Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Farmington Hills, MI

FAQs

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

  The Farmington Hills Police Department's non-emergency number is 248-871-2600.

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

  The Farmington Hills Police Department is at 31655 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. Record-related inquiries are taken at 248-871-2720.

• Can a person in Farmington Hills who waited for a neighbor to leave their property for a free swim in their pool successfully sue over a dog bite if the former was nipped at the heel while trying to escape?

  No, the dog bite victim will likely lose any lawsuit in Farmington Hills over the dog bite. Trespassing is a valid defense under applicable state laws against animal attack claims. In this case, the would-be plaintiff had no legal right to be at the neighbor's place as there was no invitation to come in, and there was a deliberate wait for the owner to leave.

• Is it possible to sue a doctor in Farmington Hills if a teen dies of lung cancer a year after his cough was misdiagnosed as bronchitis?

  Yes, it is possible to sue a doctor in Farmington Hills for wrongful death if a patient dies of lung cancer after being misdiagnosed with bronchitis. Doctors must exert due diligence when diagnosing conditions that may be more harmful than they appear. They have to check every X-ray and interpret every test result to prevent reaching the wrong conclusions, and any reckless or negligent act in this process gives cause to go to court.

• Can a former construction worker in Farmington Hills who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer sue his ex-employer from ten years ago due to asbestos exposure?

  A former construction worker in Farmington Hills who develops lung cancer after a decade of asbestos exposure may still be able to sue an ex-employer. In this case, the deadline for filing a trial court claim begins counting from the day the disease was discovered, not from the date of chemical exposure. Asbestos has also been linked to a type of lung cancer known as mesothelioma, for which there are personal injury attorneys who specialize.

• What are the damages that a personal injury claimant in Farmington Hills can obtain in court because of a bad fall?

  A personal injury claimant in Farmington Hills that has had a bad fall can claim economic damages to cover the quantifiable costs of healthcare treatments and lost income sustained while the plaintiff was recovering instead of working. Non-economic losses are compensable and include the inability to enjoy life like before the incident. For cases of gross negligence or deliberate wrongdoing, punitive damages are obtainable.

• What are the implications in Farmington Hills of being in a no-fault insurance state?

  Since Farmington Hills is in a no-fault insurance state, the implication is that insurance companies will release accident benefits regardless of who was at fault for an accident. Under these policies, victims will seek compensation from their insurers, not the defendants. However, the maximum sums payable are often subject to a cap because corporations theoretically release money more frequently and must preserve their liquidity.

• 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.