The loss of a loved one is a painful event. That tragedy can be made worse when the death is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

If you lost a loved one and suspect someone else was at fault, the Michigan wrongful death lawyers at Muth Law, P.C. can help. During your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, we will learn about your situation, answer your questions, and create a path forward to help you address the tragic loss of a loved one and seek the compensation you and your family deserve.

We understand that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. But, financial compensation can replace lost income and inheritance, pay for the cost of future living expenses, and provide closure knowing that justice has been served.

For over 40 years, the wrongful death attorneys at Muth Law have been privileged to help Michigan families cope with the tragic loss of a loved one. We have an extensive track record for handling lawsuits for wrongful death and the negligence that often accompanies them. We can help your family navigate this complex and emotional process and seek the compensation you deserve.

Seeking Compensation for Wrongful Death in Michigan

Each state has its own wrongful death statute that specifies what a family must prove to recover financial compensation for the loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligence. In Michigan, wrongful death occurs “Whenever the death of a person [is] caused by wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another…”

A Michigan wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the deceased person’s surviving relatives or the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. A wrongful death lawsuit allows the deceased person’s family to seek compensation for:

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

Most wrongful death lawsuits are accompanied by additional claims for negligence. Wrongful death claims commonly arise in connection with car crashes, trucking accidents, when a car strikes a pedestrian, or when someone is killed on a motorcycle. They also arise due to medical malpractice, nursing home abuse or neglect, or due to slip and fall, trip and fall, and other premises liability accidents.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Michigan?

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed against any individual, corporation, or entity responsible for causing the death of another person. Under Michigan law, the following relatives of the deceased person are eligible to seek compensation for wrongful death:

• Spouse;
• Children and step-children;
• Parents and grandparents;
• Brothers and sisters;
• Descendants;
• People who would inherit from the deceased person’s estate.

Money recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit becomes part of the deceased person’s estate and is distributed according to the estate plan or, if there was no estate plan, according to state intestacy laws.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Michigan’s wrongful death statute does not set a time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing a claim for wrongful death. Instead, the statute of limitations is determined by the underlying claim. The statute of limitations for most negligence claims in Michigan is three years, but many notable exceptions exist. To best protect your rights, we recommend contacting our Michigan wrongful death lawyers as quickly as possible.

When Tragedy Strikes, You Don’t Have to Go It Alone. Muth Law, P.C. Can Help

While it can be difficult to think about protecting your family’s legal rights after the loss of a loved one, the time for filing a wrongful death lawsuit passes quickly. If you recently lost a loved one and believe it was the result of someone else’s negligence or other wrongful act, you should contact the Michigan wrongful death attorneys at Muth Law. We will review the circumstances that led to the loss of your loved one and build a persuasive and convincing claim to hold the defendants accountable for the harm they caused. To put our experience to work for you, contact Muth Law today. Call 734-481-8800, email info@muthlawpc.com, or complete our online form.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We will listen carefully as you describe what happened. Then we will explain your options and how we can help.