The sudden death of a loved one devastates families across Michigan, particularly when proper care can have avoided the loss. The financial consequence of losing a family member compounds the emotional impact of the incident. Coping with the loss of a loved one means missing work to grieve, paying funeral and burial expenses, and losing the care and support of the deceased. You may also have to pay for assistance with childcare, domestic chores, or treatment for your mental health.
Michigan Law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation from the negligent party who caused the wrongful death. Even so, they must demonstrate how the careless actions of the at-fault party contributed to the wrongful death. Our Michigan wrongful death lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers understand how painful it is to lose a loved one. We can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a compensation claim likely to yield a fair settlement value for your losses.
Why Choose Us
Your likelihood of recovering or coping with the impact of losing a loved one depends on the settlement value you receive in a wrongful death claim. Filing a Wrongful Death claim with the support of our experienced attorneys enhances the chances of a positive outcome in your claim.
Here’s why you should work with us:
- Highly Experienced: Our Michigan wrongful death lawyers have been in the industry since 2008, explaining our impressive track record. We have a vast knowledge of personal injury laws, which gives us the confidence to protect surviving family members.
- Location: Our headquarters and other branches are located in Michigan and we know the local laws and jurisdictions.
You can count on our experienced wrongful death attorneys to protect your legal rights and initiate a settlement claim.
How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth
A wrongful death claim has no general value. The outcome depends on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Here are the factors that influence the value of a wrongful death claim:
Economic Damages
One of the key factors that affect the value of a wrongful death claim is economic damages. These damages compensate you for the financial contributions the deceased might have made to the family if they had lived, such as income, benefits, and other financial support.
Medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of the wrongful death are also taken into account when determining economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic losses, non-economic damages can determine the value of your wrongful death case. These intangible losses include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress experienced by the surviving family members.
While putting a monetary value on non-economic damages can be challenging, their input can enhance the value of non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Courts may also award punitive damages in some wrongful death cases. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the surviving family for their losses, punitive damages punish the defendant for reckless or intentional actions that caused the wrongful death.
Courts vary the amount of punitive damages awarded based on the case circumstances and the jurisdiction. Our wrongful death lawyers can present compelling evidence before a judge and jury to improve your chances of receiving punitive damages in your claim.
Liability
The strength of the evidence proving liability for the wrongful death also plays a role in determining the case's value. Clear and well-documented negligence or misconduct by the defendant increases the likelihood of a higher claim value.
Conversely, uncertainties or disputes regarding liability can impact the overall value of the case.
Our wrongful death attorneys can use the following sources of evidence to prove a wrongful death claim caused by a car accident:
- Medical records
- Police accident report
- Accident reconstruction report
- Images of the crash scene
- Bank statements
- Professional testimony
- Eye-witness testimony
- Traffic camera footage
Insurance Coverage of the At-Fault Party
The at-fault party's insurer is usually the source of compensation in a wrongful death claim. Therefore, the insurer's insurance limit can influence the settlement value.
For instance, if the responsible party has minimal insurance coverage, the available compensation may be limited, leaving you with insufficient funds to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and ongoing financial support for dependents.
On the other hand, if the at-fault party is well-insured or has substantial assets, there is a higher likelihood of securing a fair settlement to provide the necessary support for the surviving family members. Insurance Company’s Offer may reflect these resources, but it still requires careful review and negotiation by a skilled attorney to ensure it covers your full losses.
Our wrongful death lawyers can explore additional options for compensation, including filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Where Do Accidents Occur in Bloomfield Hills
Wrongful deaths occur for various reasons, including vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and medical negligence. Vehicle accidents are a major cause of wrongful deaths. Although vehicle accidents can occur in any part of Bloomfield Hills, road users are vulnerable in specific zones.
Here are common roads where vehicle accidents are likely to occur:
- Telegraph Road: Known for its heavy traffic and multiple lanes, it can be a hotspot for accidents, especially during rush hours. The high volume of vehicles, combined with drivers rushing to their destinations, increases the risk of collisions and, in some cases, fatal outcomes.
- Woodward Avenue: As one of the major thoroughfares in Bloomfield Hills, Woodward Avenue sees a significant amount of traffic. With various intersections, pedestrians crossing, and frequent lane changes, drivers are at risk of accidents that can result in devastating consequences.
- Square Lake Road: This road's diverse mix of residential areas, shopping centers, and recreational spots attracts a plethora of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. As a result, the chances of accidents occurring due to differing speeds and distractions are higher.
- Maple Road: Another key road in Bloomfield Hills, Maple Road presents challenges for drivers due to its various commercial establishments, schools, and residential neighborhoods along the way. The mix of traffic patterns and potential distractions can lead to serious accidents if not approached with care and attention.
Michigan Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing a loved one due to the carelessness of someone else is a devastating experience. Our skilled Michigan wrongful death lawyers are here to provide compassionate and reputable legal representation. Should I Get a Lawyer to help navigate the legal process? In these emotionally and financially difficult times, having legal support can make all the difference in securing justice and fair compensation.
We help families pursue justice and the compensation they need to move forward after the tragic loss of a loved one.
Our wrongful death lawyers can support you in any of the following incidents:
- Car accidents: Our birth injury attorneys guide you through the legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable for the fatal car accident.
- Pedestrian accidents: When a loved one dies in a pedestrian accident, our birth injury attorneys pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
- Birth Injuries: In cases of wrongful death due to birth injuries, our birth injury lawyers provide compassionate legal guidance so you can seek justice.
- Truck accidents: Our birth injury attorneys have the skills and resources to investigate truck accidents that lead to wrongful death and pursue maximum compensation.
- Motorcycle accidents: If a motorcycle accident has resulted in the tragic loss of your loved one, our birth injury lawyers can advocate for your rights in a wrongful death case.
- Bicycle accidents: We pursue justice on your behalf for the wrongful death of a family member involved in a bicycle accident caused by negligence.
- Dog bites: If a fatal dog bite incident has occurred, our birth injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and options.
- Medical Negligence: If medical negligence has led to the wrongful death of your loved one, our birth injury lawyers can initiate a settlement claim against the at-fault party.
- Slip and fall accidents: In cases of wrongful death due to slip and fall accidents, our birth injury lawyers can investigate the incident and initiate a compensation claim against the negligent property owner.
Fighting the Insurance Company
You’re likely to face resistance from insurance companies, who are fond of playing down legitimate claims.
Here are three key strategies our Michigan wrongful death lawyers at Michigan Injury Lawyers employ when taking on insurance companies:
Thorough Documentation
One of the most effective ways our wrongful death lawyers confront the insurer is by presenting a comprehensive case that includes all relevant medical records, professional testimonies, and other essential documentation to support your claim.
By building a strong foundation of evidence, we can demonstrate the nature of the wrongful death and its impact on the surviving family members.
Establish the Value of Your Damages
You should understand the value of your damages before initiating a wrongful death claim. The knowledge can empower you to negotiate effectively with insurers and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
By working with our Michigan birth injury lawyers, you can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
Insurers may try to downplay the value of your claim, but our skilled wrongful death attorney builds a strong case supported by evidence. You increase your chances of a successful outcome by quantifying your damages and presenting a clear picture of the loss.
Our wrongful death lawyers can advocate on your behalf, challenging lowball offers and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Strategic Negotiation
Our wrongful death lawyers are adept at negotiating strategically with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients. We understand insurers often employ tactics to minimize payouts and are prepared to stand firm on your behalf.
We will advocate for your rights and push for a fair settlement by considering the full scope of wrongful death damages.
Representation in Court
In cases where negotiations with the insurer reach an impasse, our wrongful death lawyers are fully equipped to take the matter to court. With extensive court experience in wrongful death claims, we are prepared to litigate aggressively to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
By demonstrating our willingness to go to trial, we show the insurer that we are committed to fighting for your rights and holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions. This firm stance often encourages insurers to offer a fair settlement.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death
Your actions after a wrongful death claim can protect your legal rights. You should speak with a legal professional after a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence. Hire an Attorney who can guide you on the steps you can take to protect your legal rights and help you pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Here’s how working with our wrongful death lawyers can lead to a positive outcome in your claim:
Evaluating the Merits of Your Case
Our wrongful death attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers are here to evaluate the merits of your case. By thoroughly examining the details and circumstances surrounding the incident, we can provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. We will assess the evidence, medical records, and professional opinions to establish a strong foundation for your claim, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
Adhering to Legal Timelines
All legal cases, including wrongful death claims, must adhere to legal timelines and deadlines. For instance, the personal injury statute of limitations requires surviving family members to initiate a wrongful death claim within three years of the accident.
You can lose your right to compensation if you initiate a compensation claim beyond the three-year timeline. Our birth injury attorneys understand the applicable timelines and will file a lawsuit on time so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
Let Our Michigan Wrongful Death Attorneys Fight For You
Your quality of life is likely to worsen after an incident that led to the wrongful death of your loved one. For example, the absence of a loved one may create a void in caregiving, parental responsibilities, and household duties, making your everyday life more difficult.
The wrongful death of a loved one may also create deep emotional pain, anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological trauma. Our wrongful death attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers understand the impact of losing a loved one and will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights. Our compassionate approach is invaluable while handling these difficult circumstances.
Contact our office today at (313) 438-4357 for a free case evaluation.