Attorney Advertising.
There is nothing I can write that makes losing someone you love any easier, and a lawsuit will never bring them back. But when a death was caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, Michigan law gives the family a way to hold the responsible party accountable and to recover for what was taken. Sometimes that accountability is part of how a family begins to heal.
By Nicholas Somberg, founding attorney at Somberg Law, PLLC in Pontiac, Michigan. Licensed by the State Bar of Michigan.
What a wrongful death claim is
Under Michigan’s wrongful death law, when a person dies because of another’s negligent or wrongful act, a claim can generally be brought on behalf of the family. It must be brought by the personal representative of the person’s estate, on behalf of the surviving family members the law recognizes.
What the law allows a family to recover
Michigan law can allow recovery for things like the loss of financial support, the loss of the companionship and society of the person who died, funeral and burial expenses, and, in some cases, the conscious pain and suffering the person experienced. Every family and every case is different, so what a claim may be worth depends on the facts.
The deadlines are strict
Wrongful death claims are subject to filing deadlines, and missing one can end a claim before it starts. Evidence also fades over time, so it is important to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later, even if you are still grieving and not sure you want to pursue anything yet.
You do not have to carry this alone
If you lost a family member because of someone else’s actions, I will handle the legal side with care and respect so you can focus on your family.
Do not face it alone. Call me at (248) 270-5979 or start a free case review, and let’s talk about your situation.
Attorney Advertising. This post is general information about Michigan law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no result is ever guaranteed. Every case is different, so talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.
