Novi Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Novi, MI

When a life is lost because someone failed to act responsibly, families often find themselves searching for answers about what comes next. Speaking with a skilled Novi wrongful death lawyer at Wigod & Falzon can give you a clearer sense of Michigan’s process and what steps are available to a personal representative.

We help families understand timelines, the role of probate court, and how Oakland County handles these claims, so decisions are made with information, not guesswork.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Novi, MI

The team at Wigod & Falzon has handled personal injury cases in Michigan for over 25 years, including representing families in wrongful death claims that arise out of motor vehicle accidents, unsafe property conditions, and other preventable incidents.

With Southfield offices and experience in Oakland County courts, we are well-versed in Michigan’s wrongful death statute and no-fault law. When a fatal crash is connected to a serious collision, some families also have questions about related injury claims and may consult an experienced Novi personal injury lawyer to understand how everything fits together. Families reach out to us for guidance informed by real case work and knowledge of Michigan’s legal system.

Understanding Michigan’s Wrongful Death Law and Key Deadlines

Michigan’s wrongful death law provides for the estate of a person who died due to negligence or wrongful conduct to bring a claim. The claim is initiated by the personal representative of the estate under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act. The statute specifies who can recover damages and how to divide compensation among family members who survived the person who died.

In most cases, the claim must be filed within three years of the date of death, but the timeline can change based on the circumstances surrounding a death. Public explanations of the Michigan statute of limitations for personal injury can also help families understand how timing rules may affect related claims. Waiting can jeopardize the family’s right to pursue justice and can lead to missed procedural deadlines.

Damages Families May Seek After a Preventable Loss in Novi, MI

Family members left behind after a preventable death can recover various types of damages through a wrongful death claim. These may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the financial value of lost support and services. Michigan law permits monetary recovery for non-economic damages, including companionship, as well as guidance and caregiving.

The pursuit of these cases is significant because many fatal accidents and injuries are preventable. Statewide data indicate that in 20Understanding how Michigan no-fault law interacts with wrongful death claims can also be important when a fatal crash follows a period of medical treatment and insurance billing.24, Michigan had 1,099 fatal crashes and broader Michigan car accident statistics show how frequently serious roadway incidents occur.

Roadways around Novi that are popular with commuters include I-96, US-23, I-696, I-275, M-5, Haggerty, Grand River, 12 Mile, and Novi Rd. Accidents on these local roads and highways can have serious implications when negligence is a factor.

How Evidence Is Evaluated in Wrongful Death Cases in Novi, MI

To prevail on a wrongful death claim, the evidence must establish that a defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the death. Documentation may include medical records, witness statements, police reports, and professional opinions on factors related to the accident or medical issues. The court will also look at tax returns, employment records, and household history to assess the value of financial losses and support.

Details about relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and emotional bonds provide context for non-economic damages. Collectively, these documents help the court determine both causation and the extent of damages, ensuring that the legal process acknowledges both financial and relational impacts.

What to Expect in Oakland County Court

Wrongful death claims in Oakland County Circuit Court proceed through a litigation process that includes formal court procedures. The personal representative initiates the action, and eligible family members are notified and given a chance to respond. Pre-trial stages often involve discovery, depositions, and professional analysis. The court may also facilitate mediation as a means to settle the dispute without going to trial.

At trial, evidence including testimony, details about the accident, and financial and medical records is presented to a judge or jury. Families can expect a methodical process that may take time, particularly in more complex cases with contested causation or significant damages. Understanding how Michigan no-fault law interacts with wrongful death claims can also be important when a fatal crash follows a period of medical treatment and insurance billing.

FAQs

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death Under Michigan Law?

In Michigan, a wrongful death is a death caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. A wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the estate and may arise from car accidents, medical mistakes, unsafe property conditions, or defective products.

Michigan’s wrongful death statute provides guidelines on who may recover damages and how the compensation is distributed among surviving family members.

Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?

The personal representative of a deceased person’s estate has the standing to file a wrongful death claim in Michigan. This representative files on behalf of surviving family members who may be eligible to recover, including a spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other dependents. After filing, the representative must provide notice to the eligible family members so they can submit their losses for the court to consider.

How Long Do Families Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?

Typically, families have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in Michigan. This period is part of the state’s statute of limitations, and missing the deadline generally forecloses the ability to pursue compensation.

Given the time needed to investigate the evidence and identify all eligible beneficiaries, many families start looking into their legal options well in advance of the deadline.

What Happens if the Case Goes to Court in Oakland County?

When a wrongful death case is filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, families can expect formal litigation procedures, including discovery, depositions, and professional witnesses prior to trial. Cases involving local roadway accidents near Novi, including on I-96 or Grand River Avenue, may also require accident reconstruction evidence and traffic safety information. The court will consider liability, damages, and the family’s documented losses before issuing a ruling.

Contact a Novi Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death cases move through specific procedures in Michigan, and it helps to have guidance as you sort through paperwork, court requirements, and questions from insurers. At Wigod & Falzon, we work with families at a pace that fits the situation and keep the focus on clarity.

If you are thinking about next steps after a preventable death near Novi or elsewhere in Oakland County, it helps to hire a wrongful death lawyer and determine whether filing a claim is the right option for your family. Book a consultation to discuss your path forward.

Novi, MI Wrongful Death Resources

• How To File A Wrongful Death Claim
• How to Maximize Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim