How Soon Should I Call an Attorney After the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?

The death of a loved one is always an emotionally devastating experience. Besides the trauma of the loss, you may also have to deal with a number of administrative tasks such as facilitating probate and preparing for the funeral. If the death was accidental, the situation becomes even more stressful. For example, if you relied on the deceased for financial support, you may have to find a new way to make ends meet virtually overnight.

Depending on the circumstances of the death, though, you may be entitled to compensation for damages like funeral costs and lost income; however, you will have a limited amount of time in which to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Also, essential evidence might become unavailable if you wait too long to initiate the investigation, so it is wise to call a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

Seeking legal counsel may be at the bottom of your to-do list while still grieving, but putting off the initial consultation means putting off the proceedings—and that could prove disastrous for your family. Here are just a few reasons to call a personal injury lawyer immediately following an unanticipated death in the family:

1. To Meet All Critical Deadlines 

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in the state of Minnesota is three years; however, there are several exceptions to this deadline. For example, if you want to name a government entity in the suit, you typically have to submit a written notice within just 180 days of the death.

It is also important to remember that any insurance claims you file prior to the suit have no bearing on the timeline. Therefore, if the negotiations are especially contentious or lengthy delays ensue, you could run out of time to bring the case to court should you fail to reach a settlement. 

2. To Gather Time-Sensitive Evidence 

In many personal injury claims, some of the most important pieces of evidence are time-sensitive. Certain kinds of evidence are also vulnerable to being altered or destroyed. By hiring a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible, you will give your legal team the opportunity to gather any evidence that may not be available indefinitely. 

3. To Protect Your Family’s Financial Security 

The financial impact of losing a loved one unexpectedly can be devastating. And in most cases, the damages will increase with every passing day. Although it is impossible to predict the total duration of the case because disputes and delays can arise, the sooner you call a lawyer and commence the proceedings, the sooner you may be able to recover the compensation your family needs to put the pieces back together. 

Call 320-259-5414 to Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Minneapolis 

If you want to file a wrongful death claim in Minnesota, turn to Bradshaw & Bryant. We will answer your questions, conduct a thorough investigation, and help your family determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call 320-259-5414 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis.