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When carelessness or recklessness causes an incident or accident, Michigan’s negligence laws allow victims to hold the at-fault party responsible. When the victim dies, their loved ones seek and secure money and accountability to get justice.
A Jackson, MI, personal injury lawyer from Christensen Law helps families recover the compensation they need and deserve after a negligence accident takes the life of a loved one. We provide free consultations, so you can learn more today. Call us now to get started.
Our Jackson, MI, Lawyers Understand How the State’s Wrongful Death Laws Work
At Christensen Law, our attorneys understand how the Wrongful Death Act works in Michigan. We know who files these cases, who receives compensation, and how to navigate the process for our clients. Let us assess your case and explain your options for free.
In general, the Michigan Wrongful Death Act limits who can file these lawsuits to the personal representative of the victim’s estate. This is the party listed as the will’s executor or named by the courts to manage the probate of the estate.
This could be an immediate family member, and it often is. However, this is not always the case. Some people choose a trusted business associate, friend, or another party to manage their affairs after their death. Depending on the circumstances, the personal representative may or may not receive compensation from the wrongful death case. Generally, the proceeds from these cases go to immediate family members or other heirs. This includes:
- A surviving spouse
- Minor or adult children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Others listed in the deceased’s will
If you are unsure of your loved one’s personal representative or who could benefit from the settlement or award in a wrongful death case, our Jackson wrongful death attorney will help you. We provide free case assessments and will answer your questions during your initial conversation with our team.
Damages a Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer Recovers for Lost Loved Ones
Under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act, loved ones who experienced a tragic and untimely loss pursue a wide range of damages based on their loved one’s injury and death. Our attorneys identify, document, and value these damages and then build a case to secure them through a settlement, mediation, or court award.
Each case has unique losses and costs. Some of the most common we see when handling these cases include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred after the injury but before the victim passes away
- Loss of income and other financial support
- Loss of services
- Loss of companionship, society, and other intangible losses
- Pain and suffering of the victim before their death
Why Is Christensen Law Your Best Resource for a Jackson Wrongful Death Case?
Christensen Law manages many catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. We understand how to develop a compelling case and fight for the compensation our clients deserve. We take the time necessary to truly listen to our clients and help them get the compensation they need and deserve.
We can protect you, your family, and your financial future after the loss of a loved one. We will not settle for less than you deserve to close a case. We use our knowledge, skills, resources, and reputation to pursue fair compensation and fight for justice.
Since 1991, our lawyers have served as advocates for injured parties and their loved ones. Our record-setting outcomes include a wide range of awards and settlements from auto accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, and other types of injury accidents. Some recent examples include:
- $4.55 million for the electrocution death of a cable technician while working on a power pole
- $1.625 million for the family of a man who died after surgery to repair injuries that occurred in an accident caused by a commercial van driver
Our attorneys represent families based on contingency. We do not ask you to pay upfront costs or fees. Instead, we recoup these expenses from the money we recover for you. If we do not win, you will not pay.
Christensen Law provides complimentary consultations for families who lost loved ones in a Jackson, MI accident. Call us now for a case review and answers to your questions. We are here when you need us.
Our Jackson Wrongful Death Attorneys Handle a Wide Range of Cases
Any case that supports a personal injury lawsuit will also support a wrongful death action if the victim passes away from their injuries. In general, this means you could have a case if:
- Your loved one suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence
- Your loved one died from their injuries or complications
- Your family endured financial damages as a result
We primarily see catastrophic and fatal injuries from auto accidents, which could include car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and truck collisions. However, we handle many other types of potentially deadly accidents. This includes:
- Pedestrian v. car accidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Construction accidents
- Electrocutions
- Pool accidents
- Slip and falls, trip and falls, and falls from a height
- Boating accidents
Injuries That Can Result in a Loved One’s Passing
Our personal injury lawyers frequently see catastrophic injuries that could lead to death or fatal complications. We understand these life-altering and potentially fatal injuries and how to develop a case based on them. This could include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Head trauma
- Traumatic limb injuries and amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Crush injuries
Let Our Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer Build Your Case and Establish Liability
You must have a compelling case to recover compensation based on your loved one’s death. This case must be strong enough to convince the liable party’s insurance carrier or a judge and jury that the accused party caused the accident, injuries, and death. Then, you will need to demonstrate the damages incurred by you and your family because of your loved one’s untimely death.
When you trust us with your Jackson wrongful death action, you can count on our attorney to:
Build a Case and Support It With Evidence
As soon as you hire our team, our lawyers will begin collecting the relevant evidence to show what led to your loved one’s death. This could include police reports, witness statements, relevant medical records, photographs, videos, and other documentation.
We know the necessary steps to thoroughly investigate the accident and uncover the facts. This often requires that we identify and interview witnesses, consult with specialists and experts, and analyze any available physical evidence. We also need to research relevant statutes and case law precedents.
Before we can proceed, we must also assess the damages your family suffered because of your loved one’s death, including economic damages and non-economic damages.
Establish Liability to Hold the Liable Party Accountable
Wrongful death actions are based on negligence or intentional behaviors. To recover compensation, we must determine who caused the accident and fatal injuries. Our lawyers will identify all potentially liable parties during our investigation. This could include both those directly responsible and those vicariously responsible, such as the employer of a commercial truck driver who caused a fatal crash.
To establish liability, we need to demonstrate that the responsible party or parties acted negligently. This means they did not exercise reasonable care, and this failure directly contributed to your loved one’s injuries and death. The four elements required to show negligence include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Harm
Take the Necessary Next Steps
Once we have a robust case supported by evidence, we can take the next steps. Depending on the circumstances of the case and willingness of the liable party to settle, we may negotiate an agreement on your behalf or pursue litigation in court. You can count on our Jackson wrongful death lawyer to advocate for your rights and work to secure the compensation your family deserves. We fight to get justice for your family and lost loved one.
How Long Does My Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer Have to Sue?
Each state sets timelines for filing lawsuits based on negligence and wrongful death. Missing this deadline could mean being barred from filing a lawsuit, making it very difficult or impossible to recover fair compensation.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is three years under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805. However, exceptions exist. For example, you likely have considerably less time if you need to sue a government employee or agency.
Hiring a wrongful death attorney to represent your family as soon as possible after your loved one’s death ensures you have a knowledgeable and skilled advocate on your side when you need them. They will assess your deadlines and file all necessary documents according to the applicable timeline.
Discuss Your Loved One’s Jackson Wrongful Death with Our Team
Christensen Law provides free consultations for families who lost loved ones in negligence accidents in Michigan. Our Jackson wrongful death lawyer can review your case facts and discuss how we can help your family during your free case evaluation today. Use our online contact form or call us now to learn more.
