The death of a loved one often brings unimaginable pain and suffering, particularly when the death was sudden and unexpected. That pain and suffering is magnified if it appears that your loved one’s death could have been prevented. If the wrongful or negligent acts or omissions of another party caused, or contributed to, the death of your loved one, you may be entitled to file as a claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit. It goes without saying that no amount of compensation is worth losing a loved one; however, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide you and your family with financial security for the uncertain future. In addition, with the help of our wrongful death attorneys, your lawsuit will hold the wrongdoer responsible for causing, or contributing, to your loved one’s death.
At Slusky & Walt, P.C., our wrongful death attorneys understand that we cannot bring back your loved one; however, we can ensure that the negligent party is held accountable. As founders of the American Benefits Experts, or A.B.E., we will ensure that you and your family receive the compensation that your loved one would likely want you to have. If you have lost a loved one in Michigan to what you believe was a wrongful death, contact the Wrongful Death Attorneys A.B.E team at Slusky & Walt, P.C. today at 1-800-ABE-HELPS (1-800-223-4357) to schedule your free consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
In Michigan, a wrongful death is one in which the death was “caused by wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another”. A wrongful death could be caused by the intentionally wrongful acts of another party, such as in the case of an assault. In the case of intentional acts, the defendant could face criminal charges as well as be named as a defendant in a civil wrongful death lawsuit. More often, however, wrongful death claims are made on the basis of negligence on the part of the defendant. Negligence can be based on either the acts or omissions of the defendant.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Michigan?
Michigan requires the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to file the wrongful death lawsuit; however, the following people may be entitled to compensation as a result of the lawsuit:
- The deceased’s spouse, children, descendants, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and, if none of these persons survive the deceased, then those persons to whom the estate of the deceased would pass under the laws of intestate succession determined as of the date of death of the deceased.
- The children of the deceased’s spouse.
- Those persons who are devisees under the will of the deceased, except those whose relationship with the decedent violated Michigan law, including beneficiaries of a trust under the will, those persons who are designated in the will as persons who may be entitled to damages under this section, and the beneficiaries of a living trust of the deceased if there is a devise to that trust in the will of the deceased.
Compensation in a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Understandably, legal action is often the last thing on a survivor’s mind after losing a loved one. Pursuing a wrongful death claim, however, accomplishes two important goals. First, it holds the negligent party responsible for their role in your loss. Second, it provides you and your family with financial security that your loved one would undoubtedly want you to have. The American Benefits Experts want you and your family to recover all the compensation to which you are entitled for the loss of your loved one. Compensation in a Michigan wrongful death action essentially falls into three categories:
- Damages owed to the decedent’s estate – this covers medical bills of the decedent and suffering by the decedent prior to death as well as burial and funeral expenses.
- Economic damages – this covers tangibles losses such as loss of future earnings by the decedent or loss of future domestic service.
- Non-economic damages –this covers the “loss of society and companionship” of the decedent.
The American Benefits Experts attorneys at Slusky & Walt, P.C. are committed to helping survivors of a wrongful death recover the compensation to which they are entitled. We are also dedicated to holding the wrongdoer accountable for causing, or contributing to, your loss. Our A.B.E. team will work tirelessly toward these goals. Contact the Wrongful Death Attorneys A.B.E. team at Slusky & Walt, P.C. today at 1-800-ABE-HELPS (1-800-223-4357) so that we can get started.
