Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Lawyer

Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s reckless or malicious actions is one of the most painful and upsetting experiences a person can face. In Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan, grieving families turn to Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, for help seeking justice and accountability in the aftermath of unthinkable loss. If you’re struggling to navigate your immense grief and a complex legal system, a Grand Rapids wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help.

Our team is ready to guide you through your legal options with compassion and care. We offer customized strategies tailored to your unique situation and legal advice that is straightforward and timely, which empowers our clients to make decisions that support their families and honor the legacies left behind by their loved ones.

Our services cover every phase of the legal process, from our initial intake to the courtroom. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, can help alleviate these burdens by handling the legal aspect and fighting for an outcome that gives families the time to focus on grieving. In this way, competent, comprehensive legal services in a wrongful death suit can be incredibly valuable to you and your family.

Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Grand Rapids, MI

Michigan’s wrongful death laws typically only allow a wrongful death claim to be filed by the legal representative of a deceased person’s estate. The personal estate representative can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent’s surviving children, spouse, or other valid beneficiaries.

Like other types of lawsuits, the overall strength of a Michigan wrongful death claim is going to primarily be a matter of the available evidence (as well as the quality of the legal representation you choose to help you present that evidence). To pursue a wrongful death claim in court, the estate’s personal representative and their attorney must be able to prove the following:

1. The fatal incident was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
2. The aforementioned incident directly caused the death in question.
3. The death resulted in tangible damages for the plaintiffs.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Grand Rapids, MI

In Grand Rapids, throughout Michigan, and beyond, wrongful death cases can originate from an extremely wide variety of scenarios. With its diverse industries, well-traveled roadways, bustling suburbs, and busy schools, Grand Rapids is unfortunately susceptible to injurious and fatal accidents of all sorts.

Essentially, any accident or situation in which a person loses their life due to someone else’s negligent actions or inactions might conceivably result in a wrongful death lawsuit. Some of the more common causes, broadly categorized, include:

• Fatal car accidents: Fatal automobile crashes are consistently a leading cause of wrongful death suits nationwide. Kent County, with its busy downtown intersections and fast-moving corridors like I-196 and the East Beltline, unfortunately, sees 50 to 60 fatal crashes every year.
• Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice wrongful death cases are another type of case we see on a regular basis. Examples include medication administration issues, surgical errors, and incorrect diagnoses. In the worst cases, these errors can prove fatal to patients, calling for the intervention of a skilled Grand Rapids wrongful death attorney.
• Safety hazards: Grand Rapids sees weather patterns that include snow and ice, as well as constant construction and commercial activity, which can create hazards for the public. Given these potentially dangerous conditions, even a simple slip-and-fall accident can result in a fatal head injury.

Wrongful death cases are some of the most complex matters undertaken by our civil court system and often involve detailed legal issues.

Having a trusted legal advocate who intimately understands Michigan law and the Grand Rapids court system can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, would be honored to provide you and your family with compassionate advocacy in this most challenging time.

FAQs About Grand Rapids, MI Wrongful Death Law

How Do You Win a Wrongful Death Claim?

You win a wrongful death claim by providing ample evidence and compelling arguments relevant to your unique case. To prepare for a successful wrongful death claim, your focus should be on gathering ample documentation and testimony to support your claim, as well as seeking adequate legal representation who can help you present your evidence to the court and who can effectively manage this complex, multifaceted legal process.

Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in Michigan?

Yes, you can sue for wrongful death in Michigan, but there are some important legal technicalities to be aware of. The only party that can officially bring the wrongful death suit to court is the personal representative of the deceased party. This estate representative is appointed through the probate court process.

Why Would Someone Sue for Wrongful Death?

Someone would be likely to sue for wrongful death if they are acting on behalf of the estate of a person who was killed by some other party’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing. A wrongful death suit is essentially a special type of personal injury claim that an estate representative can file in civil court on behalf of the decedent’s grieving beneficiaries. (Note that this is a completely separate legal process from any criminal proceedings related to the death.)

What Evidence Should Be Admitted in a Wrongful Death Suit?

Any valid, relevant, and legally admissible evidence can be admitted in a wrongful death suit, much like other legal matters. Such evidence can include video footage, medical records, and witness testimony; however, each case has unique circumstances, so if you’re unsure what evidence you need to gather to present a strong case, a wrongful death lawyer can be a great resource.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, we understand there is no legal procedure that can ever fill that void. However, a wrongful death claim may help your family seek justice and closure. Contact us today to get started with a compassionate and confidential consultation. The firm of Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, has successfully helped many grieving Grand Rapids families, and we’re ready to put our world-class legal acumen to work on your case next.