Eagan Wrongful Death Lawyer
DID SOMEONE’S NEGLIGENT ACTION CAUSE YOUR LOVED ONE’S DEATH?
Rely Upon the Expertise and Experience of our Eagan, MN, Wrongful Death Lawyers
When you suffer the death of a loved one, knowing where to turn for help can be challenging. What’s worse, you’re hardly in a rational state of mind to make important decisions. Especially when a third party is responsible through negligence, you need an experienced Eagan wrongful death lawyer to argue your case and offer the support and reassurance you need.
Our lead attorneys, Isaac Tyroler and Rachel Leonard, and their team, know that mere money cannot compensate for the death of a loved one. That said, making a successful wrongful death claim can provide the means to offset the onerous expenses you may face following a dependent or relative’s death. Our legal team hope to provide you and your family with financial security at a trying time.
At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, we provide exemplary legal services to you and your family to ensure you receive your rightful compensation. Give us a call today at 651-259-1113 to speak with our Eagan wrongful death lawyers.
Why Choose the Eagan Wrongful Death Attorneys at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law?
When someone you care about deeply dies due to the reckless negligence of another, it can have endless repercussions and consequences. In addition to the horror and trauma of sudden loss, there can be heavy financial burdens too.
You don’t have to suffer the consequences of a wrongful death case on your own. Enlist the expert help of the wrongful death attorneys at Eagan, MN. Our lawyers are highly experienced and knowledgeable in exactly this kind of trying and emotional lawsuit. They fight hard to defend their clients’ rights.
At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, our topflight Eagan wrongful death lawyers are perfectly attuned to the process that must be followed in these claims, and they’ll be happy to shepherd you through it. Empathetic and tireless, our team will go into battle to win the judgment you deserve. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Here are some testimonials from previous clients. Feel free to look through them before you get in touch.
Since 2012, Tyroler Leonard Injury Law has won over $30 million in settlements and positive verdicts. We work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay a dime unless we win the case on your behalf and recover damages. In addition, we’ll gladly offer advice and support whenever you need it.
You deserve to have compassionate, experienced representation. Explore our site to discover why we’re the right choice for you. Call Tyroler Leonard Injury Law at 651-259-1113 today to discuss your Eagan wrongful death case.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
When the death of a loved one occurs due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, winning a wrongful death claim for the damages you suffered is possible.
These damages (which include emotional loss) can include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost support and income
- Counsel, guidance, and aid that would have been available; and
- The advice, comfort, assistance, companionship, and protection the person would have given had they lived.
As well as financial recompense, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These are intended to form part of the punishment for the negligent party.
Minnesota statute § 549.20 deals with punitive damages, but it allows the victim’s family to collect these damages only when clear and convincing evidence is available that shows the defendant disregarded the safety of the decedent. Wisconsin statute § 895.043 places a $200,000 limit on the punitive damages available. Our team must show that the defendant exhibited intentional disregard for the decedent’s safety and rights in order to win this judgment.
Talk to our skilled wrongful death attorneys to find out if you are eligible to seek damages through these statutes. We’ll be able to advise on the details of your case and help you understand what steps we’ll take next. Contact our wrongful death attorneys in Eagan for a successful start on your claim.
Main Components of a Wrongful Death Case in Eagan, MN
Below are the specific and mandatory criteria that permit a successful wrongful death claim in Eagan, MN. The team at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law will fully investigate your case to discover evidence of these elements. We take pride in our investigative skills, because we know how important it is for us to properly ground and support your case.
Negligence
Negligence is one of the primary components of a wrongful death claim. Negligence involves proving that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim and that the defendant breached that duty, causing the victim’s death. For example, not providing mandatory health and safety measures in the workplace could constitute a failure of duty of care. If you can establish this, you may be able to recover damages for the victim’s wrongful death.
Financial Damages
Financial damages obtained through a legal claim or a civil lawsuit are separate from any possible criminal charges that might also arise from the victim’s death. Financial damages can include the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Medical expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
These monetary damages are intended to compensate the victim’s family for the financial loss they have suffered due to the victim’s death.
Intentional Cause in an Eagan Wrongful Death Case
Intentional torts are another type of civil wrong that may form the basis for a wrongful death claim. An intentional tort means that the civil wrong was committed on purpose instead of being the result of negligence or carelessness.
Common intentional torts that can lead to wrongful death claims include assault, battery, and false imprisonment. For an intentional tort to be the basis of a wrongful death claim, the person who committed the tort must have intended to injure the victim. For example, if someone assaults another person and the victim dies due to the injuries sustained in the assault, the assailant can be held liable for wrongful death.
A wrongful death claim pursued on your behalf by Tyroler Leonard Injury Law is not a criminal case. Local prosecutors may well be pursuing a separate criminal case against the defendant. Our wrongful death suit and any criminal case which is underway remain entirely separate processes.
When our Eagan wrongful death lawyers take on your case, we address only the civil aspect and pursue a financial award against the defendant and his or her insurance company. Rather than seeking jail time for the defendant, we pursue a financial award that helps you and your family with the expenses and financial setbacks related to losing your loved one.
Examples of Wrongful Death Cases
We’ll assist you, regardless of how an Eagan wrongful death happens.
Unfortunately, third parties can cause wrongful death through intentional tort or negligence, and this can happen to anyone. Isaac Tyroler and his team frequently witness the tragic aftermath of these preventable deaths. The most common examples of wrongful death cases handled by our Eagan wrongful death lawyers include:
- Car accidents
- Defective products
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents.
The type of accident behind the wrongful death will not affect our ability to seek a judgment in your case. We will gather the facts that show that the defendant created a negligent or reckless situation that led to the death for your loved one, regardless of the kind of accident that occurred. We appreciate the challenges you face grieving for your loved one while also bringing a wrongful death lawsuit. Please trust that we will treat you with the compassion that you deserve, while vigorously defending your rights to seek compensation.
Who is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Suit in Eagan?
In most states, only certain family members can file a wrongful death suit, such as the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, or parents. The administrator of the deceased’s estate is also allowed to file a wrongful death suit on behalf of the estate’s beneficiaries. Other family members may be permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit in some cases.
In Minnesota, the process of filing a wrongful death claim works similarly to how it is done in other states, according to Minnesota statute § 573.02, but it does have a few unique aspects to it.
Eligible family members will ask the court to allow a trustee to handle the case on the family’s behalf. This trustee then manages the legal action on behalf of the family. The family members can ask the court to name a certain person as a trustee, rather than having the court select the trustee. The trustee typically would be any family member, including:
- Surviving spouse
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Adopted or natural children
- Cousins
- Uncles or aunts
- Nieces or nephews
- Others (eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis).
Additionally, Minnesota requires that all family members who are eligible to receive damages join in a single claim. Different parties cannot bring separate claims. If one family member refuses to agree to be part of the family’s sole wrongful death claim, that family member will have to sign paperwork agreeing to relinquish any claim to damages awarded.
How Much Money can we Claim in our Wrongful Death Suit?
When a death occurs because of the recklessness of another person, the family can seek financial compensation for the deceased loved one, but it can be challenging to estimate the monetary value of such a case. Several factors must be considered when calculating damages, and each case is unique. One crucial factor is the relationship between the plaintiff and the deceased. If they were close relatives, such as a spouse or child, who depended on the deceased financially or for emotional support, the damages are likely to be significant.
Another consideration is the loss of future income the deceased could have earned. This includes wages and benefits and the value of services the deceased would have provided, such as childcare or household tasks. The plaintiff should also recover damages for funeral and burial expenses and the decedent’s pain and suffering after the fatal injuries occurred.
Consult with our wrongful death attorneys in Eagan to receive a more accurate estimate of the damages that may be awarded in your case. To give you a notion of how much you might expect, we list some recent results on our website. Our team at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law will review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Who can a Defendant Sue in a Wrongful Death Claim?
In some wrongful death claims, determining which party to sue is an easy process, since it’s evident that one person is responsible for causing the accident. In other cases, though, it can be challenging to determine which party or parties are negligent. Isaac Tyroler and our team of Minnesota wrongful death attorneys will determine exactly who is responsible for your loved one’s fatal accident and whether more than one party is responsible.
Occurrences Where a Single Party May be Liable in a Wrongful Death Claim
Among the most common situations where one party is solely responsible for a loved one’s death are auto accidents. When another driver was speeding, texting, or driving recklessly, and that driver hit your loved one and caused a fatality, we’ll probably be bringing a wrongful death claim against that single individual.
Or if a single person attacked your loved one, leading to fatal injuries, that person likely will be the only person who is part of your wrongful death claim.
Occurrences Where more than one Party may be Liable in a Wrongful Death Claim
Sometimes, more than one entity or person may be responsible for creating the circumstances that led to your loved one’s death. Through our investigation of the case, we will work tirelessly to determine all the parties that should be part of the claim. Having more than one party may be important to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve, because one party’s insurance policy may have coverage limitations that don’t completely meet the judgment that we win for you.
For example, more than one party could be liable for your loved one’s death if a drunk driver hits your loved one, causing a fatal accident. We may be able to add the people who supplied the alcohol to the drunk driver as part of the claim, especially if a bar overserved the drunk driver or if the drunk driver is an underage minor and an adult bought the alcohol.
If a defective product caused your loved one’s death, it is possible that the manufacturer will be part of the claim, along with the company that sold your loved one the product, plus anyone who explained to your loved one how they should use the purchase.
How are Wrongful Death Suits Settled?
This type of lawsuit seeks damages for the loss of the victim’s life. In most cases, these lawsuits are settled out of court, and the parties involved agree to a settlement amount through negotiations. This amount may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
However, sometimes a wrongful death lawsuit goes to trial. If the judge or jury rules in favor of the deceased’s family, they may receive damages. These damages can be substantial and can involve six- or seven-figure amounts.
The responsible party may also be ordered to pay punitive damages in some cases. These are meant to punish the at-fault party for their actions and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages can be very high, but they are usually awarded only in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious.
Insurance Companies Typically are Part of the Process
Wrongful death settlements are typically paid out of the responsible party’s insurance policy. If the policy limits are insufficient to cover the damages, the responsible party may pay out of their own pocket.
In some cases, an individual, organization, or company may be held vicariously liable for the actions of one of its employees or agents. Even if the employee or agent is not insured, the company may still have to pay the settlement amount.
Our skilled wrongful death lawyers in Eagan, MN, will help you navigate the complex system of wrongful death claims to ensure that you receive the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
What is the Process for Proving a Wrongful Death Claim?
How our Eagan wrongful death attorneys can help
Proving a wrongful death is highly complex and time-consuming, which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced wrongful death attorney on your side. The first step to take in any wrongful death claim is to determine whether the death came about because of the negligence or recklessness of another party.
If so, the next step is to identify the surviving family members who are eligible to receive compensation under the law. When the findings show that it is appropriate, wrongful death lawyers in Eagan, MN, will begin gathering evidence and building a solid case on your behalf.
We’ll Provide the Support you Need
Once you hire Tyroler Leonard Injury Law to take over your wrongful death claim, we will handle all the legal aspects of the case, allowing you and your family to focus on grieving and on trying to heal together.
First, we’ll contact and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Next, we’ll investigate the circumstances of the case, building a set of facts that show why you and your family deserve the claim amount that we are seeking. Should we decide that negotiations are not working and that we need to take the case to court, we will begin preparation for the court case. We will stand by your side throughout the trial. Although we handle all these aspects of the case, we will always keep you informed, and together we will make all decisions about how to proceed.
Tyroler Leonard Injury Law Delivers the Compassion you Deserve
One of the toughest things about bringing a wrongful death claim – and one of the ways where we provide significant help – is giving you the support you need from start to finish. It can be tough to deal with your grief after losing a loved one, especially when reliving the accident and the raw emotions of the moment in which you learned about the fatality.
We know that winning a judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring your loved one back. Our goal is to help you deal with the financial hardships you are facing after losing your loved one, especially if he or she was a breadwinner for the family. Your loved one would not want you to lose your financial dreams of home ownership, early retirement, or paying for college for your kids because of this accident. Our hope is that by winning a settlement for you in this case we can alleviate any financial burdens you are experiencing.
What Factors Should I Consider when Choosing an Eagan Wrongful Death Attorney?
When hiring an Eagan wrongful death lawyer, there are several important considerations to bear in mind. First and foremost, it’s essential that the attorney has the experience and resources to handle your case successfully and professionally.
Taking on cases within Eagan, MN, our wrongful death attorneys have a proven track record of excellence pursuing such cases and achieving considerable settlements. We’re expert at preparing a full and convincing case, including preparing for negotiations with insurers and taking a suit to trial.
You can trust our wrongful death attorneys in Eagan, MN, will always have your best interests in mind. Though we treat our clients with compassion and empathy, we fight hard when it comes to protecting their interests, particularly when the insurance company is treating them unfairly or disrespectfully.
We never back down from tough cases, and we don’t allow lawyers from big insurance companies to try to steamroll us or our clients. At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, you will be represented by a professional and highly respected Eagan wrongful death lawyer. We will demand that the other side act professionally, too.
FAQs about Wrongful Death Cases
Our Eagan wrongful death attorneys answer common questions
Wrongful death is a painful and emotional situation, which can throw up a whirlwind of questions. Below, we’ve tried to answer the most urgent and frequent questions we receive. Feel free to get in touch if you have further queries – we are here to help.
What are the Grounds for A Wrongful Death Claim?
Negligence is the main ground for complaint in a wrongful death claim – a failure to provide a reasonably safe environment or exercise due care or attention. However, wrongful death can also be claimed against an individual or individuals who involuntarily caused death during a deliberate assault – this is known as Intentional Tort. Tyroler Leonard Injury Law can clarify the likely eligibility of a suit during one of our free consultations.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if the Person who Died was not my Loved One?
You could file a wrongful death claim if you were closely related to the person who died. This could include spouses, children, or parents. Other relatives, such as grandparents or siblings, may also be able to file a claim in Minnesota. It is crucial to speak with our team to determine whether you are eligible to file a claim.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
In most cases within Minnesota, the statute of limitations is three years after the date of the deceased person’s death, and no later than six years following the event that caused the underlying injury which led to the individual’s eventual demise.
How Can I Afford an Eagan Wrongful Death Attorney if I File a Wrongful Death Claim?
We take on wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, meaning that we won’t take a fee unless we win your case. This means that you ought to suffer no added financial burden due to engaging Tyroler Leonard Injury Law to present your suit. Your well-being is important to us during these difficult days.
We understand that, because we deal with the legal system daily, things that seem commonplace to us can be confusing for our clients. Once you hire us to represent you, trust that we will always be available to speak with you about your case. We return phone calls promptly, and we also can communicate with you by text, email, or social media. We want to make you feel as comfortable with this process as possible.
How can our Eagan Wrongful Death Attorneys Help You?
When you lose a loved one in an accident, you may be wondering what actions to take next. One strong option is to file a wrongful death suit against the individual or entity that is responsible for your loved one’s death.
Our Eagan wrongful death attorneys at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law will help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is the right course of action and will guide you through the process. Wrongful death lawsuits can be complex, so it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side.
We have years of experience helping families seek justice after a loved one’s death due to someone else’s negligence. We understand your pain and will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today about your wrongful death case in Eagan. Count on us to be at your side every step of the way. We’ll explain the process of your case, keep you informed, and fight aggressively for all the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 651-259-1113. Our wrongful death attorneys in Eagan, MN, are on standby to assist with your wrongful death claim now.