Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Dearborn, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Dearborn, Michigan?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Dearborn Police Department is 313-943-2241.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Dearborn, Michigan?

  Copies of police reports for incidents related to personal injury cases in Dearborn can be obtained in person from the Dearborn Police Department, located at 16099 Michigan Avenue. Citizens can also avail of police report copies online at http://cityofdearborn.org/services/public-safety/obtain-accident-reports-or-crime-records.

• Where can the injured file personal injury claims in Dearborn?

  Dearborn residents can file a personal injury claim for less than $25,000 at the Dearborn Courthouse, which is located in the 19th District Court. Meanwhile, the Civil Division of the Third Judicial Circuit Court at 2 Woodward Avenue considers claims worth more than $25,000. These are lawsuits filed when insurance companies fail to provide a reasonable settlement.

• Is an affidavit of merit required for the filing of medical malpractice claims in Dearborn?

  Yes. According to Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.2169, medical malpractice proceedings in Dearborn must be accompanied by an affidavit of merit. To establish that the injury claim is based on valid grounds, this affidavit must be supplied by a medical practitioner with the same skillset and experience as the defendant.

• What types of personal injury cases in Dearborn do not require proof of negligence?

  The courts do not require Dearborn residents who have been injured by defective products to demonstrate negligence. They only need to demonstrate that a certain product has a defect. Proof of negligence or intent is also not required in personal injury claims related to dog bites, according to M.C.L.A. Section 287.351. Michigan’s strict liability law applies in both cases.

• Can pedestrians without auto insurance in Dearborn make a non-fault benefits claim?

  Yes, Dearborn pedestrians who do not have car insurance can still file a no-fault claim. They can also sue for pain and suffering against at-fault drivers and insurance companies. Meanwhile, certain criteria are in place to determine which vehicle insurance company is responsible for paying no-fault benefits, such as hospital bills and missed wages.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Dearborn?

  According to Michigan Legislature Section 600.5805, victims of negligence-related incidents in Dearborn have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, the time required to initiate personal injury claims against negligent parties may vary based on the facts of the case. In some circumstances, the statute of limitations may begin when harm is discovered rather than when the incident happened.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.