Warren Wrongful Death Lawyer

Warren Wrongful Death Attorney

With attractions like the Warren Community Centre Indoor Waterpark and Halmich Park, it may be easy to forget that tragic and preventable deaths can happen even here in Warren. A wrongful death often leaves families not only with grief but also with unanswered questions. With the help of a skilled Warren wrongful death lawyer, you can find the answers about what led to your loved one’s death and secure compensation from the negligent party.

Why Choose Wigod & Falzon?

When dealing with an unspeakable tragedy, it can help to have the support of a trusted law firm. The personal injury lawyer team with Wigod & Falzon understand the financial hardships that can befall a family following the tragic loss of a loved one. We’re here to let you know that we’ve guided many families through these difficult cases and helped them achieve financial stability and hope for the future.

It is an unfortunate reality that negligent parties in these situations often fail to take responsibility for their actions, even when faced with compelling evidence. That’s where we come in. Our lawyers can hold the negligent party accountable for the harm they caused. We won’t rest until you receive what you are owed under Michigan’s wrongful death laws.

Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct can lead to feelings of anger and despair. High-traffic intersections like Mound Road and 12 Mile Road have seen fatal crashes, often caused by reckless driving, speeding, or distracted motorists. Industrial accidents also pose a serious risk, especially when workplaces fail to follow safety regulations, leading to deadly injuries.

Violent crime is another tragic cause of wrongful deaths. When an assault results in fatal injuries, families may seek justice by filing charges at the Warren Police Department on Civic Center Boulevard. In some cases, victims receive emergency care at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, but medical intervention isn’t always enough to save them.

Whether caused by a car crash, workplace negligence, or intentional harm, wrongful deaths leave families with emotional and financial burdens, often leading them to pursue legal action for accountability.

Establishing Fault Following a Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases can quickly become contentious. Defendants often go to great lengths to avoid being found liable for someone else’s death. Filing a wrongful death claim requires strong evidence and the counsel of an experienced wrongful death attorney to secure a settlement or jury verdict.

What matters to the courts is whether the plaintiff has evidence that the defendant had a duty of care. This means that they had a responsibility to take actions that were reasonable and necessary to prevent harm to others.

The plaintiff must further show that the defendant breached this duty, either through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Lastly, the evidence must show that their negligence or misconduct contributed to the death.

What Can My Family Be Compensated For?

Following a wrongful death in Warren, families in Fitzgerald, Warren Woods, or other surrounding neighborhoods can hire a wrongful death attorney to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages.

Surviving loved ones are commonly compensated for the cost of putting together the funeral. Often, there was life-saving care given to the deceased individual in a bid to save their life, resulting in medical expenses that must still be paid in full. Lost income is another common form of economic damage that surviving loved ones can seek after the death of a loved one.

Non-economic damages can include compensation for non-tangible losses, such as pain and suffering and loss of companionship. In cases where the defendant engaged in gross misconduct or intentional wrongdoing, the personal representative of the estate can be awarded punitive damages that serve to punish the responsible party.

FAQs

Is There a Cap on Wrongful Death Claims in Michigan?

Michigan does not impose a general cap on wrongful death claims, but limitations exist for certain cases. Medical malpractice wrongful death claims are subject to statutory caps on non-economic damages, which adjust annually. However, there is no cap on economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses.

Who Receives a Wrongful Death Settlement if There Is No Will in Michigan?

If there is no will, Michigan law distributes wrongful death settlements to surviving family members based on statutory priority. Spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and other dependents may receive compensation. The court determines the distribution based on financial dependence, emotional loss, and other relevant factors affecting the surviving family members; however, liabilities must be paid off first.

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable in Michigan?

Wrongful death settlements are not generally taxable under federal or Michigan state law. Compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering is typically exempt. However, punitive damages, if awarded, may be subject to taxation. Consulting a tax professional can help clarify specific tax obligations.

How Do You Calculate Wrongful Death Damages?

Wrongful death damages are calculated based on economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical bills, funeral costs, and lost earnings, while non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Courts assess factors such as the deceased’s age, earning potential, and the impact of the death on surviving family members.

How Soon Should I Take Legal Action Following a Wrongful Death?

You should take legal action within three years following the wrongful death of a loved one, preferably sooner rather than later. This statute of limitations means failing to file within three years would likely mean you cannot pursue compensation. Waiting too long also means that evidence is harder to find to support your case.

Schedule Your Wrongful Death Consultation Today

You do not have to live with the financial consequences of someone’s misconduct. With legal representation from Wigod & Falzon, you can secure the compensation you need to pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs you incurred following your loved one’s death.

For decades, residents in Warren have trusted the attorneys at Wigod & Falzon to protect their rights and help them secure justice and compensation following a tragic loss. We never rush cases, and we’ll take the time to get to understand your case and your concerns. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.