Filing A Wrongful Death Claim After A Fatal Balcony Collapse In Michigan

When a loved one is lost in a tragic accident, such as a fatal balcony collapse, the emotional and financial toll on the family is devastating. In Michigan, the law allows surviving family members to seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they have committed. Filing a wrongful death claim after a balcony collapse requires understanding Michigan laws and navigating a complex legal process. Your attorney will also make sure all responsible parties are identified and that the claim is handled correctly, which is critical to achieving a fair resolution.

Structural failures, poor maintenance, or construction defects are the most common causes of balcony collapses. When the property owner, contractor, or another party is at fault, Michigan law provides the legal framework for holding them liable. Building codes, safety standards, and legal obligations play a significant role in determining liability. Our firm helps families find answers and pursue compensation for their loss.

Michigan’s Wrongful Death Statute

Under Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, surviving family members have the right to file a claim if a loved one’s death was caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Eligible family members include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, other relatives. The claim can seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, we must establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty, and caused the death as a result. In a balcony collapse lawsuit, your attorney must prove that the property owner failed to maintain the balcony properly, a contractor used substandard materials, or an engineer designed a structurally unsafe balcony.

Determining Liability In A Balcony Collapse Case

Balcony collapse cases can involve multiple liable parties. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises under Michigan’s premises liability laws. If they fail to inspect or repair a balcony, they can be held accountable. Similarly, contractors, architects, and engineers may be liable if their work does not meet industry standards or building codes.

Michigan law mandates that all property owners and construction professionals adhere to specific safety standards outlined in the Michigan Building Code. Violations of these standards can serve as evidence of negligence. Moreover, if a balcony collapse occurs in a rental property, landlords could be held responsible for failing to meet their obligation to provide a safe living environment for tenants.

Damages Recoverable In A Wrongful Death Claim

The damages available under Michigan wrongful death law are intended to compensate families for both financial and emotional losses. These monetary damages may include medical expenses, which cover costs incurred before the victim’s death as a result of the injury. Funeral and burial costs are also recoverable, ensuring that families can manage reasonable expenses for laying their loved ones to rest.

Lost income is another key component of damages, providing economic compensation for the financial support the deceased would have contributed to their family. Moreover, families can recover from the loss of companionship, which accounts for the emotional pain and suffering caused by losing a loved one.

Time Limits For Filing A Wrongful Death Claim In Michigan

Michigan law imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims. Under the state’s statute of limitations, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years of the deceased’s death. If the family fails to file before this deadline, they will lose their right to pursue justice and compensation. It is essential to act promptly to preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and build a strong case.

How We Support Families Through The Legal Process

Filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal balcony collapse is a complex process. We handle every aspect of the case, from investigating the cause of the collapse to identifying all liable parties and calculating damages. By working closely with our clients, we ensure they understand their rights and receive the support they need during a challenging time. Our goal is to secure the compensation necessary to provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable.

Michigan Wrongful Death Claim FAQs

Who Can Be Held Liable For A Balcony Collapse In Michigan?

Liability for a balcony collapse depends on the circumstances. Property owners open themselves up to liability when they fail to maintain the balcony or inspect it for safety issues. Contractors, engineers, or architects may be liable if the collapse was due to construction defects, poor materials, or design flaws. If the property is rented, landlords have a duty under Michigan law to provide tenants with a safe living environment, which includes maintaining structural elements like balconies.

What Damages Can I Recover In A Wrongful Death Claim?

In Michigan, families can recover damages for economic and non-economic losses after a wrongful death. Economic damages include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral costs, and lost income or benefits. Non-economic damages address emotional losses such as the loss of companionship and support. Michigan does not place caps on most wrongful death damages, except in cases involving medical malpractice.

Call Our Detroit Wrongful Death Lawyers For Your Free Consultation

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one in a tragic accident like a balcony collapse. If you’ve suffered such a loss, you deserve compassionate legal representation to help you pursue justice and financial compensation. Our legal team is ready to guide you through every step of the wrongful death claims process, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Contact our Detroit wrongful death lawyers at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan. Your recovery and future matter to us, and we’re ready to help you move forward. Our office, located in Southfield, Michigan, serves clients in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan. Let us provide the support you need to seek justice and secure the compensation your family deserves.