Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Flint, MI

FAQs

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

  The Flint Police Department front desk takes routine calls at 810-237-6800.

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

  The police department's records may be requested through a public information request with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, which can be contacted at 810-257-3422 or 810-257-3406.

• What are the essential elements of personal injury claims in Flint?

  Personal injury claims in Flint and elsewhere must have four basic elements. The defendant must have a duty of care towards the plaintiff, which may be based on transactions like that between patients and doctors or law as with motorists and pedestrians. This duty must be breached because of a deliberate or reckless act. The negligent or deliberate act must cause the plaintiff's injuries. Then damages are paid out to compensate for the harm suffered.

• Why do personal injury law firms operating in Flint keep harping on about mesothelioma?

  Personal injury lawyers in Flint cover mesothelioma cases because this is a specific kind of lung cancer tied to asbestos inhalation. Asbestos has been very widely used over the past decades to construct houses. As a result, many laborers in the building industry were exposed to the substance and subsequently developed tumors.

• May a dog owner in Flint assert in an animal attack suit that the canine had previously shown no history of vicious behavior?

  No, dog owners in Flint cannot use the defense that the animal had previously never shown any vicious tendencies. The law strictly imposes liability on pet owners if their canine bites other people for any reason. There are two defenses allowed: that the victim was trespassing or the dog was provoked.

• What is the impact on a nursing home neglect suit if a patient in Flint had a pre-existing condition?

  A personal injury claimant from Flint with a nursing home neglect case might obtain fewer damages if a pre-existing condition existed. The harm suffered by the victim should be causally linked to the negligence of the caregivers, and a pre-existing condition muddies the waters because it might be possible that the cause of the harm was the condition and not the neglect.

• Will a manufacturer of a hair dryer who sells the product in Flint be sued if there are no warning labels indicating that it must be turned off after ten minutes of use due to excessive heat?

  Yes. If burn injuries happen because a hair dryer sold in Flint had no warning labels about excessive heat production, a product liability suit is possible against the manufacturer. The makers of products sold on the market must place sufficient warning signs about their items' proper use and potential hazards. Marketers and salespersons might also be on the hook if an element of deception was involved.

• 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.