In terms of when to hire a wrongful death lawyer, it is generally best to do so as soon as you can following the death of a family member. It may be incredibly difficult to do so as you mourn the loss of your loved one. A Michigan wrongful death lawyer can assist you during this challenging time.
At White Law PLLC, we understand how tough it is to think about suing someone for damages as you cope with the loss of your loved one. Our legal team prioritizes your case, making sure you receive plenty of legal help while you and your family members take care of one another. Schedule a free case consultation with our nationally recognized lawyers.
How do You Know When to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If a family member dies due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds for a wrongful death case. To find out, meet with an attorney to review your legal options. Michigan lawyers who provide representation in wrongful death cases include:
- Michigan Car Accident Lawyer: A fatal car accident is emotionally taxing for you and your family. A Michigan auto accident lawyer can help you take legal action against a negligent driver or another party liable for this incident.
- Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer: If a trucker or their employer is negligent and causes a fatal truck accident, a Michigan truck accident attorney can assist you and your family.
- Michigan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: A Michigan motorcycle accident attorney can examine your case and determine if you are eligible to pursue damages based on a family member’s fatal motorcycle crash.
- Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyer: With help from a Michigan slip and fall attorney, you can seek compensation from a negligent property owner or anyone else responsible for a fatal slip and fall accident.
- Michigan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: By working with a Michigan pedestrian accident attorney, you can get the legal help you need to collect damages from anyone responsible for a fatal pedestrian accident.
White Law PLLC treats each case with compassion and care. We can handle your legal matters on your behalf while you and your loved ones cope with the loss of your family member. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
Per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.2922, a surviving family member of a deceased person (decedent) may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This family member could be a spouse, sibling, parent, child, or grandparent. To file a lawsuit, they can hire a lawyer who will advocate for them and pursue damages on their behalf.
A personal representative of a decedent may also be able to seek damages through a death claim. This could be someone appointed by a court. Or, it can be a surviving family member of the deceased.
If you are considering hiring a wrongful death lawyer, it helps to do so as soon as you can. The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in Michigan is three years. Once this window closes, you may be ineligible to pursue damages as part of a death claim at a later time.
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer may be the furthest thing from your mind in the aftermath of your family member’s death. It is important to consider your family’s financial future. If your loved one’s death is the result of another person’s negligence, you may ask this individual for damages that you and your loved ones can use to stay afloat financially.
If you work with an attorney, they will advocate for you and protect your rights as you move through your legal proceedings. Your lawyer empathizes with you and your family, and they will make sure you are fully supported at each stage of your litigation. They will also put you in a strong position to secure economic and non-economic damages.
In your lawsuit, you can recover damages for lost income, burial and funeral expenses, and other losses relating to your family member’s death. Your lawyer will calculate your damages and prepare an argument designed to show a judge or jury you deserve this amount. If they succeed, you and your family members could be protected financially long into the future.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Tips for Choosing a Wrongful Death Attorney You Can Trust
Look for a lawyer who has experience with wrongful death cases. This attorney understands the challenges you will face as you move through the legal process. They can provide legal insights and recommendations, making sure you can address these problems before they keep you from collecting damages.
Find an attorney who has helped past clients achieve outstanding case results. If a lawyer has a great track record in wrongful death lawsuits, this bodes well for your case. The lawyer has shown they are capable of assisting clients and will likely do everything within their power to help you achieve the case results you want.
Lastly, discuss your case with a lawyer and listen to what they have to say about it. Ultimately, it is beneficial to choose an attorney who understands how the loss of your loved one is affecting you and your family. This lawyer will put your needs and your family’s front and center.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
What Can Happen if You Choose Not to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?
Choosing not to work with a wrongful death lawyer means you take full responsibility for all costs relating to your family member’s death. You may do this in spite of the fact that someone else is liable for the loss of your loved one. In addition, you will have to deal with the financial implications that can come with losing a member of your family.
Along with these things, not hiring a lawyer means you are deciding not to seek justice from any parties responsible for your family member’s death. Instead, you are letting a negligent motorist or someone else who has caused serious harm to your family off the hook. You are also ignoring an opportunity to hold a liable party accountable for their actions.
It is convenient not to hire a wrongful death lawyer, but your decision could hurt you and your family for many years to come. If you are unsure about whether to partner with a lawyer, schedule a consultation. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your legal concerns with an attorney and find out if this individual is capable of representing your best interests.
Compassionate Representation You Can Trust
It is devastating to lose a family member. At White Law PLLC, we want to help you and your family, and we are here to assist you if you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Request a free case consultation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.