Detroit

Detroit Attorneys Knowledgeable in Injury Claims

Detroit is the most populous city in the state of Michigan. Located in Wayne County, it is home to 5.3 million people, making it the 14th-most populous metropolitan area in the United States. One of the most popular spots in the city is the Detroit International Riverfront, which includes a cruise ship passenger terminal, a dock, a marina, parks, restaurants, retail shops, and notable skyscrapers, such as the Renaissance Center. While many people go about their daily lives without incident, others may get hurt because someone else failed to use the appropriate care. If you or someone close to you was harmed in an avoidable accident, it is important to seek the help of a Detroit injury lawyer at the Neumann Law Group. We can handle all types of personal injury claims, ranging from car accidents and medical malpractice to slip and falls, nursing home negligence, construction accidents, and product liability lawsuits.

Seeking Compensation for an Accident in Michigan

Individuals and businesses have an obligation to use reasonable care in their actions in order to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others. When this obligation is disregarded, and an accident results, the individual or business responsible likely will be deemed negligent. Reasonable care is the standard in most ordinary negligence claims, and it is defined as how a prudent person would act in the same or similar circumstances. As a result, what is reasonable will vary depending on the facts of each situation.

Michigan’s Fault Allocation System

Of importance to motor vehicle collision victims is the fact that Michigan is a “no fault” insurance state. This means that you can potentially receive insurance benefits even if you were at fault for causing a car accident. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, you may file a claim against that driver despite having “no fault” insurance. This type of claim is often referred to as a “third-party” claim. Under Michigan law, a third-party claim is allowed for non-economic damages like pain and suffering if a victim has suffered death, a serious impairment of body function, or a permanent serious disfigurement.

Michigan follows the legal doctrine of modified comparative negligence. This is a way to divide fault among each party involved in a lawsuit, if more than one party was responsible. Under the doctrine, a plaintiff’s recovery may be reduced by a percentage proportionate to his or her own negligence. However, a plaintiff still may seek damages from the defendant for the part of the accident that was the defendant’s fault. For example, if the plaintiff is deemed to be 30 percent at fault, he or she may be able to recover up to 70 percent of his or her total damages.

Under Michigan’s modified comparative fault system, a plaintiff may only collect “economic damages” from a defendant in an accident where the plaintiff is more than 50% at fault. Economic damages that could be associated with a Michigan personal injury case may include medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, funeral and burial expenses, home modifications and assistive devices, and transportation services, as well as the cost of a home care attended to help the victim perform basic tasks, if needed.

Under state law, a plaintiff may not collect “non-economic” damages from any defendant in an accident case in which the plaintiff is more than 50% at fault. With this in mind, it is important for an injured party to seek legal counsel early in the claim process to ensure that all damage types are pursued where applicable. Non-economic damages that could be associated with a Michigan personal injury or wrongful death claim may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of reputation, inconvenience, and grief and sorrow.

Contact an Experienced Injury Lawyer in Detroit

At the Neumann Law Group, our Detroit injury attorneys have years of experience representing accident victims in virtually all types of personal injury claims. You can rest assured that we can aggressively pursue the damages that you deserve for your harm. We understand that legal action is the last thing you may want to think about after an accident, but we will try to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Our lawyers are also available to represent people who need a criminal defense attorney or representation in real estate, estate planning, family law, collections, or mediation matters throughout our communities served. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us toll-free at (800) 525-6386.