WRONGFUL DEATH STATUTE: 

CLARIFY APPLICATION TO THE UNBORN

House Bill 4777

Sponsor:  Rep. William VanRegenmorter

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 10-10-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4777 AS INTRODUCED 5-11-05

When a person dies as a result of another party's negligence or wrongdoing, the deceased's relatives may sue that party for damages in a wrongful death action.  House Bill 4777 would amend the portion of the Revised Judicature Act known as the wrongful death statute to clarify that the right to sue also applies if the act committed by the liable party resulted in a miscarriage or stillbirth, or physical injury to or the death of the embryo or fetus, regardless of the gestational age of the embryo or fetus.

MCL 600.2922 and 600.2922a

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no significant fiscal impact on the courts.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.