No family should ever have to experience a wrongful death. The loss leaves a void in your heart and can feel incredibly overwhelming during the aftermath. While mourning, you're facing unexpected financial difficulties, medical bills, and funeral costs. These issues often add stress, anxiety, and frustration to your grief. Still, there's a need to seek justice for your deceased loved one, and your family deserves financial compensation.
There's no need to shoulder a legal burden during this challenging time. Talk to a White Lake wrongful death lawyer who can handle your wrongful death case while you focus on grieving with your family.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand the depth of your pain. With decades of experience in wrongful death cases in White Lake, MI, and surrounding communities, we're committed to standing by your side, offering the compassion and legal experience you need.
We provide our clients with three simple steps to proceed with a wrongful death claim.
Our legal team knows no amount of money could ever make up for the loss of your loved one. However, a wrongful death claim can go a long way toward providing the financial compensation your family will need to avoid severe financial strain as a result of your loss. A claim can also help bring a sense of closure to this terrible tragedy as justice is served to the negligent party or parties.
Without the legal support of an attorney, your financial hardship could become severe, adding to the pain of your loss. You have enough to worry about without also trying to figure out how you are going to pay for medical bills, a funeral, and day-to-day expenses (particularly if the one you lost was your family’s breadwinner). Let us help you avoid this nightmare. We're here to ensure you're supported every step of the way.
Imagine a future where you've found some measure of closure, and you have successfully avoided financial chaos. With the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates by your side, you get a dedicated White Lake wrongful death accidents team that won't stop working until your loved one receives justice. We can help you honor their memory by fighting for what your family rightfully deserves.
Wrongful death is the legal term used to describe situations in which the carelessness, willfulness, or negligence of another person causes a person’s death. Wrongful death can happen in a variety of ways, ranging from a drunk driving accident to a workplace situation.
Michigan provides legal recourse for surviving family members. Survivors can seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the negligent party. A wrongful death lawsuit is a category of personal injury law where an at-fault party is held accountable for the misconduct that caused the victim’s death.
Life is fragile. This reality becomes most apparent when someone else's actions result in a loved one's tragic and untimely death. Whether the negligent party's actions were accidental or intentional, the loss of life is tragic, and the family has a right to seek compensation in civil court.
The party responsible for the fatality-causing accident is held accountable under the law. For example, let's look at pedestrian accidents. Suppose a drunk driver speeds through a red light, hitting a young man crossing the street. The pedestrian dies as a result of the collision.
In this scenario, the young man's wife can turn to a wrongful death attorney to file a lawsuit against the driver. This allows the wife to seek compensation for her losses. This legal action falls under the umbrella of civil cases. This is completely separate from a criminal case, and one does not hinge on the other.
An intentional death of someone occurs when a person engages in deliberate acts with the malicious intent to kill. For example, someone hires a hitman to kill a businessman. The gunman and the person who hired him get charged with the crime. This situation falls under the category of a criminal case. A criminal trial follows where the alleged perpetrators will be found innocent or guilty.
The businessman's wife can pursue compensation. She can hire a personal injury attorney to file a civil lawsuit against the individuals charged with her husband's murder.
Any unexpected death breaks the hearts of surviving family members. Legally, these deaths can result from accidental or deliberate actions. In either situation, families have legal options for seeking justice and compensation.
The wrongful death of a loved one is an unthinkable tragedy. These horrific accidents can happen under any number of circumstances. The following are among the most common:
The causes of wrongful deaths occur across all aspects of life. It's a sobering reminder that a tragic loss can happen under any circumstance.
Insurance policies often play a central role in wrongful death cases. Different types of insurance coverage can come into play, depending on the circumstances surrounding the death.
In cases where the wrongful death resulted from a vehicular accident, auto insurance is typically the first line of financial recourse. Michigan's no-fault insurance laws require all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP can cover some of the deceased’s medical bills and funeral expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
However, when seeking compensation beyond these costs, such as for pain and suffering, or loss of companionship, the deceased’s estate may file a claim against the at-fault driver's Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage.
Homeowner’s insurance comes into play when a wrongful death occurs on someone’s property. For instance, a guest falls from a poorly maintained balcony, leading to a fatality. These policies typically include liability coverage, which can provide compensation for the death if the homeowner is at fault. This underscores the importance of understanding the specifics of a homeowner’s policy, including any exclusions or limitations that might affect the claim.
Malpractice insurance applies in cases where medical mistakes lead to death. Healthcare providers carry this coverage to protect against claims of medical negligence. A medical malpractice claim requires a thorough understanding of medical standards and practices. It is highly recommended that families affected by this tragedy seek the services of an experienced attorney who specializes in handling these types of cases.
There's a delicate balance between coping with grief and taking legal action. Of course, money can't replace a beloved family member. However, the pursuit of compensation isn't merely about providing financial stability for the next of kin. It's also about holding the at-fault party responsible for their negligence.
Families can encounter obstacles when dealing with insurance companies. Disputes over claims can often hamper attempts to secure compensation. The following information provides insight into the scenarios that may occur and how to handle them.
Insurance companies may employ several tactics aimed at minimizing payout to the deceased's loved ones. These include:
Dealing with insurance companies requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. Here are strategies White Lake families can use to counter these disputes more effectively:
Families in White Lake, MI, face the dual challenges of coping with a loved one's wrongful death and facing insurance disputes. You can enhance your chances of securing the compensation when you understand the potential challenges. When fighting for fair compensation, it's important to remember that it's not just about the money. It's about seeking accountability and justice for your loved one.
Plaintiffs have the burden of proof in a wrongful death case. They must prove the defendant caused the death of their loved one. In other words, they must prove negligence. The definition of negligence is "the failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances." This legal rule requires the party filing the lawsuit to meet the four elements of negligence, which are the following:
Negligence rests on the strength of the evidence you have to prove your case. The kind of evidence needed can vary from case to case. However, wrongful death lawyers often collect the following documentation to build a solid case:
The ability to prove negligence is the cornerstone of a wrongful death lawsuit. Since so much hinges on evidence, consider partnering with an attorney who can collect every piece of documentation that supports your claim.
There's been an untimely death of your loved one. It was an accident. But that doesn't make the loss easier to handle. Perhaps it makes matters worse. You may be thinking the at-fault party could have prevented this tragedy. Now, you're on a quest for justice. But can you bring a lawsuit? Here's who the law identifies as eligible plaintiffs in wrongful death cases:
Michigan's personal injury law acknowledges the emotional and financial impact a wrongful death has on families. With that said, specific family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death case's timeline is a precise step-by-step journey. Let's examine the legal actions that take place when you secure legal representation:
This is the first step. Schedule a meeting with a personal injury attorney specializing in wrongful death claims. The attorney will listen to you, answer your questions, evaluate your case's strength, explain the applicable laws, and highlight your legal options.
Personal injury attorneys who specialize in wrongful death gather relevant evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. The goal is to pinpoint the negligent party. Let's say a semi-truck driver kills someone in a car accident. An attorney would review the driver's logbook, observe skid marks, and speak with eyewitnesses.
One duty of an attorney is to negotiate with an insurance provider. The aim is to reach a settlement that fully reimburses the family for their loss. A wrongful death attorney enters these talks knowing the total value of the claim because they accounted for damages, such as lost income, burial fees, medical bills, and mental distress.
Sometimes, negotiations don't produce a just settlement for the family. It's rare, but it does happen. In this case, personal injury lawyers with experience litigating wrongful death cases proceed with trial preparation. Your attorney represents you in court, arguing for a favorable verdict.
The timeline of a wrongful death case differs from client to client. Certain cases might settle within a few months, while others might require a court trial lasting up to a year or more. No matter how long it takes to resolve the case, a White Lake wrongful death attorney can fight for your family over the long haul.
Michigan has a statute of limitations for filing lawsuits. This limit refers to a deadline that applies to wrongful death cases and other personal injury suits. The window of time lasts up to three years from the date your loved one passed away. If you miss the filing deadline, you will lose the option to file the lawsuit.
A wrongful death thrusts families into a harsh new reality. The deceased loved one's family can experience financial instability and emotional upheaval. The next of kin can pursue damages for their loss as outlined in Michigan's statutes. The law paves the way for the immediate family to seek economic and non-economic relief.
The actual monetary losses resulting from wrongful death fall into the category of economic damages. This compensation covers the following:
Non-economic damages compensate surviving family members for their intangible losses. This payment can cover the following:
Michigan pays exemplary damages in situations involving excessive carelessness or malicious acts. Courts rarely grant these awards. On the other hand, this compensation most often gets awarded in situations involving wrongful death or particular product liability litigation.
Compensation considers the estimated lost income and future earnings of the deceased. This calculation aims to stabilize the family's financial situation.
There is established criteria for calculating the loss of future earnings. For example, the deceased's age is a major factor affecting the years they had left to work. Other factors include:
Imagine a drunk driver kills a 34-year-old registered nurse in a pedestrian accident. The nurse's yearly salary at the time of the fatality was $60,000. This income is used as a starting point for calculating future earning capacity.
Let's say the young nurse was expected to advance in her career and likely receive pay raises. An attorney or financial expert could forecast future earnings based on the nurse's work performance, industry trends, and other pertinent variables.
The predicted loss of a loved one's future earnings can give surviving families a measure of financial security. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can ensure the family's financial needs aren't overlooked.
The statutes allow certain family members or representatives of the deceased's estate to seek financial compensation for their loss. These damages include expenses related to the death itself. Below is a general overview of the steps bereaved families in the White Lake area may take to obtain a wrongful death settlement.
Families can receive a lump sum or structured settlement. A lump sum payment provides the entire agreed-upon amount at once, helping to cover large, immediate expenses, such as paying off a house mortgage. On the other hand, structured settlements provide regular payments over time, offering beneficiaries a steady income stream. The payout method a family chooses depends on their financial situation.
Wrongful death settlements have tax implications. The IRS generally doesn't consider wrongful death settlement funds as taxable income. However, there are exceptions in cases involving punitive damages and interest on the settlement. It's advisable to consult your attorney or a tax professional to address any related tax issues.
White Lake, MI, families grieving the wrongful death of a loved one deserve both compassion and justice. Although compensation cannot replace a lost family member, a wrongful death settlement can provide financial assistance and a sense of closure to the bereaved family. An experienced wrongful death attorney can fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
You can think of an attorney as a member of your support system in your family’s time of need. They advocate for protecting your loved one's legacy and your legal rights. Beyond the legal matters, your attorney understands your dealing with grief. In your most vulnerable moments, they can offer heart-felt encouragement throughout the legal proceedings. Here's more of what you can expect:
The path to justice can have its share of twists and turns, and the legal process can be taxing on grieving families. However, a compassionate attorney provides assurance and fights to hold the responsible party accountable for your loss.
Michigan law addresses this issue with comparative negligence laws. The damages awarded to surviving family members may be reduced if the deceased person contributed to their death.
It's not required by law, ut if you want to get the best outcome for your case, including the highest possible compensation, it's highly advisable to work with a White Lake lawyer who has a track record of handling wrongful death cases. The legal proceedings can get complicated. An attorney can offer advice, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court.
Even in cases where the deceased had a pre-existing medical condition, you can still submit a wrongful death claim. It's necessary to prove the accident contributed to the illness or made it worse, thereby resulting in death. Each case is unique, so ask your attorney to be sure.
Legally speaking, any licensed attorney for the state of Michigan can handle a wrongful death claim. However, it's best to seek an attorney with a history of representing families in wrongful death cases. These claims required the specialized legal knowledge of a wrongful death attorney. They can give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
If the person responsible for the wrongful death lacks sufficient insurance coverage to pay for the damages awarded, you can seek compensation from assets they own. In some cases, underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage may also provide an additional payout. Your attorney will be able to identify all potential sources that could be tapped to pay you fair compensation.
The time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim varies. Several factors come into play, such as the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence available, and the partie’s willingness to reach a settlement. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others could take up to a year or more to resolve.
Families can contest settlements if the payment is unfair or improperly distributed among beneficiaries. Disputes among family members can lead to delays in the settlement process and may require court intervention to resolve.
Have you lost a loved one due to someone's carelessness? The pursuit of justice may seem out of reach when you're dealing with grief. Our legal team recognizes the impact wrongful deaths have on families, and we’re here to help you in your time of need.
Our law firm has been handling wrongful death accidents for decades for communities throughout Michigan. Now, let us serve you. Our White Lake personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling wrongful death claims. We're committed to assisting you at every stage of your journey.
Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us now. Take the first step toward justice with the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates. A compassionate attorney is prepared to listen to you, assess your case, and assist you during this trying time.
