Justice for Families After a Wrongful Death
When negligence takes a life, the loss reaches far beyond grief — it reshapes an entire family’s future. Financial stability, caregiving responsibilities, and the emotional center of a household can all shift in an instant. Vincent Petrucelli, ACTL Fellow and attorney known for his role in the landmark Ferdon v. Wisconsin Patients Compensation Fund decision striking down damage caps, has guided families seeking justice after tragic wrongful deaths throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
- Medical malpractice and hospital negligence
- Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, or snowmobile crashes
- Defective or unsafe products
- Workplace, construction-site, or industrial accidents
- Premises liability — unsafe property conditions
- Railroad-crossing and train fatalities
- Any other case involving a death caused by negligence
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims are controlled by state law, and the rules in Michigan and Wisconsin differ slightly. In Michigan, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, who brings the case on behalf of surviving family members. In Wisconsin, a wrongful death claim may be filed either by the personal representative or by the individuals entitled to receive the recovery under state law.
In both states, compensation is ultimately distributed to eligible heirs — often including a surviving spouse, children, parents, or others who qualify under each state’s inheritance laws. We help families navigate this process so that every eligible beneficiary is properly represented and the claim is filed correctly from the start.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Both Michigan and Wisconsin allow families to recover damages that reflect the financial and emotional impact of the loss. Depending on the circumstances, available compensation may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of the decedent’s financial support, and the value of household services the person provided. Families may also seek damages for the loss of companionship, society, care, and guidance — though the exact categories and limits differ between the two states.
In cases involving intentional or especially egregious conduct, additional damages may be available under certain circumstances. Our team works with medical, economic, and forensic experts to document the full scope of the loss and ensure the claim reflects every harm recognized under the law.
Our Approach
Our team acts immediately to protect evidence, consults with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of the family’s loss, and pursues every avenue for recovery. Every case receives personal attention from Vincent Petrucelli from start to finish.
All wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis: there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Vincent Petrucelli today at (906) 265-6173 or vincent@truthfinders.com.
Where We Serve Clients
Ironwood • Bessemer • Wakefield • Ontonagon • Houghton • Hancock • Calumet • Laurium • L’Anse • Baraga • Marquette • Ishpeming • Negaunee • Gwinn • Republic • Iron River • Crystal Falls • Iron Mountain • Kingsford • Norway • Escanaba • Gladstone • Manistique • Munising • Newberry • St. Ignace • Sault Ste. Marie • Menominee • Cedar River • Watersmeet • Copper Harbor • Eagle Harbor • Trenary • Bark River • Chassell • Florence (WI) • Marinette (WI) • Oconto (WI) • Green Bay (WI) • Door County (WI).
Petrucelli & Petrucelli — Advocates for Justice, Partners in Healing Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin
