You may be mourning the loss of a family member who died due to no fault of their own. During this challenging time, you may want to consult with a Farmington Hills personal injury lawyer. By meeting with a Farmington Hills wrongful death lawyer, you can find out if you may be eligible to file a claim against an at-fault party.
The legal team at White Law PLLC has helped clients secure over $1.4 billion in damages. Our attorney can review your case and go over your legal options with you. For more information, contact us today.
Wrongful Death Definition
Per the Michigan Legislature, a death by wrongful act occurs due to a party’s neglect or fault. There are many reasons why wrongful deaths happen. These include:
- Car or truck accident
- Defective product
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and fall accident
If a family member dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a death claim on their behalf. A wrongful death attorney in Farmington Hills from White Law PLLC can teach you about this type of claim and answer any questions you have about it. To learn more, reach out to us.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim may help your family recover from the loss of a loved one. Those who may submit this type of claim include a blood relative or personal representative of the deceased person (decedent). If you are a parent, sibling, or child of a decedent, you may be able to seek damages from the party responsible for your family member’s death.
You may have concerns about what can happen if you submit a request for damages. In the aftermath of a family member’s death, you may be dealing with significant financial issues. These problems are unlikely to go away on their own, and you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation from the liable party.
A Farmington Hills wrongful death lawyer can help you determine your eligibility for submitting a claim. If you qualify, your attorney may work with you to file your request for damages. They can make sure your request is submitted in accordance with Michigan’s statute of limitations for death claims.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Wrongful Death Claim Statute of Limitations
For a death claim, there is a statute of limitations of three years. You may have up to three years from the date of a family member’s death to seek damages from an at-fault party. If you choose not to file a claim within this window, you may be solely responsible for any losses you have incurred.
A Farmington Hills wrongful death attorney can help you navigate legal challenges. They understand the emotional toll that comes with losing someone you love. Your lawyer can help you pursue damages from anyone who caused your loved one’s death, which may allow you and your family to receive some level of financial relief in the months and years to come.
Your attorney leaves no room for mistakes as you move through the legal process. They can help you gather evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer may work with you to build a compelling argument that makes it clear to a judge or jury that you deserve the damages you are requesting.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case
You may be wondering how to prove a wrongful death in Michigan. A wrongful death lawyer in Farmington Hills can teach you about the elements of negligence and how they apply to your case. These are:
- Duty of Care: An at-fault party was legally responsible for action in a cautious and reasonable manner toward others.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party chose to violate their legal obligation.
- Causation: Because the party breached their duty of care, they contributed to a person’s death.
- Damages: You are dealing with quantifiable or subjective losses due to the party’s actions.
Your attorney is committed to your legal success. They can provide you and your family with comfort and support throughout your legal proceedings. In addition, they are available to provide legal recommendations and advice and help you make informed decisions at each stage of your litigation.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
How Much a Wrongful Death Claim Is Worth
Every wrongful death case is different. Your lawyer can help you calculate your losses. They may encourage you to seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic and non-economic damages available in Michigan personal injury cases can be sought. You may qualify for economic compensation based on a decedent’s medical bills and other quantifiable losses. A judge or jury may award non-economic compensation based on pain and suffering.
Just because you request damages does not guarantee you will secure compensation. The defendant in your case may do whatever they can to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. There is also the possibility that the defendant is concerned about the strength of your argument, which leads them to propose a settlement.
Wrongful Death Claim Settlement
Wrongful death case results vary. You may have the option to settle your case outside the courtroom. If the defendant in your case proposes to settle, you may approve their offer and close your case.
If you receive a settlement proposal, you are not legally obligated to accept it. You may want to discuss the offer with your attorney and hear what they have to say about it. If your lawyer feels it is in your best interests to decline a proposal, they will let you know.
You may feel pressure to accept a settlement, but doing so may do more harm than good. By consulting with a wrongful death attorney in Farmington Hills, you can evaluate all aspects of a proposal and weigh the offer’s pros and cons. If you are not fully satisfied with an offer, you can decline it and continue to work with your attorney to find ways to strengthen your case.
Partner with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Farmington Hills
If you want legal help with a death claim, the team at White Law PLLC is here for you. We can walk you through the legal process and explain if now may be the right time to move forward with your claim. To schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.