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HB 6086

Torts: wrongful death; damages; provide for recovery of lost future earning capacity. Amends sec. 2922 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2922).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Rheingans

Michigan bill expands wrongful death damages to include lost future earning capacity, increasing compensation available to families of deceased victims.

bill electronically reproduced 11/13/2024
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Bill Summary · HB 6086

Legislative bill overview

HB 6086 amends Michigan's wrongful death tort law to expand the damages that families can recover when someone dies due to another's negligence or misconduct. Specifically, it adds "lost future earning capacity" as a recoverable damage category in wrongful death cases, allowing plaintiffs to seek compensation for income the deceased would have earned had they lived.

Why is this important

Wrongful death awards provide financial compensation to surviving family members who lose a breadwinner. Expanding recoverable damages could significantly increase compensation amounts, particularly in cases involving younger or higher-earning victims. This directly affects liability exposure for defendants, insurance costs, and the economic value placed on human life in legal settlements.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden on defendants and insurers: Expanding damages categories typically increases settlement and judgment amounts, raising concerns about litigation costs and insurance premiums across industries
  • Valuation complexity: Calculating "lost future earning capacity" involves speculative projections about career advancement, job market conditions, and personal choices that are inherently uncertain
  • Fairness questions: Critics may argue this duplicates compensation already available through other damage categories, while supporters contend current law inadequately compensates families for genuine economic losses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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