WRONGFUL DEATH
Michigan Wrongful Death Attorney
Helping Families Seek Justice After the Unthinkable
There is nothing more difficult than losing someone you love. When that loss was caused by another person's negligence or wrongful conduct, families are often left with overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, and significant financial uncertainty.
At Hanley & Hodek PLC, we understand that no legal action can replace a loved one. A wrongful death claim is not about placing a value on a life—it is about holding responsible parties accountable, protecting your family's future, and seeking justice on behalf of the person you lost.
If your family has experienced the wrongful death of a loved one anywhere in Traverse City or Northern Michigan, we are here to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process with compassion and respect.
Free Consultation
You do not have to navigate this difficult time alone.
Our attorneys are available to review your family's circumstances, explain how Michigan's wrongful death law works, and answer your questions during a free consultation.
If we represent your family in a qualifying wrongful death case, there is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person's death is caused by another party's negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct.
Although every case is unique, wrongful death claims commonly arise from:
Motor vehicle accidents
Commercial truck collisions
Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Boating accidents
Nursing home negligence
Dangerous property conditions
Workplace accidents
A wrongful death claim allows certain damages to be pursued on behalf of the deceased person's estate and eligible family members, as provided by Michigan law.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Michigan law, a wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate.
While the lawsuit is filed by the personal representative, any recovery may benefit eligible family members as determined under Michigan's Wrongful Death Act and, when appropriate, by the probate court.
Because these matters often involve both personal injury and probate law, it is important to work with attorneys who understand how the two areas intersect. We have unique experience managing all aspects of these claims.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Every case is different, but damages in a wrongful death case may include compensation allowed under Michigan law for losses such as:
Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of household services
Loss of companionship, society, and guidance
Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death, when supported by the evidence
Other damages authorized by Michigan law
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors, including the circumstances of the death, the evidence, and the losses suffered by the surviving family.
We Understand the Questions Families Face
Many families contact us because they simply do not know where to begin.
Common questions include:
Do we have a wrongful death claim?
Who is legally responsible?
How long do we have to take action?
What happens if no criminal charges are filed?
What if the insurance company has already contacted us?
Does someone need to open an estate?
Who receives any settlement or verdict?
We take the time to answer these questions and explain each step of the legal process in plain language.
Wrongful Death Cases Require Immediate Investigation
Important evidence can disappear quickly.
Depending on the circumstances, our investigation may involve:
Reviewing police reports
Interviewing witnesses
Obtaining surveillance video
Preserving vehicle evidence
Reviewing medical records
Consulting accident reconstruction experts
Working with medical and financial experts
Calculating future economic losses
Identifying all available insurance coverage
Early investigation often plays an important role in protecting a family's legal rights.
Compassionate Representation Throughout the Process
We understand that grieving families are often overwhelmed by paperwork, insurance companies, medical bills, and legal questions.
Our role is to shoulder as much of that burden as possible while keeping you informed throughout your case.
We believe every family deserves honest advice, prompt communication, and compassionate representation during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Why Families Choose Hanley & Hodek
Families trust Hanley & Hodek because we provide:
Direct access to experienced attorneys
Personal attention throughout the case
Experience handling complex personal injury and insurance matters
Knowledge of Michigan wrongful death and probate procedures
Thorough preparation and investigation
Clear communication
Respectful, compassionate representation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wrongful death claim the same as a criminal case?
No. A wrongful death claim is a civil action seeking compensation for losses suffered by the deceased person's estate and eligible family members. It is separate from any criminal prosecution that may arise from the same incident.
Do we need to open a probate estate?
In many cases, a personal representative must be appointed to pursue a wrongful death claim. We have experience administering probate cases and provide these services rather than outsource them.
How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim?
Michigan law establishes filing deadlines that vary depending on the facts of the case. Speaking with an attorney promptly helps preserve your rights.
What if the person responsible was uninsured?
There may still be insurance coverage or other legal avenues available depending on the facts. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances and identify potential sources of recovery.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
For qualifying wrongful death matters, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation on behalf of the estate or eligible beneficiaries.
Related Resources
You may also find these articles helpful:
Michigan No-Fault Insurance Does Not Eliminate Pain and Suffering Claims
What to do when an insurance company stops returning your calls
Schedule a Free Consultation
Losing a loved one because of another person's negligence is one of life's most painful experiences. While no lawsuit can undo that loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim may help provide financial security, accountability, and answers for your family.
If you have questions about a potential wrongful death claim in Traverse City or anywhere in Northern Michigan, contact Hanley & Hodek PLC today.
We will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward.
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover compensation for qualifying wrongful death matters.