Wrongful death in Michigan
Last checked Aug 15, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
Elements
1
Death
A person died.
2
Wrongful act
The death was caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have supported a claim by the decedent if they had lived.
3
Survivors
The claim is brought by a statutory beneficiary or personal representative, not just anyone who is sad about it.
4
Damages
The statute lists what can be recovered: typically loss of support, services, companionship. Punitive damages are jurisdiction-specific.
Burden of proof
Preponderance of the evidence. The underlying tort (often negligence) still has to be proven.
A Michigan fact pattern
Wrongful death in michigan.
Statute of limitations
3 years
MCL 600.5805(2) and 600.2922
From the date of death in an ordinary death file.
- A medical death follows the two-year malpractice clock and six-year repose, not this three-year number.