The unexpected loss of a beloved family member due to another party’s fault is a horrible tragedy that no one should have to endure. If you’ve recently lost a loved one in Sterling Heights due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please know that you are not alone. The dedicated wrongful death lawyers at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, are here to help you seek justice and accountability for what happened.
While no amount of money can undo what you’ve had to endure, a successful wrongful death claim can provide you with the financial security you deserve during this challenging time. Don’t wait another moment to assert your rights. Contact Atnip & Associates, PLLC, for a free consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Under Michigan law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the negligence, misconduct, or fault of another party. In essence, if the deceased would have had grounds for a personal injury claim had they survived, their death may qualify as a wrongful death, and the personal representative of their estate can bring a lawsuit against those at fault for the deceased’s passing.
Here are some examples of incidents that could give rise to a wrongful death claim:
You deserve to spend your time mourning your loved one and being with family. You should not have to balance these commitments with the complexities of handling a wrongful death claim. The knowledgeable attorneys at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, offer the skilled representation and empathetic guidance that Sterling Heights families need during this challenging time. Here are some of the reasons you should consider entrusting your case to our capable hands:
In order to win your wrongful death place, you will need to prove that your loved one would not have died but for the actions of another party. Evidence is crucial to establishing this fact. Depending on the circumstances, that evidence might include:
An experienced wrongful death lawyer serving Sterling Heights can investigate your loved one’s passing to uncover this and other valuable evidence of another party’s wrongdoing. Remember, memories fade, and evidence can disappear over time. The sooner you get in touch with Atnip & Associates, PLLC, the sooner we can start gathering valuable evidence while it’s still fresh.
In Michigan, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for filing the wrongful death claim. This individual is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists. However, it is essential to note that the claim is filed on behalf of specific family members entitled to compensation under state law. These include:
Our dedicated wrongful death lawyers fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for our Sterling Heights clients across various categories, including:
We carefully assess every aspect of your case to help us pursue the total compensation your family deserves, tailoring our approach to reflect your unique circumstances and losses.
It is crucial to be aware of the strict time limits imposed by Michigan law when it comes to filing a wrongful death claim. In general, you have three years from the date of the death to initiate a lawsuit. However, certain factors can alter this timeframe, such as:
To protect your legal rights so that you do not miss any critical deadlines, it is essential that you contact experienced wrongful death lawyers serving Sterling Heights as soon as possible after the loss of your loved one.
Wrongful death claims and murder charges might sound similar, as they both involve the loss of a life. However, there are several distinctions between the two:
A single incident can result in both a wrongful death claim and a murder charge, as they are separate legal proceedings with different purposes. In other words, the deceased’s estate can win a wrongful death claim even if the same defendant was found not guilty of murder or was never charged with a crime at all.
Have you recently lost a loved one in Sterling Heights? If so, contact Atnip & Associates, PLLC, today to schedule your confidential consultation. We look forward to hearing your story and explaining your options, all at no cost or obligation.
