Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sterling Heights

FAQs

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

  The Sterling Heights Police Department's non-emergency number is 586-446-2800.

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

  You must submit the Freedom of Information Act request form to shpdfoia@sterling-heights.net to receive a copy of a police report without visiting the police station. You will receive your copy within the next five business days if the report is available. You can also submit a request in person by visiting the Records Bureau window by 4:15 p.m.

• How do you establish responsibility in a Sterling Heights slip and fall case?

  To establish negligence in a slip-and-fall case, you have to show that the defendant was negligent and caused the dangerous conditions that led to your injury. Insurance companies will attempt to make it appear as though you contributed to the accident to deny or reduce your claim. It is best to get help from a Sterling Heights slip-and-fall lawyer who will help investigate the case and collect evidence showing someone else was irresponsible for your injuries.

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

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Sterling Heights is three years. Regardless of whether the case is founded on the "negligence" liability theory or an intentional tort, it applies to many personal injury actions. Victims risk having their cases dismissed and losing their chance to receive compensation for their injuries if they fail to file a claim within the allotted time.

• How long do you have to file for a dog bite case in Sterling Heights?

  There is a time limit for filing a claim against the responsible party, like in other personal injury lawsuits. You have three years from the date of the dog bite or attack in Sterling Heights to file a civil claim in court against the responsible party accountable for the injury, which is the dog owner.

• Can you file a lawsuit in Sterling Heights for injuries sustained while participating in a recreational activity?

  Yes. You are eligible to file a case depending on the circumstances and location of the harm in Sterling Heights. However, Michigan's Recreational Land Use Act reduces landowner responsibility for injuries to encourage public recreational use. If the wounded person was not paying to be on the property or participate in a recreational activity, the landowner is not liable under the Act. Liability protection only applies if the owner's severe negligence or willful misbehavior caused the injury.

• Can you pursue a lawsuit in Sterling Heights if your child was injured by an unsafe toy?

  Yes. If you and your child were injured by a defective toy or harmful children's product in Sterling Heights, your family is entitled to compensation for damages. These include medical expenses, missed wages, and other inconveniences. Most toy-related injuries are lacerations, contusions, abrasions, and fractures, which account for more than half of all injuries.

• 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.