Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is a tragedy few people are ever prepared for. During this difficult time, you might have many questions about what comes next for you and your family. Will you have to move? Can you raise your children alone?

You might also have questions about the accident which claimed your loved one’s life. Fortunately, a wrongful death attorney might be able to help. Michigan law allows family members to bring a civil suit whenever a loved one dies wrongfully. In addition to receiving answers about what happened, certain family members might receive compensation for their loss as well. These are complicated, detailed legal claims, so please contact Groth & Associates today.

COMMON WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS

Michigan law defines a death as “wrongful” when it is caused by the neglect, fault, or wrongful act of another person. Many wrongful deaths are often the result of:

• Car crashes
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Defective products
• Dog attacks
• Premises liability claims

A death will qualify as wrongful if the defendant did not use reasonable care or was reckless or dangerous in how they acted. For example, a distracted driver who runs over a loved one has been negligent and, therefore, can be sued.

For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Michigan, call (419) 930-3030

HOW TO FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT

The estate’s personal representative files the suit. Many people name a spouse or close family member to serve in this role. Look in the will. If there wasn’t a will, or if the person named doesn’t want to serve, then the probate court will appoint a person to act as a personal representative.

If you are serving, you can hire an attorney to help. We strongly recommend this step. There are tight deadlines to meet, and you must follow proper court procedure. You will also need to present evidence to show the death was wrongful under the law. Many personal representatives are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of their job, so legal assistance is recommended.

The statute of limitations gives you three years to file the lawsuit. Avoid going over this deadline. If you do, the judge will dismiss your case permanently and you might receive no money for your loved one’s death.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

COMPENSATION FOR A WRONGFUL DEATH

This is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal one. If you win a case, the defendant does not go to jail. Instead, the court will order the defendant to pay damages for:

• Hospital expenses to treat your loved one before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering consciously endured by the deceased before death
• Loss of financial support provided by your loved one
• Loss of companionship and care provided by the deceased

We recommend meeting with an attorney to discuss how much is available. For example, your husband might have died in a car accident at age 40. You could reasonably expect a couple more decades of his financial support had he lived. If your husband died at 85, by contrast, you have probably lost less money.

Other losses are harder to estimate. For example, a spouse’s companionship is priceless. Still, a jury can only award money to try and “make up” for this hole in your life. We do our best to obtain the maximum compensation under the law.

WHO RECEIVES THE COMPENSATION?

Only certain people are eligible to receive compensation in this type of lawsuit:

• Spouse
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Parents and grandparents
• Siblings
• Children of the deceased person’s spouse
• Anyone who is a devisee under the will

Ultimately, it is up to the judge and/or jury to divide the compensation between family members. The fact that you are eligible does not mean you will receive anything.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

HOW A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER IN MICHIGAN CAN HELP

This is probably the worst possible time to be thinking about bringing a lawsuit. Many of our clients are in deep grief following a loved one’s death. They are worried about their family’s future and don’t know the first thing about how to seek compensation.

Our legal team can help. We excel at digging up evidence to show who is responsible for the tragic accident which ended your loved one’s life. We can also seek evidence that shows the defendant acted wrongfully.

While you grieve with your family, we can open negotiation discussions and prepare for filing a lawsuit. Although the personal representative brings this suit, our lawyers are right there every step of the way. We can handle all communications with the court and the defendant, freeing you to recover as best you can.

READY TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER?

Groth & Associates has helped many family members with this type of legal claim. We offer compassionate legal representation to those in need. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form