Losing a loved one can be a devastating tragedy, one that can be difficult to recover from as an individual and as a family. Worse, you may have found that your loved one was fatally injured in an accident that could have been prevented. Now, you and your family may need compensation for the suffering you and your loved ones have experienced because of someone else’s negligence.
At White Law PLLC, we understand how difficult it can be to recover from a wrongful death claim. When you need a compassionate Ypsilanti wrongful death lawyer, let our experienced team of trial attorneys stand by your side. Contact a Ypsilanti personal injury lawyer and schedule a consultation today.
Identifying the Liable Party for a Wrongful Death Claim
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 25 million unintentional injuries were seen in emergency departments across the country in 2021 alone, and unintentional, potentially avoidable injuries caused more than 227,000 deaths. Your loved one may have been part of those numbers in a death that could have been prevented if the other party had not acted negligently. Fortunately, with our team at White Law PLLC, you have a chance to pursue the responsible party for the compensation you are entitled to.
When you reach out to a wrongful death lawyer in Ypsilanti, MI you have the tools to identify who is responsible for the suffering your family has experienced. According to Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) §600.2956, Michigan is a fault state, meaning the at-fault party is financially liable for any damages your family has suffered. Because of this, identifying who is responsible for the accident is one of the first steps you may need to take, as it can help you move through the claims process.
Fault depends on the specifics of your claim, but typically, it falls on the person who caused the accident with their negligence or wrongful conduct. For example, the fault may fall on the decedent’s employer if the deceased was killed within the scope of their employment. In other cases, such as fatal injuries caused by defective products, we may need to dig deeper to determine what party caused the dangerous conditions.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Determining Whether You Are Eligible to Sue for a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims can be more complex than other personal injury lawsuits because the injured party is no longer living. Because of this, another party must file on their behalf, potentially with a wrongful death attorney in Ypsilanti, MI, to pursue compensation. However, that does not mean that all family members are entitled to file a lawsuit.
According to MCL §600.2922, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This simplifies the number of people eligible to file and removes any confusion that may remain about who is eligible to file a claim. However, that does not mean that all family members are excluded from compensation.
For example, you may have provided care for the deceased or experienced a tangible or intangible loss because of their death. Because of this, the personal representative must send written notice to family members who may be entitled to damages within 30 days of filing the lawsuit, according to MCL 600.2292(2). Because of this, reaching out to us as a personal representative or as a family member who may be deserving of compensation can help you get the support you need during this difficult time.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Grieving Families Have an Opportunity to Pursue Compensation for Their Suffering
If you are eligible for damages following the wrongful death of a loved one, knowing the value of your claim can help you take action and ensure you are awarded fair compensation through a personal representative of the estate. If you are unsure what you are entitled to, it can be difficult to calculate these damages without a wrongful death lawyer. Get the help you need from us by reaching out about the following types of potentially recoverable damages:
Economic Damages
One of the first questions a Ypsilanti wrongful death lawyer may ask you about this case is the financial losses you may have suffered because of your loved one’s death. For example, they may have been the breadwinner of your household, leaving you without the funds you need to live. We can help you seek any financial costs or economic damages you have suffered because of the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Pain and Suffering
The damages you have suffered in a wrongful death claim may include more than your financial costs. When you pursue compensation, you may also be entitled to compensation for the intangible damages you have suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or loss of companionship that your deceased loved one may have provided. While these damages are outlined in MCL §600.1483, these damages can be difficult to calculate.
For example, your non-economic damages can vary depending on the specifics of your case. In more severe cases where the death was caused by the intentional acts of another, your wrongful death attorney may request punitive damages under MCL §445.911. We may be able to help you get the most out of your wrongful death lawsuit and ensure the at-fault party is brought to justice.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Do Not Hesitate to Seek Out a Focused, Compassionate Wrongful Death Law Firm in Ypsilanti, MI
When another person is grossly negligent, their actions can lead to a deadly situation. Unfortunately, especially if you do not have a Ypsilanti wrongful death attorney on your side, you may not have the resources or knowledge to take action and seek compensation. That can leave you paying out of pocket for the losses you and your family have suffered unfairly rather than holding the at-fault party responsible.
At White Law PLLC, we strive to help our clients seek the full compensation they deserve for their suffering. We offer free consultations so that you know what to expect from your lawsuit before you ever set foot in the courtroom. To learn more about what is next for your claim, you can reach out by calling our office or filling out our online contact form.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
