In the unfortunate event of wrongful death, you need to know what to expect. In Michigan, you have a statute of limitations of two years to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. Act immediately to ensure the appropriate parties receive compensation for wrongful termination.
If you recently lost a loved one to wrongful death, continue reading this article to learn how to proceed.
Determine the victim’s assets
Once you decide a wrongful death occurred, you must establish a probate estate. This represents any assets of the diseased that are subject to distribution. If there is a will, the process of distributing assets is much easier.
Calculate damages
Next, you need to determine the eligible compensation amount. Michigan legislature says payouts can be for medical expenses, suffering felt by the victim and wages lost. The initial amount negotiated for might not represent the final payment. Your compensation also depends on the defendant’s financial ability to pay.
What to expect
Your lawyer will gather the necessary information for the lawsuit. It is likely your wrongful death suit will result in a settlement. If the case goes to court, it will occur in the county you filed in unless there are federal issues. You can expect a period ranging from several months to several years for the case to resolve. If you do not win the case, it is difficult to appeal. Your lawyer will only recommend appealing if more information about the matter surfaces.
Financial compensation cannot replace the loss of a death caused by negligence. With the appropriate actions, though, you can begin to repair some of the damages suffered.