Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Michigan, MI

If you’re searching for a Michigan wrongful death lawyer, our team is here to help your family navigate one of life’s most difficult challenges. Losing a loved one is overwhelming, but you can learn how to file a wrongful death claim to begin the process of seeking accountability.

According to MCL 600.2922, “whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another, and the act, neglect, or fault is such as would… shall be liable to an action for damages.”

In simpler terms, wrongful death is determined when someone dies due to another person’s or organization’s negligence or intentional act, and in 2023, over 222,500 preventable injuries resulted in death. In these cases, survivors can file a wrongful death claim with the help of an experienced Michigan wrongful death lawyer at Wigod & Falzon, in which they can be compensated for the harm, losses, and suffering they’ve endured after losing a loved one.

Who Is Eligible to File for Wrongful Death in Michigan?

In Michigan, the following relatives of the decedent are eligible to file:

• spouse
• children/descendants
• parents
• grandparents
• siblings

In a wrongful death case, the defendant’s liability is expressed in terms of financial compensation that the court orders the defendant to pay to the deceased’s relatives listed above, such as in cases resulting from a trusted Michigan distracted driving accident lawyer investigation.

What Damages Can Be Awarded in a Wrongful Death Claim?

When you pursue a wrongful death claim in Michigan, understanding the types of damages you could be eligible to recover is critical. At Wigod & Falzon, our Michigan wrongful death attorneys provide clear, comprehensive breakdowns of all the damages available under Michigan’s wrongful death laws so families can make informed decisions during this incredibly difficult time. Our attorneys can also help you develop a Michigan wrongful death claim strategy tailored to the specific needs of your family.

Damages are generally divided into economic losses, non-economic losses, and before-death damages, and each category reflects different aspects of the impact on your family. Economic losses reflect the tangible financial effects caused by your loved one’s passing, and they include:

• Medical bills related to the fatal injury and any costs incurred before death due to treatment or emergency care
• Funeral expenses
• Burial expenses
• Lost income or financial support
• Lost household services, like childcare, cooking, maintenance, or other domestic support

Non-economic losses, on the other hand, address the emotional and relational impacts that the loss of your loved one causes, like:

• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• Emotional loss of society and companionship

Other Damages

Before-death damages acknowledge that the court might consider whether your loved one experienced conscious pain and suffering between the time of injury and their death. Any one or a combination of these damages can affect how the award is allocated through the estate, but they can make sure that the compensation you receive reflects the full scope of your loss.

Courts calculate these damages based on documentation that could include earning history, benefits, life expectancy, and the nature of the family relationship. By accurately gathering this information, you can have a significant effect on the value of your wrongful death claim.

At Wigod & Falzon, our Michigan wrongful death attorneys help families compile and present this documentation so that we can pursue full and fair compensation under Michigan’s wrongful death laws.

Deadlines for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Timing is critical when you’re pursuing a wrongful death claim in Michigan. In many cases, the filing deadline is 3 years, but the exact timeline can vary depending on the circumstances, and some situations may have shorter limitations. It’s important to speak to our team as soon as possible so that we can protect your right to file, and so that we can also:

• Preserve key evidence and accident documentation. Delays can result in lost or degraded evidence, making your claim more difficult to prove.
• Identify all potential defendants and insurance coverage. Time is needed to determine who’s legally responsible and what policies are available.
• Allow sufficient time to open the estate and represent a personal representative. Proper estate administration is crucial before a wrongful death claim can proceed.

If you don’t act quickly, you could jeopardize your ability to recover damages under Michigan’s wrongful death laws. At Wigod & Falzon, our Michigan wrongful death attorneys work quickly to make sure your claim is filed correctly, that deadlines are met, and that all possible damages are fully pursued.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

When you’re facing the loss of a loved one, you need to hire a wrongful death lawyer with the experience to make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your wrongful death claim. At Wigod & Falzon, we handle cases throughout Michigan, and we’re ready to advocate for your family, guide you through the complexities of Michigan’s wrongful death laws, and secure full and fair compensation in your wrongful death claim.

Examples of Recent Michigan Wrongful Death Settlements

Here is some wrongful death settlement information for Michigan State:

• $1.5 million settlement for a man hit by a garbage truck
• $1.2 million settlement for a passenger in a car crash
• $1 million settlement for a man shot and killed by a police officer
• $6.5 million settlement for a toddler found dead under a couch in her home
• $10 million for a teenager who died from heatstroke at basketball practice
• $7.5 million settlement for woman shot and killed by police

Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyer: Our Process for Getting You the Compensation You Deserve

We’ll explain all the steps involved in filing a wrongful death claim and make sure you’re taken care of throughout the whole process. We understand the sensitive nature of these claims, and we know how important it is for you to get justice.

For more information or to get help with a wrongful death claim, contact our team today for a no-commitment consultation. Call 248-243-4327 or Request Your Consultation

Michigan Wrongful Death Resources

• Learn how to claim lost wages after a fatal accident
• See how personal injury settlements are paid out to families