If you’re grieving a family member’s loss and believe someone else was at fault for the accident that caused their death, contact our wrongful death attorneys in Sterling Heights to file a lawsuit and seek justice.
When you lose a loved one in a tragic accident because of someone else’s negligence, healing can feel far out of reach. The natural grieving process requires time and the support of others, but when the person responsible for causing your family member’s death isn’t held responsible for their actions, it can be hard to forgive and forget.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a way for family members of the deceased to find closure, seek justice, and obtain fair compensation for their loved one’s fatal injury and related financial losses. At Christensen Law, our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of wrongful death laws, and we can assist you with moving forward in the claims process.
Our Sterling Heights, MI, personal injury lawyers will negotiate on your behalf so that, hopefully, you can walk away from your case feeling better about what the future holds. Contact us today or call us to get started.
How to Know When a Fatal Accident Classifies as Wrongful Death
Various accidents can result in death, but for an accident to be a wrongful death, there needs to be some sort of negligence involved.
For example, if a drunk driver hits another vehicle on the road, and the driver of that vehicle dies, it is a wrongful death because the drunk driver caused the wreck while breaking the law and engaging in dangerous behavior. However, if a driver slides on black ice and dies by hitting a tree, it is not a wrongful death because there was no negligence or wrongdoing involved.
If you believe your loved one’s fatal injury in Sterling Heights resulted from someone else’s reckless, careless, or wrongful actions, our Sterling wrongful death attorneys can help you build a case demonstrating your family’s right to compensation. We assist with wrongful deaths resulting from:
- Car wrecks
- Motorcycle collisions
- Truck accidents
- Bus crashes
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Electrocutions
- Premises liability injuries (e.g., slip and falls, dog bites, swimming pool accidents)
Wrongful Death Compensation You Can Seek After a Sterling, MI, Accident
We understand that monetary compensation cannot take away your grief or compensate for your loss during this difficult time. Still, wrongful death awards can provide you with a measure of justice and ensure your family does not suffer further because of expenses resulting from your loved one’s fatal accident.
While you focus on healing, our legal professionals will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure financial damages from the at-fault party. Compensation may include the following:
- Medical expenses. We will recover the cost of medical care your family member received from their time of injury until death. Awards may include emergency transportation and services, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, medical equipment, long-term nursing, and palliative care.
- Funeral and burial expenses. We will seek compensation for expenses associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Lost income. We will pursue awards for your loved one’s lost income, benefits, and earnings, including financial support they would have provided had they lived.
- Non-economic damages. We will seek compensation for your loved one’s conscious pain and suffering. We can also pursue awards for survivors for losing their loved one’s care, companionship, and other intangible benefits.
We Do What It Takes to Get the Awards You Deserve
Since 1991, our personal injury firm has advocated for injury victims and their families. Throughout that time, we have earned a reputation for providing compassionate, personalized representation to every client we serve. We take the time to listen to you and craft a case based on your unique needs.
When you work with us, you know you always have professionals with decades of legal experience who work for you. We will protect your rights and fight for your family’s best interests, even if we must go to trial. We are more interested in getting fair awards than a speedy resolution that is less than you deserve. Our team will:
- Investigate your loved one’s fatal accident and build a case proving it resulted from negligence
- Identify all liable parties that owe you financial recovery
- Identify and calculate your damages
- Draft and file your insurance claims or lawsuits
- Negotiate for the maximum possible compensation
- Prepare your case for civil court and represent you at trial if necessary
- Keep you informed throughout the process with frequent and timely updates
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
Michigan restricts who can file wrongful death claims. According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2922, families cannot take action on their own. Instead, the deceased’s personal representative must file the lawsuit and notify family members who may be eligible for compensation. Potential beneficiaries include the deceased’s:
- Spouse and children
- Parents and grandparents
- Brothers and sisters
- Stepchildren
- Anyone who’s given property in the decedent’s will
You Must File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Michigan by the State’s Deadline
All family members need to know that Michigan has set a time limit on filing wrongful death lawsuits. Per Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of your loved one’s death.
If you do not act within this time, the court will likely refuse to accept your case. In addition, it could hurt your chances of securing a successful wrongful death insurance settlement because removing the threat of a suit will reduce your bargaining power. We will help you take legal action before it is too late and file your case on time.
Call Christensen Law About Your Sterling Heights Wrongful Death Case Today
Losing a loved one is never easy, but moving on can be even more challenging when the person responsible for causing the death isn’t held accountable. At Christensen Law, our wrongful death attorneys will help your family hold all negligent parties accountable. We want your family to receive the maximum settlement so that you can begin picking up the pieces of your life.
If you’d like to speak to a Sterling Heights wrongful death lawyer from our law office about your case, call us today or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation. We take cases on contingency, meaning we can represent you for nothing upfront or out of pocket. Connect with a lawyer near you.
