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. In these cases, survivors can file a wrongful death claim; 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 relatives listed above.
What Can Be Awarded in a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Michigan, damages in a wrongful death case can be awarded to survivors for a long list of losses, including, but not limited to:
- hospital, medical, funeral, and burial expenses
- pain and suffering
- loss of financial support the deceased person would have contributed to the family
- loss of the deceased’s care, companionship, and other intangible benefits.
However, wrongful death claims can be a complex process to navigate. That’s why having a determined and motivated attorney by your side can make all the difference!
Examples Of Recent Michigan Wrongful Death Settlements
- $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 Lawyers: 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, free consultation.