If you have lost a loved one in an accident, your pain and suffering cannot be tallied up in dollars and cents. However, if another party caused the accident, the immediate family members of the victim are entitled to compensation. The unexpected loss of a loved one can be emotionally, mentally, and financially draining. Monetary costs should not become a concern in the event of losing a loved one in an accident for which they are not at fault.
Our dedicated team at Robert Wilson & Associates has the compassion and proven knowledge to help you take legal action during the grieving process. To speak directly with an attorney about the details of your case, call us today at (612) 334-3444 for a free and confidential consultation.
Why do I need a lawyer after losing a loved one in an accident?
The pain of suddenly losing a loved one may never completely go away. If the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, the impact of the accident could be lessened in some small way by seeking damages. As an immediate family member of a victim of a wrongful death accident, you have the right to legal and financial recourse. The upheaval of an unexpected loss can have lifelong impacts. Having a strong legal team can allow you to focus on healing without the added burden of financial distress.
Suffering the unexpected loss of a loved one can leave you feeling alone and lost. A strong legal advocate can allow for peace of mind knowing that your case is being properly handled. You may have lost a loved one in an accident for which they have no fault. Gaining the evidence necessary to prove that claim and to hold the proper party responsible is likely the last thing on your mind. Partnering with a seasoned and empathetic law firm will allow you to focus on your recovery while knowing justice is being sought on behalf of your loved one. You may be taking on new burdens and responsibilities, and a legal case shouldn’t be one of them. A wrongful death attorney will help you recover the maximum compensation possible along with the justice your loved one deserves.
Why should I choose Robert Wilson & Associates?
Robert Wilson & Associates has gained the trust of clients in our community and across the state. As a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, our firm has proven our ability to seek damages to the fullest extent. Our legal team has the grit and experience to get the results you deserve. We are committed to treating you as a member of our family. Your case will be assigned to one lawyer, allowing for the personalized care and sensitivity your lawsuit deserves. However, our team will work tirelessly, drawing on the experience and knowledge of our entire legal staff to seek justice.
At Robert Wilson & Associates, we are dedicated to creating a comfortable and familial relationship with each of our clients. We believe in honest and transparent communication. Our goal is to keep you up-to-date at all times and to be as responsive as possible to all communication. We know you are dealing with enormous issues in the wake of an unexpected death. As a result, we firmly believe in setting realistic expectations for our clients. Simply telling you what you want to hear is not our business model. We believe our results speak for themselves. To schedule a fair, honest, and confidential consultation, call us today at (612) 334-3444 or fill out one of our online contact forms.
How does liability work for wrongful death accidents?
An accident leading to an untimely death is incredibly tragic. When the accident was caused by negligence or intentional harm, a wrongful death lawsuit can be pursued. Common scenarios leading to wrongful death lawsuits include car accidents, workplace incidents, faulty or dangerous products, medical accidents, and criminal activity. If you have lost a loved one in a similar incident, you may be entitled to compensation. The party that caused the accident may also be held responsible for paying damages if their actions can be proven to be negligent or intentional. Determining who is ultimately responsible for the unexpected death and seeking compensation requires proof and legal expertise. Consulting with a seasoned firm allows for justice to be sought on behalf of the deceased.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim can be filed by survivors who had a relationship with the victim. In all 50 states, you can file a wrongful death claim:
- If you lost a spouse in an accident;
- You are the parent of a minor who suffered wrongful death;
- You are a minor seeking damages on behalf of their parents
In the state of Minnesota, additional parties are permitted to pursue wrongful death lawsuits. These include:
- Grandparents;
- Siblings of the victim;
- A court-appointed trustee if the family wishes for the suit to be pursued on their behalf
If a negligent or intentional act has caused the wrongful death of a loved one, seeking damages and justice is your right. Robert Wilson & Associates has a team in place to uphold your rights and work on your behalf as well as the victim. Our pledge to treat you as we would our own family can make the legal and grieving process more manageable. We will provide you with all of our resources in helping you seek justice.
What types of compensation are available after losing a loved one in a wrongful death accident?
A variety of parties may seek compensation for wrongful death. In Minnesota, damages are awarded as a monetary sum. When negligence or intentional action is proven, compensation is a necessary right to prevent the further burden of the accident. The family members or a trustee may seek damages for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical care and services dispensed to treat the victim’s injuries
- Loss of protection or care
- Loss of wages, income, or benefits
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
At Robert Wilson & Associates, we will treat your loss with care and compassion. We will seek compensation and justice to the fullest extent. To discuss your case and how our team can best assist you, call us today at (612) 334-3444.
Wrongful Death Statistics
Wrongful death accidents can have far-reaching and devastating impacts. If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, seeking legal consultation can set you on the path to restitution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Other wrongful death statistics reported include:
- 190,000 people are victims of wrongful death accidents each year according to Annuity.org
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the value of a human life at $9.1 million
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates the value of a human life at $7.9 million
- The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates the value of a human life to be around $6 million
No amount of money can ever replace a loved one or repair the damage done by an unexpected loss. At Robert Wilson & Associates, we aim to provide you with facts and figures and give honest guidance. Remember that you are not alone in seeking justice for the loss of your loved one. Robert Wilson & Associates is ready to help you and your family recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robert Wilson & Associates upholds our commitment to prompt and transparent communication. We believe that setting honest and realistic expectations is the only ethical way to approach any case. As a pillar of our mission, we feel we must provide clarity for our clients. To do so, here are the answers to some questions we commonly hear at our firm:
How long do I have to file a case?
In the state of Minnesota, survivors can file a lawsuit within three years of the victim’s death date.
Can I file for compensation if the case is in criminal court?
In Minnesota, a civil suit seeking compensation for wrongful death may be filed even if a criminal case is also being pursued.
Is there a difference between murder and wrongful death?
The short answer is yes. There are many differences between a murder and a wrongful death. A murder trial is a criminal matter where the prosecution seeks incarceration and possibly fines. A wrongful death suit is handled in civil court. This means that compensation is sought for the actions of the defendant in terms of monetary damages. The defendant cannot be jailed as a result of being found guilty in civil court. Differences can also be seen in the required burden of proof.
Contact Us
Robert Wilson & Associates is committed to providing empathetic treatment for all of our clients. We treat you as a member of our family. We will help you seek fair compensation while guiding you with experience and reasonable expectations. We realize your pain and suffering after an unexpected loss of a loved one can never be quantified. However, we are here to help uphold your rights and to seek justice. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us at (612) 334-3444 or fill out our online contact form today.