Wrongful Death Lawyer Burnsville, MN
It’s never easy to lose a loved one. If a family member dies because of the carelessness or intentional wrongdoing of another person, their passing becomes even more challenging to grieve. Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. specializes in wrongful death claims. Call our qualified Burnsville, MN wrongful death lawyer today to learn if you can hold someone accountable for the wrongful death of your family member.
What Is A Wrongful Death Lawyer?
A wrongful death lawyer advises the legal rights of family members after a wrongful death. If someone is liable for the accident that caused your loved one to pass away, your attorney may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Scenarios that can cause a wrongful death include:
- A fatal car accident where the motorist was operating recklessly, like excessively speeding, violating traffic laws, or driving under the influence
- Medical malpractice or a medical error that leads to death
- Product defects like manufacturing flaws
- A workplace accident due to unsafe or hazardous conditions
Losing a family member is never easy, and not all deaths meet the requirements for a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Burnsville wrongful death lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s passing and seek professional advice to determine the cause and potential liability.
What Does A Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
First, a wrongful death lawyer determines whether or not you have a claim. The legal requirements for a wrongful death suit vary from state to state. Some limit the rights to litigation to immediate family members or representatives of the deceased’s estate. In addition, your attorney must be able to prove that your loved one’s death was preventable and was the result of negligent or reckless action.
Then, our wrongful death lawyer considers several factors to establish the total compensation owed. There are economic damages to consider, such as:
- Medical expenses your family member incurred after the accident
- Funeral and burial costs
- Income your family relied on that your loved one would have earned
There are also noneconomic losses a wrongful death lawyer may pursue, including:
- Pain and suffering your loved one experienced leading up to their death
- Emotional trauma suffered by living family members
- Loss of support and love
Some wrongful death suits qualify for punitive damages. In these incidents, the actions of the at-fault party were so egregious that additional money could be awarded. Examples of wrongful deaths that may be entitled to punitive damages are extreme lack of care, like performing surgery under the influence or reckless driving.
Wrongful death cases are filed with the courts. Some cases are negotiated and settled before trial. However, if our wrongful death lawyer cannot reach an agreement with the guilty party, the case will be presented to a judge and jury.
You have a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit, so if you believe your loved one died because of another’s wrongdoing, don’t wait to get legal help. While civil litigations won’t hold them criminally responsible, recovering damages can help lessen the financial burden of a wrongful death. If a family member has passed away from a wrongful death, schedule a consultation with Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., as soon as possible. Our Burnsville wrongful death lawyers will investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death and advise if your family is entitled to a claim.