Michigan Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compassion. Clarity. Relentless advocacy.

Losing a loved one is shattering. When a death was preventable, families deserve answers, accountability, and the resources to move forward. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM), you get the entire team on day one—attorneys, investigators, and support staff working in sync to protect your rights and tell your family’s story with care and precision.

Free consultation • No fee unless we win
Call 248‑584‑1300 or 1‑855‑LISS‑LAW (855‑547‑7529)
2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 — Serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, and communities across Michigan

What is a wrongful death case?

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation when a person dies because of another’s negligence or wrongful act. While no result can replace what was lost, the civil justice system can hold wrongdoers accountable and provide financial stability for those left behind.

Common causes we handle

• Motor vehicle crashes (cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians)
• Commercial transport and wheel‑off/detached tire incidents
• Premises liability (snow & ice, falls, unsafe stairs/railings, negligent security)
• Nursing home & elder neglect (falls, dehydration, pressure injuries, medication errors)
• Worksite & construction accidents (third‑party negligence, unsafe equipment)
• Product defects (dangerous vehicles/parts, medical devices, consumer products)
• Boating/ATV/ORV incidents and water‑related tragedies

If you are unsure whether your loss qualifies, call us. We will evaluate every potential avenue.

Michigan wrongful death—plain English

• Who brings the claim? In Michigan, the personal representative of your loved one’s estate files the lawsuit for the benefit of eligible family members. We help families open a simple probate file and appoint the representative when needed.
• Who may share in recovery? Spouse, children, parents, and other close relatives/family dependents may receive notice and share in a settlement or verdict. The court oversees distribution to ensure fairness.
• What can be recovered? Medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support and services, your loved one’s conscious pain and suffering before death, and the family’s loss of companionship and society. In appropriate cases we also seek future care plans and economic analyses to reflect the full impact.
• Deadlines matter. Michigan has strict time limits, some as short as two years in certain cases. Contact us promptly so we can preserve evidence and meet every deadline.

We handle the legal process so you can focus on your family.

How LSM builds a strong wrongful death case

1. Immediate preservation
   • Spoliation letters to all parties for video, black‑box/telematics, maintenance and hiring records, incident logs, and product/components.
2. Liability investigation
   • Accident reconstruction, site inspections, engineering and human‑factors analysis, and—when appropriate—component testing (e.g., tires, wheels, safety systems).
3. The damages story
   • We document the full measure of loss: wages/benefits, household services, guidance/companionship, and the day‑to‑day impact on each family member.
4. Probate & distribution
   • We coordinate probate filings and, at resolution, handle the court‑approved distribution so funds are allocated lawfully and efficiently.
5. Trial‑ready from day one
   • Our preparation drives meaningful negotiations and positions your case for trial if the defense refuses accountability.

What to do now

1. Call us as soon as you are ready. We will take over communications and start preservation steps.
2. Gather what you have: police or facility reports, photos, medical or facility records, insurance letters, and names of witnesses.
3. Avoid signing releases or giving statements to insurers until you speak with us.
4. Let us handle probate if an estate has not yet been opened—we make the process straightforward.

Representative results*

• $3,170,000 — Catastrophic roadway incident resulting in traumatic brain injury and multi‑level cervical fusions (illustrates investigative depth and complex damages).
• $1,250,000 — Transport‑vehicle rollover following wheel‑off event, aggravating prior spinal cord injury.

Every case is different; past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

FAQs: Michigan Wrongful Death

Do we need a criminal case first?
No. A civil wrongful death case is separate from any criminal charges. We proceed on the civil standard of proof.

What if my loved one lived for a time before passing?
We can pursue survival damages (for conscious pain and suffering before death) in addition to wrongful death losses.

How long will the case take?
Timelines vary with investigation, expert work, and court schedules. We move quickly and keep you informed at every step.

What if the at‑fault driver or company has limited insurance?
We look for all sources: multiple defendants, employer liability, UM/UIM policies, excess/umbrella coverage, and—when involved—product or premises claims.

Will we have to go to court?
Many cases resolve through negotiated settlement. If trial is needed to achieve justice, we are ready.

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Liss, Shapero & Mitnick — Integrity, clarity, client‑first.

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