Peterson Paletta Balice

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death After an Auto Accident?

Grand Rapids & Ionia Attorneys

Wrongful Death Attorneys Grand Rapids Ionia MI

 

We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, especially if their death could have been prevented. In the state of Michigan, you have a limited window of time to file a claim for wrongful death. That’s why it’s important that you hire an attorney as soon as possible to get the compensation you need for lost earnings, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Here’s what you need to know.

Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney

Death is expensive. Whether you’re weighed down by funeral expenses or medical bills incurred before death, you may be in need of financial relief. This type of financial relief may come in the form of damages for wrongful death.

Damages for wrongful death can cover:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Lost earnings
  • Services decedent would have provided
  • Lost inheritance
  • Decedent’s pain and suffering before death
  • Loss of consortium (love, comfort, companionship, etc.)

The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner you can file a claim for wrongful death so you don’t miss the deadline.

Don’t Miss the Deadline to File Your Claim

You have three years after the time of death to file a wrongful death claim in the state of Michigan. That’s why it’s important that you hire an attorney who has experience with wrongful death cases. They’ll make sure to gather the evidence you need to prove your case and see that everything is filed and taken care of in a timely manner.

Expect Pushback From Claim Adjusters

First, it’s important to understand that claim adjusters are not interested in what’s best for you and your family. Their job is to make sure they pay as little compensation as possible. As such, they may try to trick you into saying something that could be misconstrued as a reason to deny your wrongful death claim.

Our attorneys will help prevent this from happening. That way, you and your family will receive the damages you deserve after a deadly auto accident.

Prove the Other Driver’s Negligence

To prove wrongful death, you’ll need to prove that the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence. This means that the defendant owed a duty of care to the decedent to exercise reasonable care.

You must show the following to prove wrongful death:

  • Defendant owed a duty to the deceased to exercise reasonable care
  • Defendant breached duty
  • Defendant’s breach of duty caused death
  • Defendant could have foreseen harm
  • Defendant’s breach of duty caused actual damages

A wrongful death attorney from Peterson Paletta Balice can help you prove wrongful death so your case has the best chance of success.

Request a Legal Consultation

Our wrongful death attorneys in Grand Rapids and Ionia are ready to help you and your family during this difficult time. To request a legal consultation, please call Peterson Paletta Balice today. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our law firm will reach out to you soon.


Related Blog Posts

Legal Questions?

Peterson Paletta Balice has the answers!

Click Here