When someone’s life is cut short because of another person’s actions, the loss leaves more than silence. It leaves questions, confusion, and a deep ache that words rarely touch. Families often find themselves torn between grieving and trying to understand what happens next. What rights do you have? What kind of help is available? And how do you even begin to measure the impact of such a loss?
A wrongful death claim won’t undo what happened, but it can bring a measure of accountability and help relieve some of the financial strain that follows an unexpected tragedy. It’s a way to ensure your loved one’s story is heard and that those left behind have the support they need to begin healing.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
A wrongful death claim is a type of lawsuit that allows the surviving family members of someone who passed away due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing to seek compensation. It’s not about placing a dollar value on a life—it’s about holding the responsible party accountable and helping families cope with the financial and emotional consequences of their loss.
Under Michigan law, certain family members may bring forward a wrongful death claim, such as:
- The spouse or children of the deceased
- Parents or grandparents
- Siblings or other dependents who relied on the deceased for support
The claim is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, on behalf of all eligible family members.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
In a Michigan wrongful death case, “damages” refer to the losses that surviving family members suffer because of their loved one’s death. These damages can include both economic and non-economic losses—financial costs as well as emotional pain.
Let’s break them down:
Economic Damages
These cover the financial impact of your loss. They include:
- Medical expenses: Costs related to the treatment the deceased received before their passing.
- Funeral and burial costs: Reasonable expenses for laying your loved one to rest.
- Lost income and benefits: The wages or income your loved one would have earned if they had lived.
- Loss of services: The value of household help, childcare, or other contributions your loved one provided.
Non-Economic Damages
While these losses don’t come with receipts or invoices, they often represent the deepest pain. They include:
- Loss of companionship and love: The emotional void left by the absence of your loved one.
- Loss of guidance and nurturing: Especially for children who depended on a parent for emotional and moral support.
- Emotional pain and suffering: The grief, heartbreak, and mental anguish that family members experience after such a loss.
Each case is unique, and the court considers factors such as the relationship to the deceased, the level of dependency, and the nature of the loss.
The Emotional Burden That Money Can’t Heal
While compensation can ease financial stress, no amount of money can truly replace the person you’ve lost. The emotional burden of a wrongful death can feel impossible to carry—especially when you’re still trying to make sense of it all.
Grief can come in waves: sadness, anger, confusion, guilt. It’s normal to feel lost when faced with medical bills, legal documents, and the absence of someone you love.
A wrongful death claim isn’t just about finances. It’s about:
- Finding accountability — ensuring those responsible are held legally answerable
- Seeking closure — understanding what happened and why
- Protecting your family’s future — so you can begin the process of rebuilding
Taking action can feel impossible when your heart is broken, but it’s one way to regain a sense of control and justice.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
Michigan law sets a time limit or statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. Generally, families have three years from the date of death to bring a claim.
Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek compensation, which is why it’s important to reach out as soon as you can. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, file paperwork, and protect your family’s rights while you focus on healing.
What Can A Skilled Attorney Do?
Navigating a wrongful death claim involves more than just legal paperwork. It requires compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of how loss affects a family.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer can:
- Explain your rights in plain, understandable language
- Investigate what happened to identify all liable parties
- Calculate damages—both financial and emotional—fairly and accurately
- Handle communications and negotiations so you don’t have to
- Guide you through the process with empathy and respect
The goal isn’t just to pursue a claim—it’s to help you find some peace and ensure your loved one’s story is heard.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice and Healing
At Rowling, Partipilo & Winston, we know that no words can ease the heartbreak of losing someone you love. But we also know that justice and accountability can help bring a measure of peace.
Contact our team today or call (810) 676-9447 for a free confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward accountability and healing.