Partner Mike Lammers recently accompanied his client, Heather Meyer, to the state capitol in support of changing the law to help injured Minnesotans and their families.
Currently, Minnesota is the only state without a survivorship law. As the law is now, if someone is hurt by the wrongdoing of another and then dies from unrelated causes, their injury claim dies with them as does as the valid loss of comfort claims of their loved ones.
Unfortunately, corporate defendants and insurance companies are well aware of this loophole, and often try to “wait out” their victims by refusing to negotiate, forcing litigation, and engaging in stall tactics. If they can delay resolution until the injured person dies, they don’t have to pay.
Ms. Meyer bravely and powerfully testified before the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and House Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee detailing her and her husband Joel’s ordeal with medical malpractice and the hospital and insurance company’s refusal to accept accountability.
The bills introduced to close this loophole are SF 997, introduced by State Senator Ron Latz, and HF 1019, introduced by State Representative Sandra Feist. The bills have gained support from advocacy groups including the Minnesota Association for Justice and Elder Voice Advocates.
After Ms. Meyer’s testimony, both were passed by their respective committees to move to the floors for vote.
Mike Lammers has said about the bill, “We need to join the rest of the country in protecting the rights of injured Minnesotans and their loved ones. Wrongdoers shouldn’t be rewarded by the death of their victims.”
