Losing a loved one due to an avoidable cause can be devastating. If another party’s negligent actions caused an accident that severely injured your loved one, leading to their death, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
However, you should be careful about the steps you take. The following are three mistakes to avoid.
Fighting with your family
Understandably, filing a wrongful death claim can cause tension among your family members. You may disagree on the best ways to approach the matter. Nonetheless, you should find common ground.
A lack of cooperation can affect the case. You want your family to provide crucial information during investigations and be on the same page. This can help make the process more manageable.
Waiting too long
It may not be in your best interest to wait too long to file a wrongful death claim. Your family can take time to grieve the loss, but you should be cautious about the statute of limitations. In Minnesota, you can file a claim within three years after the date of death. However, with investigations and potential delays, it may be best to start the process sooner. You may not be allowed to take legal action against the liable party after the statute of limitation expires.
Discussing the case
The other party’s insurance company can use anything you say about the case against you. Thus, it may help to avoid discussing the claim with non-family members. If the case has attracted any media attention, you should politely but firmly decline to make public statements.
If you lost your loved one due to someone else’s negligence, consider obtaining more information about your rights.