Michigan law firm helps people win compensation for the loss of loved ones

No amount of money can ever make up for a close relative’s death, especially an untimely one. But at the Hamo Law Firm in Flint, we help spouses and other family members achieve closure by ensuring that the wrongdoers who caused the death are held legally responsible. Our lawyers have been successfully representing victims’ survivors in wrongful death cases for 35 years. We understand your grief and we are committed to guiding you through the recovery process with compassion and professionalism.

Who can sue for wrongful death?

A wrongful death is one that is caused by the fault of another person or entity, whether deliberately or by negligence. The Michigan Wrongful Death Act allows a deceased person’s personal representative — such as an executor or administrator — to sue those at fault. The lawsuit can seek money damages in behalf of the deceased’s estate and in behalf of certain family members, including spouses, children, descendants, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.

Common types of negligence

Wrongful death often results from negligence, which means a person or entity has breached their duty to exercise ordinary care under the circumstances. Common accidents that can lead to fatalities include:

• Auto crashes — Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Negligence can be in the form of distracted driving, failure to obey traffic restrictions or operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Site accidents — A property owner may be held responsible for slips and falls and other accidents caused by failure to keep their premises reasonably clear of hazards. This includes accidents on construction sites.
• Medical malpractice — Doctors and other health care providers are held to professional standards of care. Mistakes in diagnosing or treating patients may be considered malpractice if those standards are not met.

A deliberate act can also be the basis of a wrongful death suit, whether or not there was intent to kill. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases than in criminal prosecutions, so any intentional act that results in a fatality may be sufficient to support a cause of action.

Money damages in wrongful death cases

The law generally allows wrongful death claimants to seek the money damages that would have been available to their loved ones if they had survived the fatal incident. These include medical, funeral and burial expenses as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Certain family members can seek separate compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s financial support and companionship. Michigan law also allows for “exemplary” damages to compensate for mental anguish, humiliation, outrage and related injuries suffered by the deceased.

At the Hamo Law Firm, our attorneys understand what judges and juries look for in these cases and we know how to maximize the damages available.

Speak with a Michigan wrongful death attorney today

If you have lost a relative as a result of another person’s negligent or deliberate act, the wrongful death attorneys at the Hamo Law Firm can help you explore your rights and options under Michigan law. Our office is conveniently located in Flint. Call 810-234-3667 or contact us online for a free consultation.