Grand Rapids, Michigan Wrongful Death Attorney

Lawyer Serving the Families of Fatal Accident Victims in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon County

The aftermath of an accident can be devastating not only for injury victims, but also for the surviving family members of those whose lives have been brought to a premature end because of someone else's actions or negligence. Of course, the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult on an emotional level, but it can be even more stressful when the victim's family relied on him or her as a financial provider.

At John D. Tallman, PLC, we understand that the thought of pursuing a lawsuit can be overwhelming when you are already coping with grief and loss, but sometimes it is necessary to ensure your financial well-being. When you choose to work with us, we can handle the legal matters of a wrongful death claim so that you and your family can focus on other important things, and we only require payment for our services if we succeed in collecting compensation for you. We have a track record of achieving results through settlements and court rulings, and we have served clients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas for nearly 40 years.

When is a Wrongful Death Claim Possible in Michigan?

Much the same as for a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit is possible when the harm done to the victim was the result of the negligent or intentionally harmful behavior of another party. We represent clients in wrongful death cases involving a wide range of situations, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Boating accidents
• Premises accidents
• College campus accidents
• Construction site accidents
• Defective product accidents
• Chemical exposure
• Dog bites
• Nursing home abuse and neglect

For any situation involving wrongful death, the personal representative of the victim's estate must be the one to initiate the lawsuit, but we can help estate representatives navigate the legal challenges associated with cases of this nature. One of the first important steps is to identify any and all at-fault parties. Sometimes liability is straightforward, especially if a single person was responsible for the accident, but it can be more complicated in cases with multiple liable parties including business owners and corporations.

We will help the estate representative collect evidence from the accident in the form of photographs, video footage, police reports, expert and eyewitness testimony, business records, and more, all of which can be important to establish the other parties' fault. We will also assist with the preservation of records of all expenses and damages incurred by the victim and his or her family members, and we will strive for the most possible compensation either through a settlement agreement or a trial.

Recovery for Damages in a Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Case

The untimely loss of a loved one often comes with extensive costs. A successful wrongful death lawsuit can lighten your family's financial burden by providing recovery for economic and non-economic damages including:

• Medical expenses for any care or treatment the victim received before his or her death
• Property damage, including damage to the victim's vehicle or other personal property resulting from the fatal accident
• Lost income for the remaining years during which the victim could have worked to support the family
• Pain and suffering the victim experienced due to the incident leading to his or her death
• Funeral and burial expenses incurred by the victim's family
• Emotional distress and loss of companionship suffered by surviving family members

Any compensation awarded through the lawsuit can be distributed to the victim's spouse, children, step-children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, or other heirs, according to the court's determination of the damages each person has suffered. If you believe you are entitled to a portion of the compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit, we can advise and assist you in pursuing a fair allocation.

Contact a Kent County Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you are the personal representative or surviving family member of a wrongful death victim, we want to do our part to aid in your recovery. We know that financial compensation cannot bring back your loved one, but it can prevent additional hardship and allow you to cope with your loss. Contact us today at 616-361-8850 to schedule a free consultation. We assist clients throughout West Michigan, including in Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Kent County, Ottawa County, Muskegon County, and the surrounding areas.