Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Jackson MI Families

Losing someone you love is devastating. One moment your family feels whole, and the next you are facing grief, unanswered questions, and sudden financial pressure. Medical bills arrive. Funeral expenses add up. Income your household depended on may be gone. In the middle of it all, an insurance company may reach out before you have had time to understand your rights.

Michigan law allows certain families to pursue a wrongful death claim when negligence causes a fatal injury. These cases follow strict legal deadlines, and critical evidence from car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, fall incidents, and other fatal events must be preserved early. Waiting too long can limit your legal options.

At Matz Injury Law, we help Jackson families take the next step forward. We handle the legal process, protect your rights under Michigan law, and deal directly with the insurance company so you can focus on your family. Call 866-226-6833 or contact us through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Compassionate Legal Support for Families in Jackson, MI

After the death of a loved one, families often face estate and personal representative appointment steps, financial uncertainty, and ongoing communication from an insurance company. Under Michigan law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit, regardless of how the fatal injury occurred.

Our Jackson wrongful death attorneys manage the legal process so your family can focus on healing. We gather records, review evidence, consult appropriate professionals when needed, and identify the parties responsible. We explain the law in clear language and remain available to answer your questions throughout the case. Families deserve steady guidance while pursuing compensation allowed under Michigan law.

Why Choose Matz Injury Law for Your Wrongful Death Case in Jackson, MI

Choosing a wrongful death attorney requires trust. For decades, Matz Injury Law has represented families across Michigan in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We listen closely to surviving spouses, parents, children, and other eligible beneficiaries and build a strategy based on the facts of your case.

We prepare every case as if it may proceed to trial. This level of preparation strengthens negotiations and keeps the focus on documented evidence. Throughout the process, we provide direct communication, practical guidance, and clear explanations of your legal options.

Trusted By Michigan Families Since 1977

Steve Matz has practiced law in Michigan for decades. He and his team have represented families across the state, including in Jackson, after fatal accidents. This long-standing presence reflects a commitment to Michigan communities.

Continuity matters in these cases. Families benefit from attorneys who remain steady and responsive from the first consultation through resolution. Our history reflects consistent service grounded in Michigan law.

Over $300 Million Recovered for Injury Victims

Matz Injury Law has recovered more than $300 million for injured people and families across personal injury and wrongful death cases. This total reflects settlements and verdicts obtained over many years of practice.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The amount recovered in any case depends on the specific facts, available evidence, and applicable Michigan law. Each case is evaluated individually.

Recognized for Trial Experience in Wrongful Death Cases

Some wrongful death cases proceed to trial when liability or damages are disputed. Our law firm has received professional recognitions reflecting peer review and courtroom experience, including:

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating
• Super Lawyers
• Michigan’s Top Attorneys
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators

Our 22% Contingency Fee Promise: Keep More of Your Recovery in Your Family’s Hands

Our personal injury attorneys handle these cases on a 22% contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee.

When compensation is obtained, the agreed percentage is calculated according to the written fee agreement. We explain case expenses and financial terms during your free consultation so you understand how fees are handled.

Our Client Testimonials

“My parents were involved in a fatal car accident, where we needed guidance dealing with the insurance company. A month after the accident the insurance agency had stopped addressing our calls and emails. Retaining Steve Matz and his team was the absolute best decision we made for my mom. He was professional from start to finish and we had a settlement quickly. Steve answered all of our calls and emails, and assured us that he would take care of our family during this time. If you are questioning whether seeking guidance is needed, don’t hesitate and reach out. Steve was very open about what he could do for our case, and how retaining his services could impact our timeline. We felt as though we were talking to a friend, not an attorney, whom checked on us often. Thank you for all you have done for our family, especially my mom during this time. Your service and compassion deserves more than 5 stars!” — Sarah M.

“This past year has been the most difficult of our lives after losing our 16-year-old daughter to a drunk driver. In the midst of our grief, we reached out to Matz Injury Law to explore our options. From the very beginning, Steve was exceptional—he carefully explained every possible avenue and ensured no detail was overlooked, all while respecting our wishes. Not only did Steve guide us through the civil and probate process, but he also supported us throughout the criminal trial of the driver responsible for our daughter’s death. Although I initially resisted the idea of receiving anything for her loss, Steve gently encouraged us to pursue the insurance payouts we were entitled to. His deep empathy for my wife and our two other children helped ease the weight of this tragedy. Thank you, Steve, for your unwavering support.” — Dennis B.

“My family is grateful for Steve Matz’s professional handling of our case. Steve was very thorough, candid, responsive, and strategic in his approach throughout our legal proceedings. If ever in a situation again like my family has experienced over the past year, we would immediately retain Matz Injury Law to represent our interests. Thank you Steve.” — John P.

Meet Our Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer

Steven Matz

Founding Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

Steven J. Matz is the founder of Matz Injury Law, specializing in personal injury litigation with a focus on car accident victims. With over 40 years of legal experience, Mr.…

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Jared Matz

Partner & Personal Injury Lawyer

Once he graduated from Michigan, Jared pursued a career in real estate sales and development with a company in Lansing. After gaining valuable knowledge and business experience, Jared returned to…

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How Our Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyers Help Grieving Families Recover Fair Compensation

These cases follow a structured legal process under Michigan wrongful death law. Our legal team handles each stage, including:

• Investigating the cause of the fatal injury
• Gathering records and consulting appropriate professionals
• Identifying the responsible parties
• Filing the lawsuit under Michigan law
• Communicating with the insurance company
• Negotiating a resolution
• Taking the case to trial when necessary

Under Michigan law, the personal representative files the lawsuit on behalf of the deceased’s estate. Eligible family members may recover damages as beneficiaries, but they do not file separate claims.

What Is Considered Wrongful Death in Michigan?

Under MCL 600.2922, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies because of another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or fault, and the person could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived. The statute allows the personal representative of the estate to bring the lawsuit.

To establish liability, the following elements must be proven:

• A legal duty was owed to the deceased
• The duty was breached through a negligent act
• The breach caused the fatal injury
• Legally recognized damages resulted

These elements apply in cases involving auto accidents, fall accidents, and other fatal events.

How a Wrongful Death Claim Is Different From Criminal Charges

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks financial compensation for losses suffered by eligible family members. Criminal charges are filed by the government and focus on punishment.

In a civil case, the burden of proof is a preponderance of the evidence. In a criminal case, the burden is beyond a reasonable doubt. These are separate legal proceedings with different purposes.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Jackson?

Under Michigan law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the wrongful death lawsuit. If no representative has been appointed, the probate court oversees that process. Surviving family members cannot file separate lawsuits on their own.

Eligible Family Members Under Michigan Law

Under MCL 600.2922, potential beneficiaries may include:

• The surviving spouse
• Children and descendants
• Surviving parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Devisees under the decedent’s will

Eligibility and recovery depend on the specific family relationships involved and court approval under Michigan law.

How Compensation Is Distributed Among Survivors

Compensation obtained in these cases is distributed according to Michigan law. The court may conduct a hearing to determine how damages are allocated among eligible family members. Probate court oversight governs how the recovery is divided under the statute.

Can More Than One Family Member Recover Damages?

Yes. Multiple eligible family members may recover compensation through a single lawsuit. Damages may include loss of companionship, loss of consortium, financial support, emotional distress, and other losses recognized under Michigan law. Distribution depends on statutory eligibility and court approval.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Wrongful Death in Jackson, MI?

Liability depends on the specific facts of the case. A responsible party may include a negligent driver in a motor vehicle accident, a commercial driver in a truck accident, a property owner in a fall incident, or another at-fault party whose conduct caused the fatal injury.

Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. If the deceased person was partially at fault, recovery may be reduced by the assigned percentage. If the deceased is found more than 50% at fault, recovery of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, may not be available under Michigan law.

What Compensation Is Available in a Jackson Wrongful Death Case?

Michigan law allows specific types of damages in these cases, including:

• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Funeral expenses and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and society
• Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death

Punitive damages are not available under Michigan law. The damages awarded depend on the evidence presented in the case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases often follows the time limit for the underlying personal injury claim. In many negligence cases, the deadline is three years, though the timing can depend on when the estate’s personal representative is formally appointed. Limited exceptions may apply depending on the facts and the nature of the claim.

Missing an applicable deadline can prevent a claim from moving forward. Acting promptly helps protect your rights and preserve important evidence.

Your Family Deserves Justice. Speak With a Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer Today.

If your family is facing the loss of a loved one caused by negligence, you do not have to handle this alone. Matz Injury Law provides direct legal guidance, careful case preparation, and strong representation throughout the legal process.

Call 866-226-6833 to schedule your free case evaluation. You can also reach us through our online contact form. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you pursue compensation allowed under Michigan law and protect your family’s future during this difficult time and gain peace of mind.