*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Your loved one is irreplaceable. Your pain and grief is overwhelming. Your anger and fear is debilitating.
Over the past 75 combined years, we have worked with many loved ones left behind after the wrongful death of their mother, father, spouse, partner or child. We have seen how such losses can turn a family upside down, not only from the staggering grief, but also the unexpected financial losses that tend to follow.
At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, our Minneapolis lawyers are committed to helping you right the wrongs your loved one and your family is now suffering from. Turn to us for dedicated support and thorough legal representation during this difficult time.
The pain and devastation that accompany the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can feel insurmountable. Pursuing legal action may seem overwhelming at this emotionally turbulent time, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Minneapolis-based team of experienced wrongful death lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way. We are deeply committed to helping families like yours find justice, closure, and financial compensation for the untimely loss you’ve endured.
We understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for your loss. However, securing a wrongful death settlement or verdict can provide crucial financial support for funeral expenses, lost wages, medical bills, and the pain and suffering that come with such a significant loss. Our empathetic and seasoned attorneys will handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism, offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
What Classifies as a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when the negligent, reckless, or deliberate actions of another cause a person’s death. This legal concept encompasses a wide array of scenarios, including, but not limited to, car accidents caused by negligent drivers, medical malpractice where healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard care required, work-related accidents due to unsafe working conditions, and incidents of criminal behavior leading to a fatal outcome.
Under Minnesota’s wrongful death statute § 573.02, which is defined as a “wrongful act or omission of any person or corporation,” the deceased’s surviving relatives or estate representatives have the right to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their loved one’s untimely death. Such legal action aims to seek financial compensation for the damages and losses suffered and hold the responsible party or parties accountable for their actions, potentially preventing future tragedies.
Don’t Accept Insurance Settlements Right Away
Accepting an insurance settlement without consulting a wrongful death lawyer can significantly undermine the compensation that the family of the deceased rightfully deserves. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, offering settlements that fall short of covering the total extent of economic and non-economic damages suffered by the family.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
One of the most critical aspects of a wrongful death claim is the determination of pecuniary loss, or financial damages, which the deceased’s family has suffered and may continue to suffer. These losses are not solely about the immediate expenses related to the death, such as funeral and burial costs. They also encompass the loss of the deceased’s future earnings, benefits (such as medical insurance and pension plans), and the loss of inheritance. Additionally, compensation can be sought for the loss of companionship, care, and guidance the deceased would have provided to their loved ones.
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death
In wrongful death cases, the types of damages that can be sought by the deceased’s family or estate representatives typically fall into two main categories:
Economic Damages are quantifiable financial losses that have resulted directly from the death.
These can include:
Non-economic damages are more subjective and not as easily quantified. They can include:
Determining the full scope of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can be complex. It requires a detailed understanding of the law and the ability to quantify the full impact of the loss on the surviving family. Our team of experienced wrongful death lawyers in Minneapolis is equipped to handle these complexities and work tirelessly to ensure that the families we represent receive the total compensation they are entitled to under the law.
An experienced Minneapolis Wrongful Death lawyer knows that, under Minnesota’s wrongful death law, the family of the victim of a fatal accident has a right to recover monetary damages against the at-fault party. Specifically, relatives of the person killed can petition the court to appoint a trustee. The trustee then has authorization to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of all family members of the lost loved one. The law does not permit family members to bring separate claims.
We represent families of victims who have died due to fatal injury accidents, including:
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Client Reviews
Google Review Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
