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Livonia Wrongful Death Lawyer

Have you lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident? We can help with your claim. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.

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Serious accidents in Livonia and across the United States take place regularly that cause untimely deaths, taking precious lives from families. Far too often, these fatalities occur due to someone else's reckless behavior. These unspeakable acts throw the lives of spouses, children, siblings, and other family members into a tailspin. Not only must they work through the grief of a tragic loss but also the financial side of the tragedy: unexpected medical bills, burial costs, and reduced household income.

 

If you lost a loved one to a wrongful death, you are also a victim. Like any victim, you and your loved one deserve justice. At our law firm, we understand this is a delicate time for you. With that in mind, we want to offer a measure of comfort to help you hold those responsible for your loved one's death. We encourage you to speak to one of our Livonia wrongful death attorneys, at no charge to you, to see how we can help with your legal claim.

Obtain Justice for the Person You Love

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand the depth of your pain. With decades of experience handling wrongful death lawsuits in Livonia, we are committed to supporting you. Your family is entitled to both legal counsel and heartfelt support.

We provide our clients with three simple steps to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

  1. Schedule a free consultation to discuss the circumstances surrounding your loved one's demise.
  2. Let our staff take care of everything required to construct a strong case.
  3. Trust us to stand up for the legal and financial justice you and your deceased loved one deserve.

We know that money cannot bring back the memories of a loved one who has passed away. We also know an unexpected loss of lives can leave surviving families battling to make ends meet. This is particularly difficult if the departed person is the family's breadwinner. A successful wrongful death lawsuit is a legal means to access the funds needed to ease your financial burdens.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, our mission is to help you in any way possible. Until your loved one receives justice, we won't give up.

Together, we can bring the responsible party to justice. Reach out to us right now for your free case review.

What Is a Wrongful Death?

Michigan law defines wrongful death as a situation where someone dies because of another's wrongful act, neglect, or fault. This could be due to various causes, such as a car accident, medical mistakes, or unsafe working conditions. As the next of kin, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of your deceased family member.

 

How Do Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims Differ?

if your loved one would have survived the accident, they could have filed a personal injury claim. In regular personal injury claims, the injured person seeks compensation for their suffering due to someone’s negligence.

A wrongful death claim is essentially a type of personal injury case but focused on the tragic outcome of death. In wrongful death cases, the estate representative for the person who passed away is who files the lawsuit. The money is distributed to the family in accordance with the law. This compensation covers funeral costs, the income the deceased would have earned, and the emotional and relational loss suffered by the family.

What If the Death Was Intentional?

According to Michigan law, if someone intentionally causes the death of another person, this can also be pursued as a wrongful death case. What's unique is that the victim's family can pursue criminal and civil actions.

Here's an example:

John was driving along Six Mile Road, a route he had taken countless times before. As he approached the intersection near Hines Park, another vehicle, driven by an individual later identified as Michael, accelerated suddenly. Witnesses at the scene later described seeing Michael’s car swerve across two lanes, heading straight for John’s vehicle. Despite John’s attempts to avoid the collision, the impact was unavoidable.

Investigations soon revealed a chilling backstory. Michael had a history of disputes with John stemming from a long-standing professional rivalry. Witnesses and e-mails uncovered by the police suggested that Michael’s actions were not a result of reckless driving or negligence but a deliberate act intended to harm John.

What follows are two legal proceedings.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are about holding the person responsible accountable to society. These cases are brought by the city, state, or federal government and aim to punish the wrongdoer.

Michael was charged with vehicular manslaughter (moving violation causing death) in a criminal court. Here, the intent behind his actions became a central issue. The prosecution needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Michael intentionally caused the accident that led to John’s death.

The proof required in criminal cases is very strict. The prosecutor has to prove the accused's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is a higher bar than in civil court.

The criminal court sentenced Michael sentenced to 10 years in prison. Additionally, the court ordered a fine of $7,500 and suspended Alex's driving privileges for 10 years following his release from prison.

Civil Cases

Civil cases are quite different. They're not about punishing the person at fault but helping the victim’s family cope with their loss. The deceased’s family or estate files these lawsuits to seek compensation for things like funeral costs lost earnings, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.

These cases require a lower standard of proof. The proof needed here is "preponderance of the evidence," which essentially means the scenario stated in the claim is more likely than not what happened. This is less stringent than in criminal cases.

It was enough to show that it was more likely than not that Michael's intentional actions led to John’s untimely death. The family’s attorney presented the same evidence used in the criminal trial, supplemented by expert testimony on the financial and emotional impacts of John’s loss.

The civil lawsuit resulted in a total award to John's family of $3.7 million. This verdict compensates the family for their losses and sends a clear message about the Livonia community's stance on reckless driving.

Two Cases With Different Outcomes

It's common for criminal and civil cases to occur simultaneously. Someone could be facing criminal charges while the family pursues a civil wrongful death claim. The outcomes of these cases can be different. For example, a person could be found not guilty in a criminal trial but still be held responsible in a civil court, as we saw in the O.J. Simpson cases in the 1990s.

Civil law can provide a route to justice even if there is no successful criminal case. While it doesn’t put the defendant in prison, this legal action recognizes how deeply your loss affects you and offers a way to help fill the emotional and financial gap left behind. A lawyer can ensure your loved one’s story is told with respect while helping you obtain compensation.

 

What Are the Leading Causes of Wrongful Deaths?

Numerous situations could contribute to these tragic deaths. Typical examples include the following:

  • Unsafe Premises: Not all public and private areas are as safe as we think. Examples include dangerous situations, such as trips and falls in grocery stores, drownings in swimming pools, and vicious dog attacks at public parks.
  • Dangerous Products: Ordinary objects have the capacity to result in unintended deaths. For example, vehicle airbags that don't deploy, electric ovens with faulty wiring, and poorly designed car seats.
  • Medical Malpractice: Healthcare professionals sometimes make deadly mistakes. These errors include incorrect diagnoses, botched surgeries, or prescription mix-ups.
  • Workplace Accidents: Certain places of employment are riskier than others. Examples include mining sites, warehouses, and construction sites where employees can lose their lives in accidents ranging from electrocutions to falls from elevated work areas.
  • Truck Accidents: These collisions claim a large number of lives each year. They involve large trucks, also referred to as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or 18-wheelers.
  • Car Accidents: Taking a routine drive through Livonia can have a horrific outcome. In 2021, Livonia had 2,929 traffic crashes, with six being fatal.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: The victims of these disasters have little safety protection when riding on streets, roads, and highways.

An unintentional death can happen under almost any circumstance. The example above acts as a sobering reminder of how fragile life is.

Why Is Liability Important in Wrongful Death Cases?

In a wrongful death claim in Michigan, "liability" means responsibility for the death of a loved one due to negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party.

When we talk about liability, we're referring to the legal obligation of one party to compensate another for the harm caused. In Michigan, if your family member has died because of someone else's actions, that person or entity could be held liable.

For example, if a man's wife died due to receiving too much anesthesia before surgery, there could be a wrongful death claim filed. Depending on the circumstance of this type of wrongful death case, the potential liable parties include the following:

  • Anesthesiologist: This medical doctor determines the appropriate type and dose of anesthesia based on the patient's medical history, allergies, and current health condition. If an error occurs due to incorrect dosage, improper monitoring, or failure to recognize and respond to complications, the anesthesiologist could be held liable.
  • Hospital or Medical Facility: Hospitals and medical facilities can be held liable under the legal theory of "vicarious liability," where an employer is responsible for the actions of its employees. The facility itself could be directly liable.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): In some settings, a CRNA might administer anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or a surgeon. If a CRNA administers the anesthesia and an error occurs due to negligence or lack of competence, the CRNA and possibly the supervising medical professionals may be liable.
  • Surgical Team: The entire surgical team must work with the anesthesiologist. If part of the team fails to communicate important information about the patient’s condition or contributes to the anesthesia error, they could also share liability.
  • Pharmaceutical Companies: In rare cases, if the anesthesia error was related to a defect in the medication itself, such as improper labeling or contamination of the anesthesia drug, the pharmaceutical company manufacturing the drug could be held liable.

Now, here's a question: How do you prove liability in wrongful death cases? The answers come down to a legal concept called negligence. The next section explains this principle.

 

 

 

 

 

How Is Negligence Proven in Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

Michigan law states negligence is "the failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances."  The plaintiffs (victim's family) bear the burden of proof in wrongful death cases. They must offer evidence that the defendant caused their family member's death. The party filing the case must meet each of the four requirements of negligence below:

  • Duty of Care: What responsibility did the defendant owe the victim? For example, a semi-truck driver must follow traffic laws to safeguard others using the same roadways.
  • Breach of Duty: Did the defendant violate their legal responsibility? For instance, the driver of an 18-wheeler fell asleep behind the wheel, leading to a fatal crash with the victim.
  • Causation: Did the defendant cause the victim's death? It must be shown there was a direct connection between the trucker falling asleep behind the wheel and the victim's death.
  • Damages: These damages in wrongful death cases include the non-economic and economic losses endured by the surviving family members.

What Proof Do You Need to Establish Negligence?

The strength of the evidence supporting your position determines negligence. The kind of evidence needed varies depending on the situation. Here's an example of the kinds of documentation wrongful death attorneys rely on in a fatal truck collision:

  • Accident and police reports
  • Death certificates
  • Health records and autopsy reports
  • Testimonies from witnesses
  • Driver’s logbooks
  • Truck Maintenance Records
  • Electronic Data Recorders (EDR)
  • Dash Cam Footage
  • Payables in advance
  • Pictures and videos

The ability to prove negligence is the cornerstone of a wrongful death lawsuit. Consider working with a Livonia wrongful death lawyer who can gather all the evidence you need to support your claim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Livonia, MI?

If you're facing the immense pain of losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence, you might be considering a wrongful death lawsuit. It's not easy figuring out how the legal system works. What are the steps from start to finish when pursuing a suit? The following is a general guide on what to do.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Remember, not everyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The law specifies that the personal representative of the deceased's estate must file the claim. This representative is often named in the will. If there isn't a will, the court may appoint someone.

Step 2: Consult with a Livonia Wrongful Death Attorney

Having an experienced Livonia wrongful death lawyer by your side is the best thing you can do to ensure a successful outcome. They'll ensure your case meets all the requirements and is handled professionally.

Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit

Your attorney will prepare and file a complaint in the appropriate court. This document outlines your relationship to the deceased, the facts of the case, the defendant’s alleged negligence, and the damages sought. In Livonia, this typically means filing in the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan - Civil Division.

Step 4: Proving Negligence

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the defendant's negligence directly caused the death of your loved one. This involves demonstrating that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty through their actions or lack thereof, and that this breach was the direct cause of death.

Step 5: Resolving the Lawsuit

Most wrongful death cases get resolved outside of court through settlements, which are negotiated agreements that resolve the matter without going to trial. However, if a fair settlement amount isn’t offered, your case may go to trial, where a jury will determine the outcome.

It's important to note that filing a legal claim can involve specific forms, fees, and deadlines. To ensure everything is filed correctly and enhance your understanding of the process, it's often advisable to work with a legal professional specializing in wrongful death cases.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Suit?

There is a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. This deadline date is relevant to litigation involving wrongful death and other personal injuries. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death. What if you miss this deadline? You could be barred from pursuing compensation.

The timetable for each client's wrongful death litigation varies. Some instances might be resolved in a matter of months, but others might require a trial, which could take a year or more.

 

 

 

 

How Much Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth in Livonia, MI? 

Following a wrongful death, families are thrust into a harsh new reality. The surviving loved one's family experiences financial and emotional hardship. Michigan statutes allow the heirs to pursue damages for their losses. This legal act provides immediate family members with non-economic and financial relief options.

Financial Setbacks 

The actual monetary losses brought on by wrongful death are known as economic damages. This compensation includes the following:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • The cost of funeral ceremonies and burial
  • Lost wages and benefits

Losses Other Than Financial

Non-economic damages are used to compensate for the intangible losses surviving family members suffer. This payment can cover the following:

  • Pain and Suffering of the Deceased:
  • Loss of Companionship and Consortium
  • Absence of parental oversight

Punishment for Negligence

In some cases, punitive damages might be awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These are not tied to the direct losses suffered but are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.

The process often involves negotiations between the parties' lawyers and insurance companies. Experts like economists or actuaries might be consulted to project long-term financial losses accurately. Each case's circumstances heavily influence the final settlement amount, making it unique to the situation and the evidence presented.

 

Is There a Cap on Wrongful Death in Livonia, MI?

In civil lawsuits, "caps" refer to legal limits on the damages a plaintiff can receive from a defendant. Michigan has no caps on the economic or non-economic damages that can be awarded in most wrongful death lawsuits. This means there is no upper limit to the compensation for things like lost wages, medical expenses, or loss of companionship that can be awarded due to a wrongful death claim.

However, there are exceptions in certain types of cases. For example, in medical malpractice wrongful death cases, Michigan does impose caps on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

As of January 2024, the minimum cap on non-economic damages for medical malpractice claims has been set at $569,000. The maximum cap is $1,016,000, but this higher limit only applies in cases where the plaintiff has suffered from severe injuries such as paralysis of one or more limbs, a permanently impairing brain injury, or a permanently impairing spinal cord injury.

These caps are adjusted annually for inflation and can vary depending on the case's specifics, including whether there were particularly severe outcomes, such as permanent disfigurement or brain damage.

How Are Families Paid Settlements for Wrongful Deaths? 

In many instances, wrongful death lawsuits never make it to court. When the parties involved decide not to proceed with litigation, they often opt for an alternative route known as settlement.

This process typically involves negotiation between the parties (usually the family of the deceased and the defendant, often represented by their respective insurers and attorneys) to agree on compensation.

The settlement process follows a structured series of steps that involve negotiation and, ideally, lead to a resolution that compensates the family of the deceased for their loss without the need for a trial. Here's a detailed look at how the process generally unfolds:

  1. Initiation of Negotiations: Once the decision to seek a settlement is made, usually initiated by the plaintiff's attorney, both parties begin negotiations. This can occur any time after the claim is filed but before a court trial begins.
  2. Exchange of Information: Both sides share key information about the case, including evidence of negligence, documentation of the deceased's and potential future earnings, medical expenses incurred, and personal impacts on the deceased's dependents. This phase is crucial for each party to assess the strength of their position.
  3. Demand and Offers: The plaintiff's side typically demands a specific amount of money as compensation. The defendant (or their insurer) will accept this demand or make a counteroffer. This back-and-forth can continue until both parties reach an acceptable figure.
  4. Mediation: If direct negotiations stall, parties might engage a neutral third party, a mediator, to facilitate a resolution. Mediation is a non-binding process, meaning the mediator cannot impose a decision on the parties but can help clarify the issues and foster a mutual agreement.
  5. Agreement: Once both parties agree on a settlement amount and other terms (such as confidentiality agreements), they draft a settlement agreement. This legal document outlines all the settlement terms and is binding once signed.
  6. Release Forms: The plaintiff will typically sign a release form, relinquishing all future legal claims related to the wrongful death against the defendant in exchange for the agreed-upon compensation.
  7. Payment: The final step involves the settlement amount to the plaintiff. This is usually done in a lump sum or through a structured settlement that provides regular payments over a period of time.
  8. Dismissal of Lawsuit: If a lawsuit has been filed, the final step in the settlement process is filing a dismissal with the court, effectively ending the litigation.

Wrongful death claim settlements allow for a resolution that can be less costly, quicker, and potentially less stressful than a trial. It also provides a degree of certainty and control over the outcome for both parties, which is not always guaranteed in a court trial.

 

 

 

 

What Problems Do Families Encounter With Settlements?

Here are some of the main issues that can arise during these negotiations:

  • Emotional Strain: Families are often still processing their grief and may find the negotiation process emotionally taxing. Negotiating a settlement requires discussing painful details about the deceased and their death, which can be retraumatizing for family members.
  • Lack of Legal Knowledge: Families without legal representation might not fully understand the legal intricacies of wrongful death claims. This lack of experience can lead to disadvantages in negotiations, potentially resulting in a settlement that doesn’t adequately compensate for their loss.
  • Pressure to Settle Quickly: Insurance companies or defendants may pressure the family to settle quickly to minimize payout. Families, especially those in financial distress due to losing a breadwinner, may feel compelled to accept a lower offer to alleviate immediate financial pressures.
  • Undervaluing the Claim: Families may not know how to value their claim properly without thoroughly understanding how damages should be calculated and what can legally be claimed. This can include underestimating non-economic damages like loss of companionship and emotional support.
  • Complexity of Proving Damages: Demonstrating the full extent of economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases requires clear evidence and sometimes expert testimony. Families might struggle to compile the necessary documentation and expert analyses to support their claims effectively.
  • Disagreements Among Family Members: Family members may have different expectations or desires regarding the settlement. Some may want to pursue a trial for a potentially higher payout or principles of justice, while others may prefer the certainty of a settlement. Such disagreements can complicate negotiations and strain family relationships.
  • Long-Term Financial Considerations: Families might not adequately account for the settlement's long-term financial implications, such as the deceased's future lost earnings, ongoing medical costs for dependents, or the educational needs of children. This can lead to accepting settlements that seem sufficient in the short term but are insufficient over time.
  • Confidentiality Clauses: Settlement agreements often include confidentiality clauses restricting the family from discussing the case details or the settlement amount. This can be difficult for some families, especially if they need to speak or warn others about potential dangers or misconduct.

Having a Livonia wrongful death lawyer on your side can help make all of this much easier and less stressful. An experienced attorney can provide the necessary legal services, advocate for the family’s best interests, and ensure that the settlement reflects the true extent of their loss.

Want Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim? Let's Talk

Have you lost a loved one as a result of the carelessness of another? Do you still feel the loss? Does it seem impossible to pursue justice? Our legal team is prepared to help in your hour of need. We are all too aware of the toll untimely deaths take on families.

Our Livonia legal office has served the Livonia, MI, community for many years. Many of our cases involve negligent death incidents. We prioritize strong legal representation and sympathetic support at every stage of your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Wrongful Death Attorney 

Please contact our law office via phone at 248-886-8650 or email. We are here at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates to assist you as you set out on the path to justice. Our wrongful death lawyers can hear you out, evaluate your case, and help you through this trying time.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Claims of Wrongful Death

1. What happens if the driver who caused the untimely death doesn't have car insurance?

You may be able to collect restitution from the victim's assets if their insurance does not fully compensate you for the damages you have been awarded. Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage may also provide benefits in certain situations.

3. What would happen if the accident was partially my loved one’s fault?

Comparative negligence statutes are used by Michigan law to resolve this. Damages awarded to the remaining family member may be reduced if the deceased individual was involved in the death of the surviving family member. As long as your loved one was not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you will be able to claim reduced damages.

4. Can a wrongful death claim be handled by any lawyer?

From a legal standpoint, any attorney licensed in Michigan can handle a wrongful death claim. However, having a wrongful death attorney with expertise in that field of law is ideal. Seek a lawyer with prior expertise defending family members who are still alive. They can provide you with the best chance for a favorable result.

5. Is it possible for someone with a medical history to make a wrongful death claim?

It is possible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit even in cases when the deceased had a prior medical condition. It must be shown that the illness was exacerbated by the accident or that the illness itself resulted in the death. Ask your attorney for clarification, as each case is unique.

6. Can surviving family members contest compensation for wrongful death?

Yes, family members have the right to ask for a judge to review the payout distribution. Family issues that must be settled in court may also delay the settlement procedure.

 

 

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