There is no worse outcome in a personal injury case than a loved one dying because of someone else’s negligence. Under Michigan law, certain family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the death to pursue compensation for the loss of their loved one.
While there is no amount of compensation that can ever bring your loved one back, a Detroit wrongful death lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party responsible and hopefully prevent another family from having to experience this type of tremendous loss.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we focus on helping personal injury victims and their families recover financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. To learn more, contact us today at (844) 777-4453 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2922, a victim’s family can bring a wrongful death claim on their loved one’s behalf. Because they can no longer hold the defendant responsible, this right is given to you.
Families often bring wrongful death claims when the defendant acted in a negligent way. However, they can also bring a wrongful death claim when the defendant acted recklessly or intentionally to harm your loved one.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Cycling accidents
- Slip and falls
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Work accidents
- Violent acts
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Detroit, call (844) 777-4453
Family Members Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim
Michigan law allows certain family members who suffered damages and survived the deceased individual to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim.
The right to bring such a claim goes to the decedent’s family members in the following order:
- Spouse
- Children
- Descendants (such as grandchildren and great-grandchildren)
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Heirs at law
- Children of the spouse
- Beneficiaries named in the will
Detroit Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (844) 777-4453
Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Depending on the circumstances of your loved one’s death, there are several types of damages that you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses incurred before the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering of the victim after the accident and before the death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of companionship
A Detroit wrongful death lawyer can provide you with an estimate of the potential value of your claim. To learn more, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
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You Have Limited Amount of Time to Act
Every state sets its own statute of limitations, which is the deadline by which a person must file a lawsuit to preserve their right to seek damages in court. Notably, there is not a statute of limitations in Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act—therefore, the underlying statute of limitations applies. For example, if the death was due to a negligent act, Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805 sets the statute of limitations at three years.
There may be different deadlines depending on the cause of death, if the defendant is a government entity or employee, or if certain factors are involved, such as a minor or incapacitated plaintiff. A Detroit wrongful death lawyer can review your claim and determine what the deadline would be for your particular case.
Even if you have years to file your claim, it is a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, building a strong case, and negotiating with insurance companies can take a lot of time. Consult a Detroit wrongful death lawyer to help ensure that you do not miss any deadlines or lose your opportunity to pursue compensation in a court of law.
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Services Provided by a Wrongful Death Lawyer
A wrongful death lawyer is the one person involved in this situation who solely works for you. Even if the defendant is charged with a crime related to your loved one’s death, the prosecutor works for the state. Any insurance adjuster assigned to the case works for the insurance company and will try to minimize the value of your claim.
A wrongful death lawyer can provide the following legal services:
Explanation of Your Rights
Your wrongful death lawyer can review the circumstances of your claim and explain your rights. They can also answer any questions you may have about the process of filing a personal injury claim.
Investigation of Your Claim
A wrongful death lawyer is familiar with the laws surrounding these types of claims and can identify the legal reasons why one or more party is liable for the damages you suffered. A wrongful death lawyer can review the accident report, photographs, or videos of the accident, eyewitness testimony, and other forms of evidence to establish the underlying causes that led to your loved one’s death. This can help substantiate your right to compensation.
Negotiation of Your Claim
A wrongful death lawyer can help calculate the full extent of the financial losses you have suffered because of the wrongful death, including the loss of financial support from your loved one. We can also help account for the non-economic losses you suffered, such as loss of companionship, to ensure that all your damages are included in your claim. By understanding the full value of your case, we can handle negotiations and advise you if a settlement offer provides fair compensation for your losses.
We can also handle all communications with the insurance company during your time of grief, so you can focus on your family.
Explanation of Your Options
If the insurance company refuses to provide reasonable compensation, your lawyer can discuss other options for pursuing financial recovery, such as filing a lawsuit against the defendant.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you tragically lost a loved one due to a wrongful death, the Detroit wrongful death lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC are here to help you. We will treat you with compassion while also aggressively pursuing compensation that is justified for your claim.
We provide a free initial consultation so you can learn about your legal options, and we charge no attorney fees until we win. Contact us today at (844) 777-4453 to speak with a member of our team.
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