Why Time Is Of The Essence In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Nobody ever expects to find themselves at the center of a wrongful death suit, but every year it becomes the reality for hundreds of families across Minnesota. Losing a loved one is always tragic, but it can be especially sad if the death was preventable or the result of negligence. Odds are you won’t know exactly what to do if you find yourself in this situation, and while it’s always important to collect your thoughts and grieve properly, it’s also important that you act swiftly in pursuing a wrongful death claim. We explain why it’s so important to move quickly in today’s blog.

Time Isn’t On Your Side After A Wrongful Death

Minnesota law allows for a surviving dependent or beneficiary to bring a wrongful death suit up to three years from the date of the individual’s death, but that doesn’t mean you should take months or years to get the case moving. We can’t stress enough how much we empathize with our clients who are going through this unbelievably difficult time, but it’s essential that you start the process in order to increase your likelihood of collecting what you deserve.

The easiest way to do this is by talking with an injury and wrongful death lawyer like Dean and the team at Margolis Law Office. By hiring a lawyer, you are free to grieve and help focus on your health and the health of your family while the lawyer handles the behind the scenes financial aspects of the case. Trying to juggle a lawsuit and the aftermath of a death can be exhausting and emotionally draining, so let a professional handle the legal aspect.

The biggest reason why it’s so important to get the ball rolling quickly after a wrongful death incident is for the preservation of evidence. Video evidence can be overwritten, witness memories can fade and it can be harder to prove negligence if the other side has months or even years to cast doubt over your case, even if it’s rooted in strong evidence. Collect as much evidence that supports your case as possible and bring this to the attention of your lawyer. Let them review the police reports and collect witness statements, as some of this information can be difficult to hear for the grieving party. The sooner they have access to tools to build your case, the stronger your claim will be.

Another reason why it’s so important to move forward with a case sooner rather than later is that it helps to send a message to the insurance company that you mean business. A party who takes a long time to file may be more likely to jump at an initial settlement offer as a way to wrap up the case, whereas someone who files sooner will likely be more focused on getting a fair deal as opposed to a quick resolution.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, please consider talking with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Aside from helping you win a wrongful death award, they can ensure that you are getting a fair amount and that all relevant factors are considered when developing a claim. Don’t let the insurance company prey on your inexperience with the system at a very emotional time in your life. Let us go to work for you and get you the biggest payday possible in your wrongful death suit. For more information, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today.