Michigan Local Accident Resources

The compensation received from the lawsuit is referred to as a wrongful death settlement.

There are no written schedules or guidelines for determining the amount of a death claim. If the case is not settled by the parties and goes to trial, the judge or jury will determine the monetary amount to be awarded to the family members.

Wrongful death settlements include compensation payouts for both non-economic and economic losses.

There is no “average” or “typical” settlement amount because each case has its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Our experienced lawyers will work hard to get you the maximum settlement.

Non-economic losses include the loss of emotional support, comfort, companionship, society, moral support, and consortium due to the death of a loved one. This damage is considered to be a loss to each victim’s family member. They also include compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering from the time of injury through the time of death.

In one recent case, a Michigan jury awarded $5,000,000 for only five seconds of pain and suffering before death. In other cases, the decedent may suffer for weeks and even longer before passing away. The settlements in cases with extended suffering and mental anguish are often very substantial.

Compensation is also owed to the family for economic losses caused by the death of a loved one. Economic damages include the recovery of the loss of earnings including past, present, and future losses. An economist can be hired as an expert witness to help substantiate your claim’s value.

Other claims are for the loss of financial support and loss of work benefits, like health insurance and a pension. The family is also entitled to the reimbursement of funeral and burial expenses.

In many cases, an economist will also place a monetary value on the loss of household services that the decedent would have provided to family members if not for the death. This type of claim will also contribute to the settlement amount.