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

SB 1159 amends Michigan's wrongful death laws to explicitly allow families to recover damages for the lost future earning capacity of a deceased person. The bill clarifies who is eligible to receive these damages, including spouses, children, parents, and other relatives, as well as beneficiaries named in a will or trust. It establishes strict procedures for notifying potential claimants and requires them to submit their claims within a specific timeframe to receive a share of any settlement or judgment. Additionally, the legislation outlines how courts should distribute proceeds, ensuring that funds for medical expenses and funeral costs are paid first before distributing remaining amounts to eligible survivors.