Minnesota Wrongful Death Lawyers – Crystal & Minneapolis

Losing someone you love because of another’s negligence is a kind of pain no settlement can undo. But Minnesota law gives your family a way to hold the responsible party accountable and to recover the financial losses a death leaves behind. Metro Attorney represents families in Crystal, the northwest suburbs, Minneapolis, and throughout Minnesota.

How wrongful death claims work in Minnesota

These claims are brought by a court-appointed trustee on behalf of the surviving spouse and next of kin. Recoverable losses can include funeral and burial expenses, the income and services the person would have provided, and the loss of their care, guidance, and companionship. Strict filing deadlines apply — and the deadline for a wrongful death claim is different from, and can be shorter than, the deadlines for other injury claims — so it’s important to talk to a lawyer early.

• Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
• Pedestrian fatalities
• Fatal falls and unsafe premises
• Other negligence-related deaths

What the trustee process looks like

Before a claim can proceed, a court appoints a trustee — typically a family member — to act for everyone entitled to recover. We prepare the petition, handle the appointment, and manage the claim so the family carries as little of the process as possible. When a settlement or verdict is reached, the court approves how it is distributed among the surviving spouse and next of kin.

We carry the legal weight so your family doesn’t have to

We handle these cases with patience and discretion. Reach out when you’re ready — consultations are free and confidential, and there’s no fee unless we recover for your family.

Common questions from Minnesota families

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Minnesota?

The claim belongs to the surviving spouse and next of kin, but it must be brought by a court-appointed trustee. We handle the appointment as part of the representation.

How long do we have to decide?

Wrongful death deadlines are strict and depend on the circumstances of the death; they can be shorter than the deadlines for other injury claims. The safest answer is to talk to a lawyer well before you think you need to.

What if my family member was partly at fault?

A claim may still exist. Minnesota’s comparative fault rules apply, and fault questions are exactly what the investigation is for.

Does a criminal case replace a civil claim?

No. A criminal prosecution — for example, after a drunk-driving death — punishes the offender; it does not compensate the family. The civil claim is separate and can proceed regardless of the criminal outcome.

What does it cost?

Nothing up front. These cases are handled on a contingent fee — the firm is paid a percentage only if there is a recovery, and the fee arrangement is put in writing at the start.