Michigan law
Wrongful Death Laws in Michigan.
Michigan's Wrongful Death Act consolidates what would otherwise be separate survival and wrongful death claims. A personal representative brings a single action recovering both the pre-death pain and suffering of the decedent and the post-death losses of eligible survivors. Distribution follows a statutory scheme and requires court approval.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
Guided help
Ask about a wrongful death deadline, right, or next step.
Keep the question grounded in Michigan. FlowLawyers can route you to the statute section, legal aid, attorney search, or a guided workflow when one fits.
Fast paths
The law sections below preserve the citations and source links. Use guided help when you need to move from reading the rule to choosing what to do next.
State law
Statute of Limitations
Wrongful death claims follow the underlying tort's statute of limitations (generally 3 years). Saving provision: if the decedent dies before or within 30 days after the period runs, the personal representative has 2 years after letters of authority.
State law
Key Michigan Statutes
Authorizes the personal representative to bring a combined survival and wrongful death action. Recoverable damages include medical, funeral, and burial expenses; conscious pain and suffering before death; and loss of financial support, services, gifts, society, and companionship.
Proceeds are distributed to the spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and others who may have suffered damages. Distribution requires probate court approval after notice and hearing.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.
More in Michigan
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws