- January 25, 2018
f your loved one’s death was caused by another, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death lawsuits are reserved for the family members of individuals whose death was caused by the carelessness or negligence of others. Because a deceased person is unable to fight for justice or compensation for themselves, their family members may fight on their behalf.Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Michigan, a wrongful death claim can be filed by family members directly affected by the death of their loved one. This can include the following relations of the deceased person:
- Spouse
- Children and stepchildren
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
Anyone given property in the deceased person’s will may also be eligible to receive compensation from a wrongful death claim. These rules may vary slightly in each state, though the essential factors typically remain the same.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed for any number of reasons. In any case where the deceased person’s death was caused by carelessness, negligence, or the fault of another, the guilty party could be held responsible for the resulting damages. Wrongful death lawsuits may include cases of car accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, and more. In any situation, the liable party may differ depending on the circumstances of the case. In car accident cases, the driver or vehicle manufacturer may be liable. Likewise, in a construction accident case the property manager might be to blame, or the machinery supplier could be responsible.
Compensation for Damages
While no amount of money could ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, financial support can help with a number of serious needs following a sudden death.
Compensation for wrongful death damages can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs
- Loss of inheritance
- Value of the deceased person’s lost income
- Loss of companionship or care
- Pain and suffering of the deceased person
- Pain and suffering of mourning family members
In the event that damages will be awarded in a wrongful death case, Michigan state laws require hospital, medical, funeral, and burial expenses be paid first. After these expenses are covered, those named in the will of the deceased person may then split the remaining damages award.
If someone you love died due to the negligence or carelessness of another, our firm wants to help. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to get started on your Detroit wrongful death case.