Wayne County Wrongful Death Lawyer 

When someone dies unexpectedly in an accident, family members are left with immeasurable grief. Surviving relatives have questions about how and why the loved one died. The anguish is compounded with confusion and anger when the death occurs because of someone else’s negligent or purposeful actions. The emotional loss of a valued relationship is often coupled with the loss of vital financial support. 

At Sommers Schwartz, we understand that no amount of money can ever replace a child, spouse, parent, or other family member. However, holding the at-fault person or company accountable for the suffering they caused can provide some measure of comfort during a difficult time. One way to do that is to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation. 

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? 

In Michigan, when a loved one is killed in an accident “caused by the wrongful act, negligence, or fault of another,” their family members have the right to file a claim for damages against the at-fault party. Wayne County wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of situations, including: 

• Car accidents. 
• Motorcycle crashes. 
• Truck accidents.
• Slip and fall accidents. 
• Construction accidents. 
• Defective products.
• Dangerous drugs. 
• Medical malpractice. 

The attorneys at Sommers Schwartz understand the last thing you want to do after a loved one’s sudden death is deal with lawyers, lawsuits, and courtrooms. We are here to listen compassionately to the situation and discuss your concerns. While we cannot fully comprehend the depth of your loss, we can help you obtain financial support for yourself and your family. 

Who Is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

Although many friends and relatives may mourn the loss of a loved one, under Michigan law, only the personal representative of the victim’s estate can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. The people who may be legally eligible to obtain damages include the victim’s spouse, children, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, and anyone named in their will. 

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case? 

The estate can recover both economic and noneconomic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Economic damages are those that can readily be assigned a monetary value. There are no limits on the amount of economic damages that can be recovered. Some examples include: 

• Reasonable funeral and burial costs. 
• Reasonable medical expenses the victim incurred before death. 
• Lost income and loss of future earnings. 
• Property damage. 

Noneconomic damages in a wrongful death claim are harder to calculate. They include intangible losses experienced by surviving family members, such as: 

• The deceased’s pain and suffering while conscious between the injury and death (subject to a cap if death is due to medical malpractice or product liability). 
• Loss of society and companionship (subject to a cap if death is due to medical malpractice or product liability). 

Contact Us Today to Speak With a Wayne County Wrongful Death Lawyer 

If you recently lost a family member in a preventable accident, contact Sommers Schwartz today. Our dedicated team of wrongful death attorneys is here to help you every step of the way during this challenging time. For nearly 50 years, we have protected the rights of families who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. 

When you call, our lawyers will answer your questions and advise you of your legal options for pursuing compensation. If we accept your case, you pay nothing until we receive a favorable settlement or verdict for you.