Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyers

The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one is always tragic and difficult. A child may grow up without a parent, a spouse may have to move forward without their life partner, and a family may lose its source of emotional and financial support. 

But when the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of someone else cause such an unbearable loss, the pain is only compounded with anger, questions, and confusion.

Why did this happen? Who is at fault? How can I hold the person or company accountable for the upheaval and suffering they caused?

At the Michigan wrongful death law firm of Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we know that we cannot fully comprehend the depth of your loss, nor can any amount of money replace a spouse, child, parent, or other loved one. You wish you did not need a lawyer; you wish you did not have to deal with lawsuits and courtrooms. As experienced wrongful death lawyers, we can help you through this agonizing time by listening to your story, understanding the challenges you and your family face, and answering all of your questions. We will use our skill, experience, compassion, and commitment to get you the comfort, compensation, and justice that can help you move forward.   

What Is a Michigan Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Michigan law, death is “wrongful” when it is “caused by wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another.” In these cases, the victim’s family may pursue a claim for damages against the at-fault party. A wrongful death lawsuit is similar to a personal injury suit. However, instead of the deceased accident victim bringing the claim, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the lawsuit. 

Who Can Recover Damages in a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

While many family members and friends may grieve and suffer when another person’s negligence kills a loved one, not everyone can file a wrongful death claim or recover compensation for their loss. Michigan law specifies that the victim’s personal representative must file any wrongful death claim and that only these people can recover damages for wrongful death:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Stepchildren 
• Anyone named in the deceased’s will 

Types of Detroit Wrongful Death Cases

The same negligent acts and omissions that can support a personal injury lawsuit can also be the basis of a wrongful death suit if the victim passes away due to the defendant’s negligence. This includes claims for wrongful death that result from:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Slips and falls
• Electrical accidents
• Defective devices and dangerous drugs

Damages Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Case

A successful plaintiff in a Michigan wrongful death suit can recover damages for a wide range of economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages recoverable in a wrongful death case can typically be calculated based on bills or paychecks, such as:

• Lost wages and loss of future income
• Medical expenses, including medical bills and hospital expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Property damage
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages in a Michigan wrongful death claim may include:

• The physical pain experienced by the accident victim in their final moments
• The emotional distress suffered by the surviving family members
• The loss of care, companionship, and other intangible benefits family members enjoyed via their relationship with the deceased person

While there are no limits on the amount of economic damages recoverable in a Michigan wrongful death case, Michigan law limits the amount of non-economic damages available through a wrongful death claim. These limits apply in certain medical malpractice and product liability cases and increase annually to keep up with the rate of inflation. 

What to Expect When Working With Our Dedicated Team of Detroit Wrongful Death Lawyers

At Sommers Schwartz, we recognize that the wrongful death clients we meet are experiencing one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives. That is why we balance our aggressive courtroom advocacy with the compassion, respect, and personal attention our clients need and deserve. 

At your free initial consultation, and at every stage of your case, we will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with clear guidance and a path forward. And because we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay anything for our services until and unless we recover compensation for your losses. 

Contact Sommers Schwartz Today to Speak With One of Our Michigan Wrongful Death Attorneys

If you recently lost a loved one in a Michigan accident, we invite you to contact the dedicated team of wrongful death attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. For over 40 years, we have fought for the rights of families reeling from the senseless and needless loss of a family member. We handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases in Detroit and across the state, helping our clients pursue the compensation and justice they need to move forward after tragedy. Please call us today at 800-789-0989 to schedule a free consultation.