Farmington Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Farmington Hills, MI

Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligent or reckless actions naturally leaves family members with questions. In addition to wondering about their rights under the law, people also want to know what comes next. Meeting with a skilled Farmington Hills wrongful death lawyer from Wigod & Falzon is the first step in understanding how Michigan treats these cases and the steps the personal representative of an estate must take to get the process started.

We can explain the mechanics of a claim, the role of probate, and how cases progress through Oakland County courts so that your decisions are as informed as possible in an unavoidably challenging time.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Farmington Hills, MI

At Wigod & Falzon, we have been helping families in Michigan with serious injury and wrongful death cases for more than two decades. Our Southfield office is centrally located to meet with clients in Oakland County, including Farmington Hills. We also know Michigan’s wrongful death statute and probate rules inside and out.

Our experience covers wrongful death claims resulting from fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, dangerous conditions on property, and other circumstances that could and should have been prevented. We are known for honest, straightforward communication with family members, steady guidance, and practical support grounded in experience with real cases instead of assumptions or speculation.

Overview of Michigan’s Wrongful Death Law and Important Timelines

Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, allows the personal representative of an estate to file a claim when death results from negligence or another kind of wrongful conduct. Probate must be opened, and the personal representative of the estate typically files the claim. It might sound like another layer of red tape at an already overwhelming time.

Timing is crucial. Families often have up to three years to file a claim, but the facts of the case can change that window. The sooner you file, the better protected the evidence will be, and the more likely it is that important procedural steps won’t be missed before the case even gets before the court. Looking at how Michigan handles time limits in serious injury matters generally, such as those outlined in discussions of the Michigan statute of limitations for personal injury, can also help families understand why early action matters.

Potential Damages for Families Who File a Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death claim in Michigan can cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the financial value of the care the deceased person provided. Non-economic damages like loss of guidance, companionship, and stability also factor into the equation.

The state logged 1,099 fatal crashes in 2024. Each number was a person whose family had to process their absence, unexpected expenses, and the need to learn about legal rights.

Evidence Used to Assess Wrongful Death Cases

Courts need to see evidence of duty, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. The evidence can include police and crash reports, medical records, witness statements, and documentation of the loss to the household. Professionals might need to get involved early on, particularly if liability is in dispute. Job records, tax filings, and caregiving history can all matter.

By starting the process with an organized record of the accident and an early accounting of how the losses affected the family, you can put yourself in a better position to describe the full scope of your loss.

Farmington Hills and Fatal Crashes in Nearby Highways and Roads

Traffic crashes in Farmington Hills and nearby areas often occur on M-5, Orchard Lake Road, I-696, and Grand River Avenue. The heavy commuter traffic on these roads means that the risk of speed changes, stopped vehicles, and distractions can all contribute to a crash.

A wrongful death case that stems from a fatal crash on one of these or any other roads will wind its way through Oakland County Circuit Court. Discovery, depositions, and mediation are part of the process before a trial date is set. When families understand how local courts tend to schedule matters and how local and state accident reports become part of the case, they can set expectations early.

FAQs

What Is a Wrongful Death Case in Michigan?

Wrongful death claims involve deaths that result from negligent or wrongful actions, and the estate’s personal representative files the claim. There is a strong focus on determining responsibility, accounting for financial and emotional losses, and compiling evidence that supports the family’s position.

The case usually runs under Michigan’s wrongful death statute, and medical records, accident reports, and financial information may demonstrate harm and impact.

Who May Recover Compensation in a Farmington Hills Wrongful Death Claim?

Michigan law defines which relatives can receive compensation, including a spouse, children, parents, siblings, and certain dependents. The personal representative files the claim, not individual family members. The representative then provides notification of the case and available benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

Each person can present their individual losses for consideration, and they may include both financial support the person provided and emotional losses tied to the relationship.

How Long Do Families Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Case in Michigan?

Michigan generally provides three years from the day the death occurred to file a claim for wrongful death. This deadline comes from the state’s statute of limitations, and missing it can prevent a family from pursuing compensation. Gathering records, opening probate, and reviewing liability take time, so many families begin the process early so that they can move through each step without feeling rushed or risking procedural delays.

What Evidence Helps Support a Wrongful Death Claim?

The supporting evidence in these cases may come from police reports, medical records, witness statements, work history, and household information that demonstrates the person’s role in the family. For Farmington Hills accidents, crash reports filed by the Michigan State Police and local police can play a role in determining whether a driver acted negligently. Organizing this information early can help the family show their losses and where responsibility lies.

Contact a Farmington Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death cases in Michigan are a matter for the court and communications with insurance companies. Probate steps are also required, so there can be multiple legal hoops to jump through when a family is grieving.

Guidance can make a difference when you are collecting documents, speaking with the personal representative, or preparing for a meeting with an insurer. At Wigod & Falzon, we help families in Farmington Hills and across Oakland County understand each step and answer questions as they come up.

You can schedule a consultation if you are considering a claim after a preventable loss to discuss options and determine how the law might apply to your circumstances. Hire a wrongful death lawyer today.