When Wrongful Death Claims Arise in Grand Rapids
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is painful. Under Michigan law, when a death occurs from negligence – such as a crash, unsafe conditions, or misconduct – a “wrongful death” claim may be filed. The legal process differs from normal personal injury cases, because a deceased person cannot file suit themselves. Instead, a personal representative is appointed through Probate Court to act on their estate’s behalf.
What Survivors May Recover
Survivors may be eligible for compensation including:
- Loss of financial support and services
- Loss of companionship and emotional ties
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased or survivors
- Loss of future inheritance
Learn about wrongful death lawsuits from Fox 17 “Know the Law”.
How the Process Works in Grand Rapids
Step 1: Representative Appointed
The probate court in Grand Rapids or Kent County names a personal representative to act for your loved one’s estate – often a spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
Step 2: Claim Filed
The representative files a wrongful death claim through the probate process.
Step 3: Evidence & Damages
Your legal team gathers vital evidence – such as medical records, crash reports, and witness statements – and pursues compensation in court.
Why Sinas Dramis is the Trusted Choice for a Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Over 70 years of experience handling wrongful death claims for Michigan families.
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Local knowledge of Kent County courts, hospitals, and crash response in Grand Rapids.
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Attorney Tom Sinas and our team provide trusted representation, having secured multi-million-dollar wrongful death resolutions while guiding families through the legal process.
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Free consultations are offered at the Grand Rapids office to help you understand your rights.
Life-Changing Results, Backed by Client Trust.
★★★★★
Never did I imagine my family would need to call an accident attorney. Due to the reckless actions of a driver on a suspended license our family lost my amazing father in law. After a loss like that you don’t know where to begin when it comes to dealing with insurance. We are so glad we called Tom Sinas. We needed him more than we understood at the time. Tom and his team are so much more than attorneys. They were with us every step of the way. They went above and beyond to be there throughout the criminal trials even though they were our civil lawyers. They were there for our endless questions and showed grace and empathy. Many lawyers would have walked away from us as soon as they heard the other driver had a suspended license. It was not an easy slam dunk case and took extreme attention to detail and perseverance. Tom fought hard and held the insurance company responsible for their negligence. Thank you Tom for fighting for us. My review cannot truly capture my gratitude to you and your team but I am incredibly appreciative of the work that you do for accident victims.
– Tina
★★★★★
Tom and his team at Sinas Dranis did a stellar job helping my family navigate the complexities of securing a settlement from the insurance company, dealing with a complex estate, and making sure we secured all the compensation we were due after the extremely sudden and unexpected loss of my mother. The team at Sinas Dramis laid out the complex path forward in a simple and easy to understand way, and kept us apprised of progress each step of the way. Any time I needed clarification on a detail or was looking for a status report, replies were prompt and contained all the information I was looking for. Most importantly, Tom and his team were incredibly compassionate and understanding as we worked through everything that needed to happen while dealing with the emotional trauma of a premature and sudden death.
– Douglas
★★★★★
My husband was killed by a person driving through a stop sign. My “World” and that of my family’s, was tragically shattered. After interviewing a number of lawyers with help from my brother in law and his nephew, I chose Thomas Sinas. I only have good thoughts and good things to say about him and his team. Thomas completely explained: what he was able to do, my options, the procedures not only in regards to the civil case but also the criminal case. He enabled me to obtain benefits from my own insurance policy with my unique situation, that on my own I would not have received. They didn’t diminish/belittle my concerns, and were able to reassure me. Yes they enabled me to win a significant financial reward from the at fault driver’s insurance company, but seemed more concerned with making things right. When your loved one dies and you have to constantly be deleting them from this world, they took the time to know “who” my husband was, and what my family needed. I truly felt as though they carried me through the most extremely difficult time in my life thus far.
– Rebecca
Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Lawyers, Fighting for You
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a wrongful death in Michigan?
A wrongful death happens when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. Common examples in Grand Rapids include fatal car crashes, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Grand Rapids?
A personal representative, appointed by the Kent County Probate Court, files the claim on behalf of surviving family members such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings.
What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?
Families may recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering of the deceased, and loss of companionship or support
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Michigan?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering damages.
Where will my wrongful death case be filed?
Most cases in the Grand Rapids area are filed in Kent County Circuit Court, though some may qualify for federal court if out-of-state parties are involved.
Do I need a wrongful death lawyer in Grand Rapids?
Yes. These cases are complex and emotionally difficult. A Grand Rapids wrongful death lawyer can guide you through probate requirements, preserve key evidence, and advocate for full compensation.
What is the process for filing a wrongful death claim?
After a personal representative is appointed, they will file the claim, collect evidence (like medical records, crash reports, and witness statements), and work to reach a settlement or take the case to trial if needed.
What if my loved one’s death occurred outside of Michigan?
You may still have a valid claim. Michigan’s wrongful death statute can apply if your loved one was a Michigan resident or if the negligent party has ties to Michigan.
Meet Your Grand Rapids Wrongful Death Laywers
Tom Sinas leads our wrongful death practice in Grand Rapids, supported by attorneys deeply familiar with Michigan wrongful death law. Their experience ensures legal steps are followed carefully – appointing the proper representative, filing within legal deadlines, and pushing for fair compensation.
While Tom’s legal knowledge is broad, his work mainly focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases, auto negligence claims, and Michigan’s auto no-fault law. In particular, he makes sure that people injured in Grand Rapids car accidents can stand on equal footing with the insurance companies they are up against. Over the years, Tom has also developed a unique skillset working with clients who have spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Brian has practiced law in West Michigan for 30 years, including extended stints with the respected boutique litigation firm Drew, Cooper, and Anding, where he was a partner, and Rhoades McKee, where he was an equity partner. His practice has, from the beginning, revolved around all areas of personal injury law, including product liability, trucking accidents, gas fires and explosions, construction site injuries, nursing home abuse and neglect, and auto/no-fault law.
Get in Touch!
You are not alone. Sinas Dramis understands the emotional and legal journey that follows a wrongful death. Call us at 616-301-3333 or complete our contact form below for a free, no-obligation case review.
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Sinas Dramis Law Firm – Grand Rapids