Michigan Personal Injury Laws

Michigan Personal Injury Laws

Personal injury can leave you hurt and suffering, without the tools you need for recovery. When it comes to personal injury law, you need someone to help you sort out your case and walk you through the complex Michigan personal injury laws.

An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer with Pazner Law can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our team understands the laws you may be subject to and can guide you to the compensation you’re due. 

Compensation for Personal Injury

If you have suffered from a personal injury, you could be entitled to compensation. Michigan allows the recovery of both economic and non-economic losses suffered. All of this would be at the expense of the party responsible for the suffering. However, you should understand what type of loss you have suffered before entering the courtroom with our team.

Economic Damages 

Economic losses are losses that result in monetary loss, such as the totaling of a car or a lengthy hospital stay. This may result in extensive loss of money, whether you must buy a new car, car parts, or pay for your injuries. Examples of economic losses include:

  • Loss or damage to personal property
  • Medical bills 
  • Loss of income

These damages may not stop in the aftermath of the accident. You may be unable to work for a long time or for life, and your injuries may require years of care to overcome. Your lawyer can help you estimate the costs of these damages and get the funds you’re due for your injuries. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic losses involve a loss that does not have a monetary value, such as emotional trauma. Deciding on non-monetary damages can be more complex, which is where your lawyer can step in. These may include:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Disfigurement or scarring

It is important to know what type of damage you may be compensated for if you plan to pursue legal action. Your lawyer can offer the tools you need to correctly calculate your damages, which can be vital for non-financial losses like these. 

Punitive Damages 

In some cases, you may even be due punitive damages. These damages aren’t part of the compensation that covers your losses. These damages instead punish the negligent party, in hopes of deterring future negligent actions. 

Typically, these damages are only available to those who suffered due to gross negligence or intentional actions. For example, if the at-fault party was just careless in a reasonable manner, you may not be due these damages. If the other party intended to harm you or was doing something reckless, like driving under the influence, you may have grounds for punitive damages. 

Michigan’s Statute of Limitations 

According to the state’s statute of limitations, victims typically have a maximum of three years after their accident to file a claim. Though it may seem like plenty of time, you will want to chat with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

That’s because you may have less time than you think, depending on your claim type. For example, medical malpractice victims may have less time than other injury victims. Talk to your lawyer about your time limits before you act. If you don’t, your claim may be dismissed before you receive compensation. 

Proving Negligence

Michigan personal injury cases are determined by proving negligence, which determines that a defendant’s negligence directly caused the victim’s injuries. To obtain damages, the following must be met when proving negligence:

  • The defendant owed the victim a duty to prevent or warn and the defendant failed to meet the duty
  • The victim was not injured because of their own actions
  • The defendant’s failure resulted in injury
  • The victim sustained injury and suffered a loss

For a case such as a malpractice claim, a doctor is held to a different standard than the average person. Health care workers are legally allowed to practice and employ procedures when it comes to treating a person’s suffering. You must also send a notice of intention to file a claim ahead of filing the claim.

Take on Your Personal Injury Case with a Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. Don’t let your uncertainty keep you from speaking out and getting the compensation you deserve. Experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers with Pazner Law are here to help you.

Are you ready to speak to a lawyer? We’re here to help you take your case to the next level. To get started, call 313-822-2244 or fill out the online contact form on the page.