The Cody Law Group

How Minnesota law changed damages in wrongful death claims

2026-08-31T14:25:51Z

Losing a loved one after a serious injury can leave a family dealing with grief, medical bills and difficult financial decisions. When someone survives an injury for days or weeks before dying, there may also be questions about the losses that person experienced before death. A 2023 amendment to Minnesota's wrongful death statute expanded what may be recovered in certain cases to include losses the deceased person suffered from the injury before death.

What changed under Minnesota law?

Under current Minnesota law, a wrongful death action may allow recovery for damages the deceased suffered as a result of the injury before death, along with the pecuniary loss resulting from the death. This means the circumstances between the injury and death can matter. For example, someone seriously injured in a car crash may spend several weeks in the hospital before passing away. The nature of the injuries, medical treatment and what the person experienced during that time may become relevant to the claim.

How is this different from the family's losses?

A wrongful death claim can address the financial losses suffered because of a loved one's death. The law also allows the action to account for damages suffered by the deceased as a result of the injury before death. These are not necessarily the same losses. Medical records, treatment notes and other evidence may help establish the injuries and the care the deceased received before passing away. The circumstances of each case generally determine what damages may be available.

What should families know?

Under the 2023 amendment, the period between the injury and death may carry more legal significance than it did before, making the evidence from that time period worth preserving and reviewing early in the claim evaluation process. Families dealing with a fatal accident may benefit from preserving medical records, accident reports and other evidence about what happened between the injury and death. Those details can be critical when evaluating a potential wrongful death claim.

3 steps after a workers comp claim denial

2026-08-26T10:46:53Z

A denial letter from an insurance company creates sudden financial stress, but it does not mean your case is over. Insurance adjusters regularly deny valid claims to lower costs. You have a legal right to challenge this decision under Minnesota law. Taking specific actions after receiving notice protects your family and your rights.

Understand the reason for your claim denial

Insurance companies must send a written notice that explains why they rejected your claim. Review this document carefully to identify their exact argument. Common reasons adjusters use to reject coverage include:

Alleged failure to report the injury to your employer within 14 days (though notice may still be valid up to 180 days in certain situations)
Lack of medical records linking the injury to your job duties
Disputes over whether the accident happened during work hours

Knowing the adjuster's defense allows you to gather targeted evidence to counter their claims.

Gather medical evidence and legal documents

Your medical records serve as the main foundation of an appeal. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the specific physical demands of your job. Ask your doctor to provide a detailed written report that includes:

A clear statement that work duties caused or worsened your condition
Specific work restrictions and temporary disability statuses
Expected treatment needs and recovery timelines

Thorough medical records directly dispute the conclusions drawn by insurance adjusters.

File a formal appeal with the state

You can challenge a denial by filing a formal appeal with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. This legal filing begins the official state dispute process. Do not wait to begin this process. Minnesota law sets strict deadlines on work injury disputes, and delays can permanently block your recovery.

Take action to protect your legal rights

Facing a denied claim while dealing with missed paychecks and growing bills is hard. You do not have to handle the state process alone. A Minnesota workers' compensation attorney can file your appeal, gather key medical evidence, and represent your interests before a judge.

Does workers’ comp cover travel to medical appointments?

2026-07-31T12:52:22Z

A work injury can turn routine appointments into another financial strain. You may already be missing paychecks while paying for gas, parking and repeated trips across the Twin Cities. Those costs can grow quickly when treatment lasts for weeks or months. Minnesota workers’ compensation may cover some of that travel, but you must usually document each expense.

Travel reimbursement for medical care

Workers’ compensation medical benefits can reach beyond the treatment bill itself. Minnesota’s employee guide explains that injured workers may seek reimbursement for mileage and parking. This includes trips to medical appointments or to pick up prescriptions. The key issue is whether the travel relates to care for your work injury. A drive to a scheduled treatment visit may qualify. Unrelated travel during the same outing generally will not. These expenses form one part of the broader workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the claim, those benefits may also include medical care, wage-loss payments and rehabilitation services.

Records that support reimbursement

A simple travel log can make the process easier to follow. For each appointment, note the date, provider, destination, round-trip mileage and any parking charge. Pair those details with an appointment confirmation or parking receipt when possible. Those records show why you made the trip and how much you spent. It also gives you a clear record if the insurer questions part of the request.

Travel costs for insurer-requested exams

The insurer may ask you to attend an independent medical examination with a doctor it chooses. The exam gives the insurer another opinion about your injury. It may also address work restrictions or the need for more treatment. Reasonable travel expenses for the appointment may also be covered. Depending on the distance, reimbursement could include mileage, parking, meals or lodging. Tell the insurer before the appointment if travel creates a problem. Missing the exam could affect your benefits.

Include travel in your recovery plan

Medical travel can be easy to overlook because each trip may cost only a small amount. Over time, though, those costs can strain a household already dealing with lost income. Before your next appointment, confirm how the insurer handles travel reimbursement. Then make eligible travel costs part of your claim instead of assuming you must pay them yourself.

4 photos to avoid on social media after a crash

2026-07-31T09:05:53Z

A car crash turns your life upside down in an instant. While you might want to share updates online, insurance adjusters and defense lawyers actively search social media accounts for pictures to use against your claim. Under court rules, posts and private messages can be requested during discovery if relevant to your injuries or credibility. Deleting posts after an accident can also lead to severe court sanctions for altering evidence.

Minnesota legal standards and social media evidence

Understanding Minnesota legal standards helps protect your finances. Under state law, insurance companies look for evidence suggesting your physical condition is better than stated in medical records. Adjusters often take online photos out of context to challenge legitimate claims. Keeping certain images off your feed puts you in a far stronger position during claim negotiations.

Photos of the vehicle damage

Crushed fenders or broken glass look dramatic on a screen. However, adjusters use vehicle photos to argue about crash severity and physical impact.

Photos showing physical activity or travel

Pictures at a backyard dinner, a park or a family gathering can be misinterpreted. An adjuster may claim a photo proves you do not suffer from physical limitations.

Photos of your injuries or medical care

Posting pictures of bruises, stitches or hospital rooms can create inconsistencies. Defense attorneys often contrast these images against formal medical records.

Photos featuring alcohol or party settings

Pictures with drinks in the background give insurance lawyers room to question your credibility, memory or state of mind. Minnesota No-Fault law automatically covers initial medical bills and lost wages through personal injury protection. To get additional money for pain and suffering from the other driver, state law requires your injury to reach a specific level, such as $4,000 in medical bills or 60 days of disability.

How to protect your claim while you recover

Pause new uploads and set personal profiles to maximum privacy settings while your claim is pending. Tell friends and relatives not to tag you in recent photos or check you in at local venues. Do not delete older posts without consulting an attorney, as removing content can harm your case. If you have questions about an active insurance claim, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation.

Young drivers have the highest fatal accident rate

2026-07-23T02:25:33Z

Statistically speaking, the highest fatal car accident rates belong to teenage drivers. The risk is greatest for those from 16 to 19 years old, and their fatal accident rate is higher than any other age group in the United States. This becomes especially clear over the summer months, when the total number of fatal teenage car accidents also climbs. Largely due to the fact that teenagers have more free time when they are not in school over the summer, they tend to get into more accidents. This does not mean that teenagers cause the most fatal accidents overall. They are, after all, a relatively small age group. But because they have the highest rate, it shows that there is a significant risk for them and all other drivers who share the road with them.

Why is the accident rate so high?

There are many contributing factors, such as lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, aggressive driving and even impaired driving. Every accident is unique. But one underlying factor that contributes to the high accident rate is that these young drivers are just inexperienced. It leads to mistakes they would not make otherwise. For example, an experienced adult driver may understand when to slow down in certain weather conditions or how to consistently maintain a safe following distance. An inexperienced teenager, on the other hand, may accidentally tailgate or fail to slow down when it would be safer to do so. They are not trying to drive poorly, but they are simply making mistakes because they do not have that much experience behind the wheel.

Seeking compensation after a fatal crash

Have you lost a loved one in a car accident that another driver caused? You may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death case, so be sure you understand all of your options.

Untreated dog bite wounds can lead to serious complications

2026-07-14T12:41:24Z

A dog bite may seem minor at first, especially if the wound is small or the bleeding stops quickly. However, even a puncture wound can allow harmful bacteria to enter the body and lead to serious medical complications if left untreated.

Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record of your injuries if the bite resulted from someone else's negligence. Understanding the risks associated with dog bite wounds is an important step after any animal attack, particularly when pursuing a Minnesota personal injury claim.

Watch for signs of infection

One of the most common complications of dog bite wounds is infection. Warning signs include increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the injury, persistent pain or drainage from the wound. Some people also develop fever, chills or night sweats if the infection begins to spread. These symptoms should never be ignored because early treatment may prevent more serious health problems.

Serious infections can develop

Certain bacterial infections can become severe if they are not treated promptly. In some cases, bacteria may spread through the bloodstream and lead to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. Other infections can affect the skin, joints or internal organs and require intensive medical treatment.

A dog bite from an animal with an unknown vaccination history may also require evaluation for rabies exposure. Depending on your vaccination history and the nature of the wound, a tetanus booster may also be recommended.

Dog bites do not only damage the skin. Teeth can injure muscles, tendons, nerves or even bones beneath the surface. Bites involving the hands, feet or face often require careful examination because these areas are more vulnerable to lasting complications.

Early treatment supports recovery

Cleaning the wound thoroughly as soon as possible helps reduce the risk of infection. More serious injuries may require professional wound cleaning, antibiotics, vaccinations or additional treatment depending on the severity of the bite.

If another person's dog caused your injuries, medical records may also become important evidence in a Minnesota personal injury claim. Seeking prompt care protects both your health and your legal interests. If you have questions about recovering from dog bite wounds or your legal options, seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Is there an uptick now in summer car accidents?

2026-06-28T03:33:07Z

Minnesota residents are out in force these days, enjoying lots of fun summer activities. From going away on lakeside family vacations to taking weekend golf trips with friends, people tend to make the most of the warm, sunny weather. All the activities taking place now contribute to this time of year being known as the “100 deadliest days.” From Memorial Day weekend in May running through the unofficial end of summer on Labor Day is a time of enhanced danger for those driving or riding on the nation’s roads and interstates.

Other factors are involved as well

During summer vacation, there are also many inexperienced teenage drivers behind the wheel. Their lack of driving hours can contribute to accidents that affect anyone in proximity to them. Then, too, summer is also the road construction season. Traveling at lower speeds through miles of narrow, orange-coned lanes makes collisions more likely to occur.

Celebrating holidays with alcohol

The upcoming Fourth of July celebrations of our nation’s 250th birthday will be taking place all over the country and region. Many of those parties will undoubtedly include the consumption of alcoholic beverages of every stripe. But not everyone is responsible enough not to drink and drive. Regardless of whether someone personally consumes alcohol or not, they can certainly suffer the ill effects of another driver’s disastrous decision to drive after imbibing.

If you are injured in a summer accident

No matter how safely you may drive, accidents happen. If they happen and injure you or claim the life of your loved one, there is a path to civil justice. Filing a claim for damages is the first step to recovering compensation for your injuries, losses and other damages.

2 tips for managing bills after a serious car crash

2026-06-15T15:40:41Z

Being in a car crash can affect every area of your life, particularly if the injuries are serious. One of the most immediate effects has to do with your finances. You’ll likely need medical care, which can be costly. At the same time, you may not be able to return to work. The increase in expenses and reduction or cessation of income can be financially devastating. If you’re in this position, one of the first things that you should do is to determine how you can manage your bills in the aftermath of the crash. These tips may be beneficial as you embark on this task:

1. Get organized

One of the first things you should do is to organize your bills. Divide these into ones that are required for you to live, ones that you need to pay, and ones that can be skipped or delayed. The ones that require you to live include the rent or mortgage, utilities and food. Ones that you need to pay are things like insurance and medical deductibles. Ones that can be skipped or delayed are things like streaming services and possibly some medical bills.

2. Communicate early

Some creditors may be willing to work with you on due dates, which may involve making payment plans. Learning the options that you have may make it easier to set up a budget, and it may clarify your order of importance for bills. Some creditors, such as credit companies, may be able to have more leeway than a utility company. It’s best to speak to them as early in the process as possible. It's important to remember that your accident-related medical bills may also be covered through your own health or auto insurance. The insurer may then seek to reclaim what they spent through any award you receive if you seek compensation from the negligent party for the damages. Working with someone who understands these matters may be beneficial, so you can focus on healing.

How to pay your bills while you recover from a crash

2026-06-09T16:50:53Z

The crash left you hurting, but what keeps you up at night may be the stack of bills on the counter. Rent, groceries and medical costs do not pause while you heal, and missing a paycheck feels terrifying when people depend on you. The good news is your insurance policy and other benefits may provide several practical sources of short-term financial relief.

Start with no-fault, your first line of help

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so your own auto insurance helps pay your costs no matter who caused the crash. State law requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in every policy, and those benefits can begin before any dispute over fault gets resolved. Under Minnesota's no-fault benefits, every policy includes at least $20,000 for medical care and $20,000 for lost wages and related costs.

Put your wage-loss benefits to work

If your injuries keep you off the job, PIP can replace much of your lost income. The law generally covers 85 percent of your gross wages, up to $500 a week, until you recover or reach your limit. To get paid sooner, report the crash quickly and send proof of missed work, like pay stubs, employer wage statements and a doctor's note. Filing a no-fault claim correctly from the start can reduce avoidable delays and give the insurer fewer reasons to request more information.

Layer in any other coverage you have

No-fault may not stretch far enough alone, so check what else you carry. Health insurance can cover medical bills beyond your PIP limit, and short-term disability, sick leave or paid time off can fill part of the wage gap. If you were driving for work, traveling between job sites or performing another work-related task when the crash happened, workers' compensation might also apply.

Talk to your creditors before you fall behind

Many lenders, hospitals and utility companies offer hardship plans, but usually only if you ask before missing a payment. A quick call explaining your situation can bring lower payments, a temporary pause or more time. Save every bill, receipt, pay record and message from the insurer, since those documents can support your injury claim later. Try not to rush into an early settlement before doctors understand your prognosis and the full cost of your recovery.

You do not have to face the bills alone

Money stress can feel heavier than the injury itself, but you have real tools to steady things. Start by filing your no-fault claim and gathering your records, since those steps protect both your budget and your case. If the bills keep mounting or your benefits fall short, a Twin Cities injury attorney can line up support and pursue the at-fault driver for what no-fault does not cover.

What is an underride truck accident?

2026-06-04T09:22:05Z

Sharing the road with large commercial trucks is something American drivers do every day without giving it much thought. And, while many trips end safely, certain types of truck accidents can have devastating consequences when they occur. The size and weight of tractor-trailers make collisions particularly dangerous for occupants of smaller vehicles. Some crashes are especially dangerous because of the way the vehicles impact one another, often leaving little protection for those involved.

Why underride collisions are so dangerous

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)F explains that an underride truck accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a large commercial truck or trailer during a collision. Because the truck's trailer sits much higher than the front end of most cars, the upper portion of the passenger vehicle can be crushed or sheared away during impact. These accidents often happen when a truck suddenly stops, slows unexpectedly or is difficult to see due to poor lighting or weather conditions. To help reduce the risk of these collisions, many commercial trailers are equipped with underride guards. These metal barriers are mounted beneath the rear of a trailer and are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from traveling underneath the truck during a crash. While rear underride guards are required on most trailers, safety advocates have long argued that stronger standards and additional side underride guards could help prevent more serious injuries and fatalities. Underride crashes are often catastrophic because they impact areas of a passenger vehicle that are not designed to withstand such forces. Occupants may suffer severe head, neck or traumatic brain injuries. In many cases, the damage is so extensive that these accidents result in fatal outcomes, making underride collisions one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents on the road. After a serious truck accident, understanding your legal options can be difficult, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries, medical bills and uncertainty about the future. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help you better understand your rights and whether compensation may be available to you.