Free Consultation. No Fees Until You Collect. Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-4-RIGHTS
Request a FREE case evaluation and find out what Minnesota’s original personal injury law firm can do for you. We have the resources, the experience and the proven track record to provide you outstanding representation and peace of mind.
Or Call 24/7 Toll Free:1 (800) 231-6631
Losing a family member is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss was caused by someone else's negligence or misconduct, the grieving process is even harder as you navigate anger, confusion, and unanswered questions. Minnesota law recognizes that you need justice. That means accountability for the person who stole your loved one from you, and financial support to help you rebuild your life.
The SiebenCarey team has represented grieving families across Dakota County and the rest of Minnesota for over 70 years. Our wrongful death attorneys handle every aspect of your case, from the initial investigation through settlement or trial, so you can focus on your family during one of the hardest times of your life. If your loved one's death was caused by someone’s negligence, we are here to fight for the justice they deserved.
Our attorneys are here to answer your questions and explain your options. Contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by surviving family members when a loved one’s death results from another party's negligence or misconduct. Understanding how Minnesota defines and handles these claims is the first step toward knowing your rights.
Minnesota law defines wrongful death as a death caused by the wrongful act or omission of any person or corporation. This definition covers deaths caused by negligence, recklessness, and intentional misconduct (e.g., assault). The practical test is straightforward: if the deceased person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, the death likely qualifies for a wrongful death claim.
In 2023, Minnesota became the last state in the country to allow families to seek compensation for a loved one's pain and suffering before death. Before this change, Minnesota law only permitted families to recover economic losses. The 2023 amendment means families can now pursue the full scope of what their loved one endured, not just the financial impact of losing them. That includes:
All of these can now be added as compensable damages when filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil cases, separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from the same incident. The two systems operate independently, with different standards of proof and different goals. You can file a wrongful death lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges were filed, and even if a criminal trial returns a not guilty verdict, you can still pursue a civil claim.
Call SiebenCarey at 952-469-2288 for a free case evaluation with no obligation.
Minnesota provides some of the strongest protections for bite victims in the nation.
Under Minnesota law, only certain relatives can file a wrongful death claim. That includes:
Rather than allowing individual family members to file separate lawsuits, Minnesota law requires that a single trustee bring one unified claim on behalf of all eligible survivors. This system ensures that all family members' interests are represented and that compensation is distributed fairly among those who suffered a loss. Before any lawsuit can be filed, a trustee must be appointed through the court system to represent the interests of all eligible family members.
The trustee process has three steps:
At SiebenCarey, we guide families through each step of this process, handling all court filings and procedural requirements so nothing falls through the cracks.
A successful wrongful death claim can cover several categories of damages. This system is designed to compensate you for the financial and personal losses you suffer when a loved one is taken by someone’s wrongful conduct.
This compensation covers the wages, salary, and other income your loved one would have earned over their remaining working years. Minnesota law factors in any expected raises or career advancement. The goal is to account for the full financial contribution they would have made to your family.
Beyond income, the loss of employment benefits can represent a significant financial hardship. This compensation includes health insurance coverage, pension contributions, retirement savings, and other benefits your loved one provided.
If your loved one received medical treatment before passing, the costs of that care can be included in the claim. This covers emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, and any other treatment related to the accident.
Minnesota wrongful death law allows families to recover the costs of funeral, burial, or cremation services.
Since the 2023 change in Minnesota law, families can now seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of dignity their loved one experienced before death. This is a significant expansion of what families were previously entitled to recover.
Minnesota law also recognizes the profound personal losses that cannot be measured in dollars alone. Compensation is available for the loss of your loved one's presence, emotional support, companionship, and guidance.
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Speak with a member of the SiebenCarey team today to understand what your case may include.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, four legal elements must be established. Our attorneys build cases around each of these from the very start.
The defendant must have owed your loved one a legal duty to act with reasonable care. This duty exists in many everyday contexts. Drivers owe it to others on the road, doctors owe it to their patients, employers owe it to their workers, and property owners owe it to visitors.
We must show that the defendant violated that duty through negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. This could be a driver who ran a red light, a manufacturer who ignored a known defect, or an employer who failed to address a safety hazard.
There must be a direct link between the defendant's breach and your loved one's death. We have to demonstrate that but for the defendant's actions or failure to act, your loved one would still be alive. This often requires expert testimony and thorough investigation.
Finally, we must prove and quantify the harm suffered by surviving family members, both financial and personal. This encompasses everything from lost income to the loss of companionship that cannot be replaced.
Wrongful death cases are among the most complex and emotionally difficult legal matters a family can face. You need attorneys with the experience, resources, and compassion to handle both. Here's what SiebenCarey brings to every case.
SiebenCarey has been serving Minnesota families since 1952, representing more than 70,000 clients across the state. Our attorneys understand Minnesota's wrongful death laws inside and out, including the unique trustee requirement and the expanded damages available since 2023.
Our legal team includes:
Whether your case is settled out of court or goes to trial, we are fully prepared.
Wrongful death cases often require medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, economists, and other professionals to establish what happened and quantify the losses your family has suffered. SiebenCarey has the financial resources to retain the right experts and pursue your case for as long as it takes.
If you are unable to travel, our attorneys will come to you. We meet clients at home, in the hospital, or wherever is most convenient. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SiebenCarey handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. There are no upfront costs and no financial risk to you.
If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence or misconduct in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, or anywhere else in Dakota County, SiebenCarey is here to help. Our wrongful death attorneys will handle every legal detail while you focus on your family and your healing.
There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we will come to you if travel is difficult.
Call our Lakeville office at 952-469-2288 or reach us at 1-800-4-RIGHTS (1-800-474-4487) for a free, confidential consultation.
All medical costs related to your bite qualify for compensation. This includes:
We pursue recovery for both expenses already incurred and future medical needs your injuries will require.
When injuries prevent you from working, you shouldn't bear the financial burden alone. We calculate wages lost during recovery and, for severe injuries, reduced future earning capacity if your ability to work long-term is affected.
Physical pain from dog bites often persists long after initial healing. Chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and ongoing pain all warrant compensation. Minnesota courts recognize these intangible but very real losses.
Anxiety, depression, nightmares, and PTSD commonly follow dog attacks. Children may develop lasting fears that affect their quality of life. Mental health treatment costs and the emotional toll itself deserve compensation.
Permanent scars, particularly on visible areas like the face, arms, or hands, affect victims' self-esteem and daily life. Reconstructive surgery may improve appearance but rarely eliminates all evidence of the attack. These lasting impacts justify significant damages.
Torn clothing, damaged personal items, or other property destroyed during the attack can be included in your claim.
In rare cases involving extreme negligence, such as an owner who knowingly allows a dangerous dog to roam free, Minnesota courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
We’re ready to help you find justice too.
20876 Holyoke Avenue, P.O. Box 1253Lakeville, Minnesota
Phone: 952-469-2288Fax: 952-469-4029
Also awarded in:
2027, 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year
Also awarded in:
2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Also awarded in:
2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
7 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.
