Nothing prepares a family for the loss of a loved one, especially when that loss was caused by another person’s careless or reckless actions. Our Troy wrongful death lawyers at Christensen Law understand that pain, and we also know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back. We would never pretend otherwise.
What we can do is carry the legal burden for you, so you have room to grieve while we protect your family’s future. We have stood beside Michigan families since 1991, guided by three simple promises: listen, protect, and win.
From our offices serving Troy and the surrounding Oakland County communities, we are here to talk through what happened and explain your options in plain language, with no pressure and no cost up front. You deserve real answers, and whenever you are ready, we are here to listen.
Reach out to our Troy office today at 248-233-0684
CHRISTENSEN LAW HAS A 24 HOUR RAPID RESPONSE SERVICE
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case that lets a family seek compensation when a loved one dies because of someone else’s wrongful act, neglect, or fault.
Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act sets out the rules for these claims, which simply states that if your loved one could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, the law allows their estate to pursue that claim on the family’s behalf.
This kind of case is separate from any criminal charges that might come from the same event. A criminal case is brought by the state to punish wrongdoing, while a wrongful death claim is about helping your family recover financially and holding the responsible party accountable. Both can move forward at the same time.
To move forward, the case generally needs to show a few things in plain terms. The other party had a duty to act with reasonable care; they failed to meet it, and that failure caused your loved one’s death and your family’s losses. We take on the work of proving each of these points with solid evidence, so your family does not have to.
These claims can arise from many kinds of fatal accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes. The common thread is that another party’s actions, or failure to act, led to the loss. Our job is to gather the facts, build a strong case, and pursue full and fair compensation for your family.
How Our Troy Wrongful Death Lawyers Stand by Your Family
From the moment you reach out, our Troy wrongful death lawyers take on the parts of this process that no grieving family should have to handle alone.
We investigate what happened, work with the right professionals to piece together the events, and deal directly with the insurance companies, so you do not have to. You will always know where your case stands, because we keep you informed at every step.
We understand the insurance company has its own goals, and those goals rarely match what your family truly needs. We will protect your rights and present a clear, well-supported case for the compensation your family deserves. If a fair resolution cannot be reached at the table, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Founder David Christensen is a member of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, and our firm has earned recognition from ABOTA, the American Board of Trial Advocates. Managing Partner Sarah Stempky-Kime is also a recognized “Leader in the Law” and an ABOTA member.
That courtroom strength matters because the people on the other side know which firms are ready to try a case and which are not. We bring that reputation to work for your family from day one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This is the person named in a will, or appointed by the probate court, to act on behalf of the estate. While one person files the case, the claim is brought for the benefit of the surviving family members.
Under the law, the family members who may receive compensation often include the spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, along with certain others who depended on the deceased.
The court reviews who suffered a loss and decides how any settlement or verdict should be fairly divided. The rules for dividing these funds are guided by Michigan’s estate distribution statute.
If you are unsure whether you have the right to bring a claim, that is one of the first things we can help you sort out. We will explain where your family stands and what steps come next. You never have to figure this out by yourself.
Types of Fatal Accident Cases We Handle
Many of our wrongful death cases grow out of serious crashes on roads that Troy families travel every day, from Big Beaver Road to the stretches of I-75 that run through Oakland County. When a life is taken because someone else was careless behind the wheel, we are here to help your family seek justice.
We represent families in a wide range of fatal accident claims, including:
- Truck accidents, including crashes involving large commercial trucks and the companies behind them
- Car accidents, including those caused by distracted, drunk, or reckless drivers
- Motorcycle accidents, where riders are often left with the most devastating outcomes
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, when a person is hit by a vehicle
- Catastrophic injury cases that tragically result in death, such as severe brain or spinal cord injuries
No two families and no two cases are exactly alike, so we take the time to understand the full story behind your loss. Whatever the cause, our goal is to give your family a strong voice and a clear path forward. If your situation is not listed here, please reach out, and we will let you know how we can help.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Compensation in a wrongful death case is meant to address both the financial and the deeply personal losses a family carries after a death. Michigan law allows the court or jury to award the damages it considers fair under the circumstances. While money can never replace a person, it can help protect the people they left behind.
Depending on the facts, the compensation your family may pursue can include:
- Reasonable medical and hospital bills tied to the final injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death
- Loss of the income and financial support your loved one provided
- Loss of the love, companionship, and guidance your loved one gave your family
Every family’s losses are different, which is why we work closely with you to account for all that has been taken. We then build a case designed to seek the fullest recovery the law allows. Our team is ready to sit down with you and explain what these damages could mean for your specific situation.
Why Families Across Troy Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorneys
Families come to our wrongful death attorneys because we treat every client like a person, not a case number. We know this may be the hardest chapter of your life, and we meet you with patience, honesty, and genuine care. From your first call, you will speak with people who listen closely and respond quickly.
You will always get straight answers, with no empty promises and no confusing legal jargon. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is no cost up front, and you pay nothing in attorney fees unless we win your case. That means your family can move forward without the worry of adding new bills during an already painful time.
Our trial-ready reputation also works in your favor long before any courtroom date. Insurance companies tend to take cases more seriously when a firm has a record of strong verdicts and is willing to go the distance. Our record includes a $9.5 million wrongful death settlement.
If your family is searching for Troy wrongful death lawyers who will truly stand with you, Christensen Law is ready to help. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
FAQs Answered by Our Troy Wrongful Death Lawyers
Below are answers to some of the questions families often ask us when they are thinking about a wrongful death claim in Michigan.
How long do wrongful death cases take in Michigan?
Every case moves at its own pace, depending on the facts, the losses involved, and whether the other side is willing to offer a fair resolution. Some claims settle within months, while others that go to trial can take longer. We work to move your case forward efficiently, and we will never rush in a way that shortchanges your family.
How much time do we have to file a wrongful death claim?
In most cases, Michigan gives families three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, under the state’s statute of limitations. Some situations, such as claims involving a government vehicle or agency, can carry much shorter deadlines. Because waiting can cost a family its right to recover, it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you are able.
What does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
We handle wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no cost up front. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Your first consultation is always free, so you can learn about your options without any financial risk.
What if our loved one was partly at fault?
Your family may still be able to recover compensation even if your loved one shared some of the blame. Michigan follows a comparative fault approach, which can reduce an award based on the deceased person’s share of responsibility. We can review the details and explain how this rule might apply to your case.
Will our wrongful death case have to go to trial?
Many wrongful death claims are resolved through a settlement, without the need for a trial. Even so, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, because being trial-ready often leads to stronger offers. If going to court is the best path to full and fair compensation, we are prepared to be your voice there.
Is a wrongful death claim the same as criminal charges?
No, a wrongful death claim and a criminal case are two separate matters. The state may bring criminal charges to punish someone for causing a death, while your family’s civil claim seeks financial accountability for your loss. One does not depend on the other, and both can move forward at the same time.
Can we still recover no-fault benefits after a fatal car crash?
In many fatal crash cases, surviving dependents may be eligible for survivor’s loss benefits under Michigan’s no-fault insurance law. These benefits are separate from a wrongful death lawsuit and carry their own strict deadlines. We can review your loved one’s auto coverage and help your family pursue every source of compensation available.
Reach Out to Our Troy Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
When your family is facing a loss this profound, you should not have to fight for justice alone. Our Troy wrongful death lawyers are ready to listen to your story, protect your rights, and pursue the accountability and compensation your loved one deserves. We will handle the legal side with care, so your family can focus on healing.
Christensen Law has fought for Michigan families since 1991, from the D to the UP, and we would be honored to stand with yours. Reach out to our Troy office today at 248-233-0684, or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. There is no cost up front, and you owe us nothing unless we win.
