Under Michigan law, the family of a deceased person can file a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death lawsuit is filed in the name of the estate of the deceased person and allows family members to seek compensation for:

• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services
• Medical care
• Loss of society and companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Wrongful death claims can arise out of almost any accident and are often filed together with other claims for negligence.

Pursuing a claim for wrongful death can be complicated, and important legal and strategic considerations must be addressed. The Michigan wrongful death attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., have represented injured people and their families for over 40 years and can guide you through this difficult time. We can help you evaluate your options and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.

We understand that no amount of money will adequately compensate you for the tragic loss of a loved one. But financial compensation can help pay for lost income and inheritance and provide closure knowing that justice has been served.

To learn more, contact our law firm to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

Wrongful Death Examples

There are countless causes of catastrophic injuries that can lead to wrongful death. The most common cases of wrongful death are truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and workplace accidents.

Truck Accidents

While trucking accidents may seem like any other automobile accident, they present unique challenges and deserve special consideration. They often cause catastrophic injuries that can lead to a truck accident wrongful death claim. Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, driver error, driving with an oversized or poorly placed load, and mechanical problems with the truck.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are likely to result in wrongful death because pedestrians do not have any protection when they are struck by a vehicle. Driver negligence is the most common cause of pedestrian wrongful death claims.

Bicycle Accidents

Like pedestrians, bicycle riders have comparatively little protection if they are struck by a car. Bicycles do not have seatbelts, airbags, or a metal frame. When a bicyclist is struck by a car, they may be thrown off of the bike and may suffer fatal injuries when they are struck by a vehicle or collide with other objects.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are also more likely to be fatal than car accidents because riders lack the protection a car provides. Motorcycle riders may suffer catastrophic, life-ending injuries even when wearing a helmet.

Workplace Accidents

High-risk occupations like logging, construction, and other manual labor jobs have high rates of workplace fatalities. When someone is killed in a workplace accident, their spouse and children can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the deceased person’s employer and other individuals or companies that were responsible for the death, particularly if the company was grossly negligent or intentionally disregarded safety protocols.

What Is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Michigan?

A statute of limitations is a law that establishes the amount of time a person has to file a claim in court. If you do not file a lawsuit within that time, your claim may be dismissed as time-barred.

Unlike many other states, Michigan does not have a specific statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. In Michigan, the wrongful death statute of limitations is established by the underlying claim. Because most personal injury claims in Michigan are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, most Michigan wrongful death claims must be filed within three years.

Contact the Michigan Wrongful Death Attorneys at Muth Law Today

When a catastrophic accident causes the loss of a loved one, your family may be entitled to compensation. The Michigan wrongful death attorneys at Muth Law can help your family recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Call us at 734-481-8800 or contact our law firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.