court Order - Distribution of money recovered to the Next of Kin

No Fault Benefits: What is available to the Next of Kin?

Insurance will be available from your own auto policy or the policy of the vehicle in which the decedent was riding offering benefits for:

• Funeral expenses ($2,000 limit)
• Wage loss ($250/wk max)
• Replacement services

Wrongful Death Claims – We can help so you can heal.
Hiring an experience wrongful death attorney will not undo the tragedy, but it will allow you to focus on your family, confident that the legal claims and insurance matters are being handled professionally on your behalf. Please contact us by filling out the form on this page or calling us at 877-288-9122.