Nursing Home Wrongful Death Attorney & Accidental Death Lawyer in Detroit, Michigan

Justice for Families After Nursing Home Negligence Leads to Death

Few events are more devastating than losing a parent or loved one because of nursing home neglect or abuse. Sadly, wrongful death in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or adult foster care homes is more common than most families realize. Elderly residents are often frail, meaning that neglect — such as failing to prevent falls, choking, untreated infections, or bedsores — can quickly escalate to life-threatening conditions.

In many cases, death may not occur immediately after the abuse or neglect.  A resident may suffer a fall that results in incapacitation and brain injury, which quickly transforms the resident from being in relatively good health to needing significant care.  Because of the additional shock and trauma to the body, and because of the fragile nature of many residents, the resident’s physical health may deteriorate rapidly.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our Michigan nursing home wrongful death attorneys help grieving families uncover the truth, hold negligent facilities accountable, and seek justice through financial recovery.

Call us today at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation. You pay no fee unless we win compensation for your family.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Nursing Homes

Wrongful death occurs when a resident’s passing is directly tied to negligence, abuse, or substandard care. Common causes include:

• Falls: Failure to provide supervision, mobility aids, or safe conditions can result in fatal head injuries, fractures, or complications after surgery.
• Choking and Asphyxiation: Many residents need modified diets or close supervision at mealtimes. Neglect can lead to deadly choking incidents.
• Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Untreated bedsores can progress to sepsis, organ failure, or fatal infections.
• Medication Errors: Overdosing, underdosing, or giving the wrong medication can quickly become life-threatening.
• Untreated Infections: Neglecting urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or sepsis can cause rapid decline.
• Physical Abuse: In rare but tragic cases, intentional abuse by staff members results in fatal injuries.

In each situation, the nursing home had opportunities to prevent harm but failed to act.

How Do I Prove A Wrongful Death Case in Michigan?

To succeed in a Michigan wrongful death claim, families must show:

1. The facility owed a duty of care to the resident.
2. The facility breached that duty through neglect, abuse, or failure to follow accepted standards.
3. The breach of care caused the resident’s injury and eventual death.

As nursing home wrongful death lawyers with decades of experience, we can investigate medical records, staffing logs, witness statements, and regulatory violations to build strong cases. We work with medical and forensic experts to connect the negligence directly to the wrongful death.

What Damages Are Available in a Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Michigan law, families may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the fatal injury
• Pain and suffering endured by the resident prior to death
• Loss of companionship, society, and guidance for surviving family members
• Loss of financial support or services the loved one provided
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless misconduct

While no amount of money can undo the loss, a wrongful death lawsuit provides accountability and financial stability for grieving families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Wrongful Death

Can I sue a nursing home for wrongful death?

Yes. If the facility’s negligence or abuse contributed to your loved one’s death, you may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Michigan?

Typically, the claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, including spouses, children, parents, or other dependents.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan?

Generally, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death. However, specific circumstances may affect the timeline, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no upfront costs. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

What if my loved one was already in poor health?

Even if a resident was frail, the law requires nursing homes to provide proper care. If neglect or abuse accelerated their decline or caused their death, the facility may still be held liable.

Why Families Turn to Olsman MacKenzie Peacock After a Nursing Home Wrongful Death

Choosing the right law firm after the loss of a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we bring not only decades of courtroom experience, but also a deep understanding of how wrongful death impacts families on every level. We are known for blending legal strength with compassion, ensuring that families feel supported throughout the process.

Our team includes:

• Jules B. Olsman: For more than 40 years, Jules has been a driving force in shaping how courts and juries view nursing home neglect, earning a reputation as one of Michigan’s leading trial lawyers.
• Donna M. MacKenzie: A national voice in patient safety and elder justice, Donna has held top leadership roles and continues to push for higher standards of care.
• Emily Peacock: As the 2025–2026 Chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus, Emily brings a fresh perspective and relentless energy to fighting for families.
• Lauren Walson: Known for her compassion and determination, Lauren helps families navigate the legal system during some of their darkest moments.
• Michael C. Dennis: A trial lawyer with a strategic mindset, Michael has successfully represented families across Michigan in complex wrongful death cases.
• Michaelene Sowinski: Michaelene focuses her practice on exposing systemic neglect and holding facilities accountable when preventable deaths occur.

What sets us apart is not just the verdicts and settlements we’ve achieved, but our commitment to long-term change. Every wrongful death case we take on is also an opportunity to shine a light on dangerous practices, demand accountability, and push for safer nursing homes across Detroit and Michigan.

We Understand the Pain That Results When Nursing Home and Care Facility Neglect Results in Death to Our Parents and Loved Ones

If a parent or loved one has died as the result of nursing home abuse or negligence, please call us to schedule a complimentary consultation so that we may learn about your case.  If we accept your case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not owe us any fees unless and until we recover for you.

At this meeting, after learning about your case, we can advise you as to the legal options that you may have for recovery against those who have caused the wrongful death.