Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer

The process of filing a personal injury claim can be complex, but it typically starts with the same first step: identifying the correct defendant. In Michigan, this may be another driver in a car crash, a property owner in a slip and fall incident, a motorcycle accident, or a medical malpractice case where you think the hospital is at fault. Once the correct defendant has been identified, the next step is to gather evidence and build a strong case. This may involve collecting medical records, eyewitness statements, and other documentation. By taking these steps, victims of negligence can help ensure that they are able to recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.

When you are in an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your legal options. However, there are some basic steps you can take to begin building your case. The first and most important thing is to seek medical treatment for your injuries. Get to the hospital right away so that your injuries can be diagnosed and you can begin the process of recovery. If you wait to seek treatment, it could give the insurance company reason to dispute your claim. In addition, be sure to keep all documentation related to your injuries and treatment, as this will be important evidence in your case. By taking these basic steps, you can help ensure that you have a strong case when you consult with an attorney.

If you are able, you should try to collect evidence at the scene. This may include taking pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened. If you have a smartphone, you could use it to take pictures or record a video of the scene. This evidence can be extremely helpful later on, so it is important to try to gather as much as you can. 

File an accident report with the proper authority. An accident report serves as an official record of the accident and can help to link your injury to the accident. The report can also be used to support any insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits that may result from the accident.

Here are damages that may be recoverable in a personal injury case include:

• Medical treatment – The cost of medical care can be staggering after an accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses. This could include the cost of medical care associated with the accident and reimbursement for treatment you have received, along with the estimated cost of future care.
• Loss of income – If you miss time from work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages as part of your personal injury claim. Likewise, if your injuries cause long-term damage that affects your ability to earn a living, you may be able to seek compensation for future lost earnings.
• Property damage – One thing you may not be thinking about is how to get compensated for any property damage. If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you might be able to get reimbursed for repairs or fair market value.
• Pain and suffering – This could include compensation for the physical pain and serious discomfort you have experienced during and since the accident.
• Emotional distress – You may be able to claim damages for the psychological impact of your injury. This can include anxiety, depression, fear, sleep loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The amount of compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long they last.
• Loss of enjoyment – If your injury has left you unable to participate in the things you love, you may be able to recover compensation for loss of enjoyment. This type of damages is intended to reimburse you for the ways in which your injury has diminished your quality of life.
• Loss of consortium – These damages refer to the impact your injuries have had on your relationship with a spouse or partner. This can include loss of companionship, love, affection, and emotional support.
• Exemplary damages – These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter future similar behavior. Unlike punitive damages in other states, these damages are connected to specific losses suffered by the victim, such as mental anguish, humiliation or outrage. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim for their losses; rather, they are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter future similar behavior.

When you are involved in an accident, you may be left with significant injuries and property damage. If someone else’s negligence is the responsible party and caused the accident, you might be able to recover damages from the liable party. However, it is important to note that Michigan follows a comparative negligence standard. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. 

The amount of your recovery will be reduced by your degree of fault, but as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault, you will be able to obtain some compensation. If you are 50 percent or more at fault, though, you will be barred from recovering any damages. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer who can help assess your case and determine your best course of action.

Anyone who has been injured in an accident in Michigan will want to know about the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This is because the statute of limitations sets a specific time limit for taking legal action. Missing the deadline will normally result in the court dismissing the case, unless there is an exception that extends the filing deadline.

The standard time limit is three years from the date of the injury or death. This includes motor vehicle collisions (cars, trucks and motorcycles), boat accidents, dog bites, brain injuries and nursing home abuse. The three year deadline also applies to injuries caused by a dangerous or defective product (product liability claims) or if an accident results in the unexpected death of a loved one (wrongful death claims).

In most cases, if you’ve been injured by a doctor or other medical professional, you have just two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, there are various exceptions to this deadline. For example, if the injury victim was legally insane at the time of the accident, or if the injury victim is a minor under the age of 18, the deadline may be extended. Additionally, if a government employee or entity is involved, you may have a different deadline. It’s important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to determine the applicable deadline in your case.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees for our services. You only pay if and when you obtain compensation via a settlement or verdict. This means that you can get the legal representation you need without having to worry about paying expensive hourly rates. 

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident can take, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collect evidence and witness statements, hire experts as needed, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. We will also advise you on how to proceed during each phase of the legal process and work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement for the damages you have suffered. You should not have to bear the burden of this experience alone, and we are here to help you every step of the way.