When someone dies in an accident caused by another’s negligence or willful misconduct, the victim’s family might be entitled to compensation. At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C. in Bloomfield Hills, we help Michigan clients pursue redress when they have lost a family member. If your loved one died in a vehicle accident, a workplace incident, as a result of medical malpractice or in another way, you can trust our understanding and experienced firm to work diligently on your behalf as we seek to prove fault and recover compensation.
Understanding lawyer works to hold at-fault parties accountable in wrongful death claims
The process for filing a wrongful death claim is similar to the one used in personal injury lawsuits, except that the victim, of course, can’t bring it themselves. In Michigan, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. Survivors who can recover damages won in wrongful death cases can include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings and anyone who is named as a beneficiary in the decedent’s will. Wrongful death lawsuits must generally be filed within three years of the date of death, except in medical malpractice cases, which typically must be filed within two years. When we handle your case, we will investigate all the relevant evidence, file the necessary paperwork and represent your interests during negotiations, and, if necessary, at trial.
Respected law firm takes on a variety of wrongful death cases
Wrongful death claims arise from a variety of fatal incidents, including truck and car accidents. When a worker dies on the job, if negligence was involved, it can give rise to a wrongful death lawsuit in which plaintiffs could collect damages beyond what is available in a workers’ compensation death benefit. Even doctors and other medical personnel can find themselves sued in a wrongful death claim if someone dies under their care. In the case of healthcare professionals, it will need to be proven that the doctor or other provider acted outside the accepted standard of patient care. Examples of fatal malpractice include diagnosis failures, surgical errors and prescription mistakes. Whatever to a wrongful death, our well-informed law firm has the resources needed to hold liable parties accountable for their actions. We will investigate to locate evidence needed to build a case, bringing in expert witnesses to testify where necessary, as we fight to get compensation.
Damages that can be recovered in wrongful death claims
In Michigan, damages that may be recovered in wrongful death claims include:
- Medical expenses incurred by the victim before their death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages over the victim’s expected lifetime
- Lost inheritance
- Pain and suffering of the deceased and survivors
- Loss of love, support and companionship
Once we examine all the details involved, we will advise you about the specific damages in your case and the potential overall value of a wrongful death claim.
Contact a seasoned wrongful death attorney in Bloomfield Hills for a free consultation
The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C. in Bloomfield Hills helps clients in Michigan pursue compensation in wrongful death cases. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm at 248-885-6614 or contact us online.