4 Common Mistakes Families Make After a Wrongful Death

Planning a funeral is inherently stressful, and it’s natural for families to argue while doing so because everyone handles emotional trauma differently. But if you and your loved ones intend to file a wrongful death claim, it’s important that you work together.

There are critical steps you should take and mistakes you must avoid to give your claim the best possible chance of success. Your first step is to contact a wrongful death lawyer who can handle the logistics of your case, negotiate with the opposing party, and help you avoid costly oversights that would derail your claim.

Below are just a few mistakes that could harm your wrongful death case:

1. Giving a Public Statement

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, a member of your family may be asked to make a public statement. If the accident was reported on the news, for example, local media might reach out to you. As long as your family intends to take legal action, it’s best to avoid making a public statement because there’s no way to predict how it might affect the proceedings.

 Waiting Too Long to Commence the Proceedings 

Although there’s certainly a lot to do in the wake of losing a loved one, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible so the investigation can begin right away. Important evidence might be time-sensitive, and there are strict time limits for filing wrongful death lawsuits. 

3. Failing to Designate a Family Representative 

In the state of Minnesota, various individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death suit. These parties include the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Because families in Minnesota do not have to go through a personal representative to file a wrongful death claim, multiple parties may feel inclined to correspond with the insurance adjuster directly. If they contradict one another—even inadvertently—this may harm your claim. As such, it’s best to hire an attorney to serve as your family representative. 

4. Proceeding Without Legal Counsel 

Although it’s possible to file a wrongful death claim without an attorney, it’s wise to seek professional guidance when your family’s financial security is at stake. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, track the resulting damages, obtain evidence of liability, interview witnesses, and handle all correspondence with the opposing party.

If the insurance adjuster is uncooperative and you have to file a lawsuit, a seasoned trial attorney can represent your interests in court. Although most wrongful death claims are resolved before going to trial, there’s always a chance that you could end up in front of a judge or jury, and if you do, having a skilled litigator by your side could prove invaluable. 

Call 800-770-7008 to Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Minneapolis

If you recently lost a loved one in some kind of preventable accident, reach out to the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Bradshaw & Bryant to discuss your case. Call 800-770-7008 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis.