Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Michigan
Losing someone we love in an accident is difficult for anyone to get through. Accidents are unexpected and often leave us in a place of grief and frustration. What can be done to fight back against the person who caused the accident? Can legal action be taken to obtain justice? If so, what are the steps? These are all questions that are commonly asked after a family loses someone close to them and our accident attorneys in Flint, Michigan are here to provide you with the answers you have been seeking.
Although we highly encourage you to give us a call and get your free consultation scheduled with one of our top accident lawyers in Flint, below is some information regarding what can be done after losing someone who was involved in an accident.
Can I sue for the death of a loved one who was involved in an accident?
A spouse or other family member looking to take legal action against the party who caused the accident can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their deceased loved one. A wrongful death occurs when someone engages in a wrongful act, displays neglect, or outright at fault for causing an accident that has led up to another individual’s death. When filing suit, it must be proven that the individual they believe caused the accident displayed negligence. Negligence is a very important factor that needs to be determined and it can be proven in several different ways.
Was the person operating their vehicle while under the influence when the crash occurred? Were they speeding in their vehicle and failed to see your family member cross the street? If yes, that would contribute to the evidence needed to show they were reckless in their actions and that the accident could have been prevented. Although it might sound difficult to have to gather such evidence, the accident and wrongful death attorney in Flint you choose to work with will gladly help you through this process.
Who is legally allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Michigan?
Under Michigan state law (Act 236, 600.2922), the following individuals are legally permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for their loved one’s death:
- Spouse and children
- Parents and grandparents
- Brothers and sisters
- Children of the deceased person’s spouse
- Anyone who is left property in the deceased person’s will
These individuals are entitled to collect monetary damages if they win their case just as the decedent would have had they been alive and able to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is also important to take note of the fact that the state’s statute of limitations is set at three years which means the lawsuit must be filed before the three-year mark.
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil matters which means they are filed in civil court. The civil courthouse closest to Flint is located at:
Fourth Division B
8173 S. Saginaw Street
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
(810) 694-2552
Ready to find a local accident lawyer in Flint, Michigan today to help get your lawsuit filed?
Because of the hardship you have been faced with, it is often difficult to deal with the emotions and the paperwork associated with filing a wrongful death lawsuit. You need a legal representative who can take care of the things you may not be too familiar with and help reduce the burden off of your shoulders. USAttorneys.com strives to connect the families who lost a loved one with only the best accident lawyers in the city of Flint, Michigan.
Call us today and let us find you the right lawyer for the job.
