Wrongful Death Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan

According to the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center’s Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, there were 974 fatalities in the state in 2018 alone. A fatal accident is never expected and changes a family forever. Unexpectedly losing a loved one is a tragedy no matter who caused the accident. If someone caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be able to hold that person accountable.

Our team at Detroit Legal Group PLLC is ready to fight on your behalf. We help clients pursue justice through wrongful death claims. No amount of money will ever replace your loved one, but you deserve the financial support you need during this difficult time. Our firm, Detroit Legal Group PLLC, represents clients in and around Detroit, Michigan, as well as Dearborn, Southfield, Warren, and the surrounding areas.

Why File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The loss of a family member can never be made right. However, you can hold the person who caused the death of your loved one responsible for their actions. By doing so, you may be helping to protect other families in the future. Holding this person accountable could also help you with financial burdens such as funeral expenses and lost income.

What Constitutes Wrongful
Death in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, if someone died because of the fault of, neglect by, or wrongful act of another, then that constitutes a wrongful death. More specifically, if the victim would still be alive if that person had not acted the way they did, then that constitutes a wrongful death.

Examples of wrongful death include medical malpractice cases involving healthcare professionals (not just doctors), negligence-based events such as car accidents, and intentional acts such as crimes. If you are not certain if your loved one’s death would constitute a wrongful death under Michigan law, you may want to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Who Can File a Wrongful
Death Claim in Michigan?

The law makes it clear who can file a wrongful death claim in Michigan. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate, commonly known as the executor, is the only person who can file a wrongful death claim.

If the deceased person did not name a personal representative, then their spouse, children, descendants, parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters may be eligible to become the personal representative. Speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Michigan to learn more about who is eligible to be named a personal representative.

Time Limits for Filing

The time limit by which you must file a case is known as the statute of limitations. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years after the date of the person’s death. Once three years have passed, the case will most likely not be considered.

Damages Available

“Damages” is the term for the compensation you may be able to receive for the costs caused by your loved one’s wrongful death. In most cases, there is no limit to how much you may receive in damages in Michigan. However, if the wrongful death was a result of medical malpractice, then there is a cap.

The deceased individual’s family members are eligible to receive damages. These damages are intended to help cover reasonable medical, hospital, funeral, and burial expenses, as well as the loss of financial support caused by the person’s death. Damages may also be awarded for pain, suffering, loss of care, loss of companionship, and other non-economic losses.