Maple Grove Wrongful Death Attorney

Legal Guidance After The Loss Of A Loved One

Losing a family member because of someone else’s choices is devastating. In the middle of grief, it can be hard to know whether what happened is simply a tragedy or a preventable death that Minnesota law may recognize as wrongful. You may also feel unsure about whether to call a wrongful death attorney and what that conversation would even look like.

At Butwinick Injury Law, we help families in Maple Grove and across this part of Minnesota understand their legal options after a fatal crash, unsafe condition, or other negligent act. When you work with us, you work directly with Attorney Bob Butwinick, a seasoned trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience handling serious injury and death cases.

We prepare every case for trial from day one, and we do it with compassion, honesty, and clear communication. Your consultation is free, and you pay no attorney fees unless there is a financial recovery for your family.

Call (763) 415-7462 to schedule your free consultation with Butwinick Injury Law.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. In Minnesota, wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits designed to compensate surviving family members for the losses they suffer due to the death.

Common incidents that may lead to wrongful death claims include:

• Car accidents and motorcycle crashes
• Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
• Medical malpractice and hospital negligence
• Defective or dangerous products
• Workplace accidents
• Nursing home abuse or neglect
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

Our Maple Grove wrongful death lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your loved one’s passing to determine whether a valid claim exists and who may be legally responsible.

Minnesota Wrongful Death Laws

Wrongful death cases in Minnesota are governed by Minnesota Statutes § 573.02. Unlike some states, Minnesota requires that a trustee be appointed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members.

Key aspects of Minnesota wrongful death law include:

• Trustee Requirement: The court appoints a trustee—often a surviving spouse or close family member—to pursue the claim.
• Statute of Limitations: Most wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death, but no later than six years from the negligent act.
• Fault-Based System: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful act directly caused the death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Minnesota, wrongful death lawsuits are filed by the court-appointed trustee, but compensation is intended for the surviving next of kin. Eligible beneficiaries may include:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (biological or adopted)
• Parents of the deceased
• Other dependents or next of kin

The court determines how compensation is distributed based on each beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased and the level of financial or emotional loss suffered.

At Butwinick Injury Law, we help families navigate trustee appointments, identify eligible beneficiaries, and ensure all parties’ interests are properly represented.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate surviving family members for both economic and non-economic losses resulting from their loved one’s death.

Types of compensation may include:

• Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Loss of consortium for surviving spouses
• Loss of care and nurturing for children

In rare cases involving especially egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Our Maple Grove wrongful death lawyer will work with financial experts and economists to accurately calculate the full value of your claim.

Wrongful Death FAQs

How long does a wrongful death case take in Minnesota?

The timeline varies depending on case complexity, number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some claims resolve in months, while others may take a year or more.

Do all family members have to agree to file a claim?

Not necessarily. The trustee files the lawsuit, but disputes among beneficiaries can arise. An experienced attorney can help resolve conflicts and ensure fair distribution.

What if the deceased was partially at fault?

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as the deceased was less than 51% at fault, compensation may still be available, though it may be reduced.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?

Most wrongful death attorneys, including Butwinick Injury Law, work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

Why Families Choose Our Law Firm

In a wrongful death case, you are not only dealing with complex law and insurance issues. You are also trying to honor your loved one and protect your family’s future. Many families tell us they do not want to be treated like a file number or shuffled between different lawyers and staff members.

At Butwinick Injury Law, you work one-on-one with Attorney Robert S. (Bob) Butwinick. There are no junior associates handling your case behind the scenes. Bob listens to your story himself, answers your questions, and is directly involved in strategy, negotiations, and trial preparation.

With more than 25 years of litigation and trial work in Minnesota, Bob understands how serious cases are built and defended. He prepares every matter with trial in mind from the first day. This means gathering detailed evidence, examining all potential angles of responsibility, and developing a clear narrative of what happened and how the loss has affected your family. Even when a case resolves through settlement, this level of preparation can help support a stronger result.

Our firm is intentionally boutique rather than a high volume practice. We limit the number of cases we accept so we can devote meaningful time and attention to each family. That structure allows us to provide thoughtful updates, return calls promptly, and explain what is happening at each stage of the case in plain language.

We also bring a history of significant results in serious injury and death matters, including multi-million dollar recoveries. While every situation is unique and past results do not predict future outcomes, this track record shows that we are capable of handling high stakes cases and presenting complex losses to insurers and, when needed, to a jury.

Because we are based in Minnesota and handle cases that may proceed through Hennepin County District Court or other Minnesota courts, we understand how wrongful death disputes are typically approached in this region. Families trust us for both our legal experience and our personal attention.

Contact us today to let our firm help your family during this difficult time.