Ludington

Experienced Injury Attorneys Serving the Ludington Area

A harbor town in Mason County, Ludington attracts people throughout the year for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Stearns Park Beach, Hamlin Lake Beach, and Ludington State Park Beach are some of the most popular beaches in the area. Some of its other attractions include the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, the Mason County District Library, and several lighthouses. While most people enjoy these activities without incident, others may be unexpectedly hurt because someone else acted carelessly. If you find yourself in these unfortunate circumstances, the compassionate Ludington injury lawyers at the Neumann Law Group can help. Our firm handles virtually all types of personal injury cases, including those arising from motor vehicle collisions, defective products, slip and falls, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice.

Pursuing Damages After an Accident through a Negligence Claim

When someone else’s careless actions hurt you, you can usually take legal action against them through a negligence claim. In general terms, negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, which can occur through an action or a failure to act. A person or business fails to use reasonable care when he or she fails to behave as a prudent person would behave under the same circumstances. Thus, what is reasonable will vary depending on the facts of the case. In order to establish negligence, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant failed to use reasonable care and that these actions were the direct cause of the plaintiff’s harm and the resulting damages.

In some cases, negligence is presumed when a defendant violates a certain statute or regulation that is intended to protect the public safety. For example, a drunk driver who causes a crash has violated the Michigan DUI law. In this type of situation, the negligence per se principle arises. When it applies, the defendant’s actions are presumed to have violated the duty of care. Thus, the only remaining elements to prove in a negligence claim are causation and damages.

If someone in your family has tragically lost his or her life because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that is filed directly by the estate or family of the deceased person. Under Michigan law, this type of claim is appropriate when a death is “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another.” A wide range of damages may be available in these claims, some of which are based on damages that the victim could have pursued had he or she survived the accident, while others are based on losses suffered by family members who relied on the victim for companionship and support.

It;s good to know that there’s a specific time frame, termed the statute of limitations, within which personal injury and wrongful death claims must be submitted. According to Michigan law, a personal injury claim needs to be filed within three years of the accident. Similarly, a wrongful death action must be initiated within three years of the date of the individual’s passing. Failing to file the case within this designated period typically results in the case not being considered. To ensure that the proper deadlines are met, accident victims should consult with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs.

Explore Your Options with an Injury Lawyer in Ludington

If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a knowledgeable lawyer who can fight for your right to compensation. At the Neumann Law Group, our Ludington injury attorneys have years of experience in this area of the law. We can carefully analyze the facts of your case and vigorously pursue compensation on your behalf. Kelly Neumann has been able to obtain seven-figure verdicts and settlements for many of the people whom she has represented. Our firm also can represent people who need a criminal defense attorney or guidance in a real estate, estate planning, family law, collections, or mediations matter. We accept cases throughout our Michigan with our Detroit, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids offices, and we also serve clients in other communities served out of offices in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us toll-free at (800) 525-6386.