Saginaw Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is a life-altering, traumatic experience. When their death results from another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, it can be difficult to cope. If you’ve recently lost someone you love in the Saginaw area because of another person’s reckless or negligent behavior, the wrongful death attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates understand what you’re going through and are here to help.

The person to blame for your loved one’s death could owe you and your family compensation for what they put you through. We want to help you demand it.

Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the wrongful death laws in Michigan and has a proven track record of success in helping families like yours.

Our lawyers have recovered more than $500 million in case results for our deserving clients. We know this is a difficult time for you and your family, so we advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or want to speak to our wrongful death lawyers in Michigan, contact us today to get started with a free case review.

Why Choose Jay Trucks & Associates

At Jay Trucks & Associates, we understand that choosing the right law firm can be daunting, especially during a difficult time. You need a wrongful death attorney with the experience, knowledge, and resources to pursue the best possible outcome in your case so that you can move forward with your life.

Our dedicated team of attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling wrongful death cases in Saginaw and the surrounding areas. We have secured numerous settlements and verdicts for our clients in various areas of personal injury law, including wrongful death.

In addition to our legal expertise, we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each client. We know that beyond the details of the case is the story of the person you’ve lost. We focus on getting to know you and your family and understanding your unique needs. We will tirelessly advocate for your rights and help ensure your loved one receives the justice they deserve. We are conveniently located in Clare and can meet with you in person or virtually, depending on your preference and convenience.

At Jay Trucks & Associates, we understand that legal issues can be complex and time-consuming, especially when you’re already grieving the loss of a loved one. We’re here to take the burden off of your shoulders so that you can focus on what’s most important—your health and your family.

We offer free consultations, so an experienced wrongful death lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your legal options with no obligation.

Wrongful Death Compensation

When it comes to wrongful death cases, the compensation available to the decedent’s family can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the cause of death, the victim’s age and earning potential, and the expenses incurred due to the death.

At Jay Trucks & Associates, our experienced wrongful death attorneys deeply understand the wrongful death laws in Michigan. We know how to navigate the complex legal system to help our clients secure maximum compensation.

A decedent’s family may seek compensation for financial and personal losses through a wrongful death claim:

• Medical expenses incurred as a result of the decedent’s fatal injury or illness
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Wages and benefits the decedent would have earned had they survived
• Loss of household services the decedent would have provided
• Loss of emotional support, comfort, companionship, and moral support
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Is There a Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Case in Saginaw, MI?

Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases, which means that you have three years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or entity. This can mean a tight timeline, especially if you are grieving the loss of your loved one.

That’s why you need to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your suit gets filed promptly. If you miss the three-year statutory deadline, the court will likely throw out your case, and you will lose your chance to seek compensation for your losses in civil court.

Causes of Wrongful Death in Saginaw, MI

A wrongful death can occur in various accidents and circumstances, including:

• Car accidents. One of the most common types of wrongful death cases, car accidents can result from negligent or reckless driving, including distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic laws.
• Truck accidents. Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. These crashes may occur due to driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or other factors.
• Motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles offer little protection to riders in collisions with other road users, making these accidents more likely to result in serious injuries or death. Mechanical failure and poor road conditions can also be factors in these crashes.
• Medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, or another medical provider fails to provide the care required of these professionals.
• Workplace accidents. Workplace accidents can happen in various industries but are particularly prevalent in construction and manufacturing, where failure to train employees or maintain equipment properly can be factors in deadly accidents.
• Slip-and-fall accidents. Slip-and-fall accidents can happen on both public and private property. Poor maintenance or failure to warn visitors of hazards adequately can lead to slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents.

Common Injuries in Wrongful Death Cases

Some of the most common injuries that occur in wrongful death cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Burns, lacerations, scrapes, and cuts
• Amputations and loss of limb
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Crush injuries

Statistics on Preventable Injury-Related Death in the United States and Michigan

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), preventable deaths in the United States have increased by 132 percent over the past two decades, and death rates have risen by 79 percent.

In one recent year in the U.S., more than 200,000 people died from preventable injuries. That year, the leading causes of preventable injury-related deaths included poisoning, motor vehicle crashes, falls, and choking. Other frequent causes of preventable injury-related deaths that year include suffocation, drowning, and burn injuries. Overall, males accounted for 66 percent of all preventable injury-related deaths that year.

Furthermore, NSC data indicate more than 20 million people nationwide suffered non-fatal preventable injuries that year. That year, the top two causes of non-fatal injuries were falls and people struck by or against objects. Other leading causes of non-fatal injuries included poisoning, motor vehicle crashes, cutting or piercing injuries, and overexertion.

In Michigan, more than 6,000 injury-related preventable deaths occurred in one recent year, making preventable injuries the fourth-leading cause of all deaths in the state that year, behind heart disease, cancer, and the COVID-19 virus. That year, the top causes of preventable injury-related death in Michigan included poisonings, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. According to the NSC, that year, the preventable injury-related death rate in the state was 61.2 per 100,000 people.

The Legal Definition of Wrongful Death in Michigan

Under Michigan law, a wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another can cause a wrongful death. A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought by the surviving family members or representative of the deceased person seeking compensation for their losses.

To prove a wrongful death case in Michigan, your attorney must establish:

• Duty. The defendant had a duty to act with reasonable care and caution toward the deceased.
• Breach of duty. The defendant failed to fulfill this duty.
• Causation. The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the deceased’s death.
• Damages. The surviving family members suffered losses due to the death.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, a judge or jury might award damages, including compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of future earning capacity, loss of benefits, and loss of companionship. In some cases, the surviving family members may also be able to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Michigan?

In Michigan, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death suit. The deceased person’s will typically specifies the personal representative. It can be a family member of the deceased. The court might appoint a personal representative if the decedent did not leave a will.

Under Michigan law, the following individuals could receive the compensation a judge or jury awards in a wrongful death lawsuit:

• The decedent’s surviving spouse
• The decedent’s surviving children
• The decedent’s descendants
• The decedent’s parents
• The decedent’s grandparents
• The decedent’s siblings

If none of these individuals survive the deceased, the individual to whom the decedent’s estate would pass could be eligible to obtain compensation. The children of the decedent’s spouse may also be suitable. Furthermore, the beneficiaries of a trust under the deceased person’s will, anyone designated in the decedent’s will as entitled to compensation from a wrongful death action, and the beneficiaries of a living trust of the decedent might receive compensation.

How to Prove Wrongful Death

To win a wrongful death case, an attorney must be able to show that the defendant’s negligence or wrongful act caused the death of the deceased.

To support a wrongful death claim, a lawyer might use:

• Eyewitness testimony. Eyewitnesses who saw the events leading up to the death can provide valuable testimony about what happened.
• Medical records. Medical records can provide important information about the cause of death and the care the deceased received before their death.
• Expert testimony. Expert witnesses can explain complex medical or technical issues related to the death.
• Incident reports. Reports from law enforcement, fire departments, or other agencies can provide valuable information about the events leading up to the death.
• Photographic evidence. Photos of the scene, the deceased, or the evidence can help support the claim.
• Physical evidence. Physical evidence, such as a damaged vehicle or a defective product, can provide substantial evidence about the cause of the death.
• Documentation. Documentation, such as contracts, emails, and other written communications, can support a wrongful death claim.

In addition to these types of evidence, an attorney may use circumstantial evidence to support a wrongful death claim. Circumstantial evidence can include the defendant’s behavior or actions before, during, or after the incident and any evidence that suggests a pattern of reckless behavior or disregard for safety.

Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Are Here to Help

Your family already has enough to deal with now, and you don’t have to add to that the complexities of the legal process and the difficulties of dealing with the insurance companies. Our attorneys have what it takes to navigate the complex legal landscape so that you can grieve in peace and leave everything to us.

We understand that dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and stressful. That’s why our attorneys remain committed to fighting for your family’s rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in handling wrongful death cases and have the knowledge and resources necessary to help our clients secure the maximum compensation available.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call us at 989-254-6113 or contact us online. Our team of experienced wrongful death attorneys is here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Don’t go through this challenging time alone. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates today, and let us help you through this process. A team member is standing by to listen to your story and help you get closure.