Personal Injury
Insurance companies are notorious for not paying claims. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, a slip and fall, or were bitten by a dog, we can help you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.
We like to meet with you as soon after the incident as possible. We then have you keep a journal so that we can show the insurance company (or the jury if your case has to go to trial) how your injury has affected your life.
Insurance companies love to give claimants the "run-around" and try to pay them less than they deserve. Don't let this happen to you. See an attorney as soon as possible after your injury so he can help you protect your rights from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of personal injury cases do you handle?
- We handle auto accidents, dog bites, trip & falls and slip & falls. We are also affiliated with attorneys who handle other types of personal injury claims along with workers' compensation, social security, disability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, wrongful discharge, etc. We will be happy to refer you to one of these attorneys if you have a cause of action we do not deal with.
- How do I know if I have a claim and what should I do?
- Dog bites
- The State of Michigan has imposed strict liability for dog bites. If you have been injured by a dog bite, your injury is almost always compensable. You must be able to identify the owner of the dog.
- If you are bitten by a dog, you should immediately seek medical treatment. Be sure to take pictures of your injuries. You should also keep a journal. Describe the pain and fright. Describe how the injury is affecting your life. Did you have to miss work? Were you unable to do housework or participate in recreational activities? Keep taking pictures of your injuries as they heal and be sure to take pictures of the scars when they have healed. Keep track of follow-up visits to your physician and of all medications you were prescribed and costs you incurred. Were there any witnesses? If so, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
- See an attorney as soon as possible so that he can document your injuries and do the preliminary work-up of your claim. He will also answer your questions and help you with your journal.
- Auto Accidents
- Michigan has fairly stringent laws with regard to lawsuits for injuries sustained in auto accidents. You must have suffered a "serious impairment of a bodily function". Generally, a few aches and pains will not qualify. But if you have anything more severe, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney.
- There are two types of claims. Your First Party Claim is the claim you have against your own insurance for medical expenses, lost wages and household help. Your insurance company will usually pay these expenses without too much trouble, but if you are having a problem obtaining these benefits, your attorney can help you cut through the red tape.
- Your other cause of action is against the other driver's insurance company. This is where the "serious impairment of a bodily function" requirement comes in. If you have suffered a severe or permanent injury that cannot be adequately compensated through your first party claim, you have the option of filing suit against the other driver. Factors that need to be taken into consideration are whether the other driver was insured and who was at fault. Any award you receive will be reduced proportionately by any degree of fault on your part.
- Again, you need to take pictures and keep a journal from day one. Be sure to take pictures of your car as well. Describe the pain and fright. Describe how the injury is affecting your life. Did you have to miss work? Were you unable to do housework or participate in recreational activities? Keep taking pictures of your injuries as they heal and be sure to take pictures of the scars when they have healed. Keep track of follow-up visits to your physician and of all medications you were prescribed and costs you incurred. Were there any witnesses? If so, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
- See an attorney as soon as possible so that he can document your injuries and do the preliminary work-up of your claim. He will also answer your questions and help you with your journal.
- Slip & Fall or Trip & Fall
- If you are injured because you slipped or tripped on a hazard, you may be able to recover for your injuries and medical expenses. Generally, you have to be able to show that the property owner knew, or should have known, of the hazard. As with any injury, you need to take pictures and keep a journal from day one. Describe the pain and fright. Describe how the injury is affecting your life. Did you have to miss work? Were you unable to do housework or participate in recreational activities? Keep taking pictures of your injuries as they heal and be sure to take pictures of the scars when they have healed. Keep track of follow-up visits to your physician and of all medications you were prescribed and costs you incurred. Were there any witnesses? If so, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
- See an attorney as soon as possible so that he can document your injuries and do the preliminary work-up of your claim. He will also answer your questions and help you with your journal.
- How long does all this take?
- Contrary to what we see on all the "lawyer shows" on television, these cases do not get resolved in a few days. You don't want to even file your case until your injuries have healed so that you know exactly how you have been damaged and how much your medical and other expenses have been. You will want to know whether you have any permanent injuries that might need long term treatment so that you can be properly compensated for your future damages as well as your past damages.
- If the case can be "adjusted" with the insurance company without going to trial, this generally takes 6 to 12 months.
- If it is necessary to actually file suit, it will probably take 12 to 18 months to finish your case
- As tempting as it might be, you never want to rush your case through. It is important to take the time necessary to work up a good case and have all of your evidence in order. It is worth the time to properly prepare and present your case to give you the best chance of recovery.
Convenient Appointments Available
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Redford Twp. Office |
Novi Office |
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