Wrongful Death

Wrongful death lawsuits are about more than just money—they’re about justice for a life taken too soon.

Under Michigan law, survivors may recover damages for:

• Medical bills and expenses related to the injury or death
• Lost wages and future income the deceased would have earned
• Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and support
• Pain and suffering of the deceased before passing
• Funeral and burial costs

The people who may be eligible to receive compensation include a spouse, children, parents, or others who depended on the deceased.

Whether the death was caused by a car accident, medical negligence, workplace hazard, or police misconduct, Michigan courts take these claims seriously.

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In Michigan, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative is usually appointed in the deceased’s will or by the court.

Damages in a wrongful death claim can include: Economic Damages: -Funeral and burial expenses

-Medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness

-Lost wages and benefits that the deceased would have earned if they had lived

Non-Economic Damages: -Loss of companionship, care, and guidance

-Pain and suffering of the survivors due to the death of their loved one

Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

If you suspect wrongful death due to medical malpractice, it’s important to consult with a wrongful death attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases to evaluate your claim and guide you through the legal process.

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of the deceased person’s death.

Collecting evidence for a wrongful death case is pivotal. Police accident reports, witness testimonies, medical records, employment records, and insurance policies are crucial elements that help establish negligence and determine the extent of damages suffered.

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the survivors or the estate of a deceased person who died due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party. It seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the survivors.

Evidence can include medical records, witness testimonies, expert opinions, accident reports, and any other relevant documentation that proves negligence or intentional harm led to the death.

Damages can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering of the survivors.

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that is brought against an individual, company, or entity whose negligence or intentional actions have caused someone's death. The purpose of this claim is to seek compensation for the survivors of the deceased, such as family members, to cover the financial and emotional losses they have suffered as a result of the death.

Punitive damages are awarded as a form of punishment for severe misconduct by the defendant and to deter them and others from such behavior. In Michigan, punitive damages may be awarded in certain wrongful death cases.

Yes, Michigan law dictates that a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within a specific time frame—usually three years from the date of the victim's death. Failing to file within this period can result in the court's refusal to consider the case.

The court typically decides the distribution of compensation among the survivors, considering factors such as the financial dependence and relationship of each survivor to the deceased.

The court looks at factors such as financial dependence, the relationship to the deceased, and the level of support provided by the deceased to determine who is considered a dependent.

In Michigan, punitive damages are generally not awarded in wrongful death cases. However, they may be considered if the case involves gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Yes, many wrongful death claims are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved, often with the assistance of their attorneys.