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Farmington Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer: Protecting Your Family’s Future After A Fatal Accident

At Davis Law Center, we know that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one. But as you grieve, our goal is to handle the legal and financial burdens so you can focus on your family. From our office on Northwestern Highway, we have spent over 30 years helping Metro Detroit families navigate the Michigan Wrongful Death Act. Let Us Carry The Legal Burden While You Grieve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Michigan law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another.” In these cases, the deceased person’s family members may obtain compensation for their losses through a wrongful death claim. Over the past 30 years, we have represented families who have lost loved ones due to any number of causes, including fatal automobile accidents on I-696, the Lodge Freeway, or Northwestern Highway, and commercial trucking crashes involving heavy haulers near Detroit’s shipping hubs.
Filing A Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan – Navigating The Oakland County Process
In Michigan, a wrongful death claim can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This individual, often a close family member, can be appointed by the probate court to manage the estate and pursue legal action on behalf of the beneficiaries. The personal representative is typically the surviving spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. Since our firm is based in Farmington Hills, we are intimately familiar with the Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac and assist families in:
- Filing the formal petition for probate (PC 559)
- Obtaining Letters of Authority, which grant you the legal right to act. (PC 572)
- Identifying all “interested parties” (Spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandchildren) as required by MCL 600.2922.
Once all that is accomplished, we will then take the following steps, described in more detail here:
- Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the causes of your loved one’s death, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult various experts to build a strong case.
- Filing the Claim: We will then file a wrongful death lawsuit in the name of the Personal Representative against the negligent party responsible for the death.
- Discovery: All parties to the lawsuit will exchange information and evidence during discovery, which may include depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.
- Settlement Negotiations: When appropriate, we will negotiate with the insurance company and/or its attorney to reach a settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will hear evidence and determine the case’s outcome.
Metro Detroit Wrongful Death FAQs
Generally, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of death. However, because evidence like dashcam footage or black box data can be deleted, it is critical to begin an investigation as soon as possible.
Under Michigan law, families can seek compensation for:
Economic Losses: Medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of the deceased’s future income and benefits.
Non-Economic Losses: Compensation for “conscious pain and suffering” the deceased felt before passing, and the loss of society and companionship for the survivors.
Unlike a standard inheritance, a wrongful death settlement is not always split equally. A judge in the Oakland County Circuit or Probate court must approve the distribution based on the specific “loss” suffered by each family member.
Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Attorney in Michigan
Neil Davis has lived and practiced in this community for over three decades. When you call my office, you don’t get a call center; you get a Farmington Hills neighbor who understands the weight of your loss. Let’s talk about how we can help. Call or contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for wrongful death cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.










