Marko Law – Personal Injury Law Firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to ask for financial compensation for the losses you’ve endured. But seeking a personal injury lawsuit is no simple task. Defendants and their insurance providers are backed by armies of lawyers prepared to protect their clients. Who’s looking out for you?

At Marko Law, we fight for personal injury victims. Where possible, we resolve cases out of court so our clients can get back to their lives. If necessary, however, we assemble a litigation strategy and take the case to court. Either way, we stand by our clients from beginning to end so they can concentrate on getting better.

What Is Personal Injury?

The essence of a personal injury claim is negligence. When another individual, business, or even a governmental agency acts irresponsibly, others can get injured. The injury is typically physical, but it can also be psychological or emotional as well.

“Negligence” is a legal term that suggests a failure to exercise a proper degree of care under the circumstances. Another way of putting it is failing to behave as a reasonably sensible individual would. Negligence can be displayed through someone’s actions (like speeding or driving intoxicated) or through an omission (such as failing to remove a known hazard from one’s business property).

To win a personal injury case, the victim must prove that the defendant was negligent. There are four particular components that are required under Michigan law:

• Duty of care– The offender must have owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. In some cases, a duty arises out of a personal relationship between the individuals, such as doctor and patient. But this isn’t always required. For example, when you drive on a highway, you owe a duty to other drivers not to be careless.
• Breach– Next, the plaintiff needs to demonstrate that the offender breached the duty of care. This is where the defendant’s negligent acts and/or exclusions are highlighted. It also covers circumstances where the at-fault party breaks a law or engages in deliberate wrongdoing. The breach is usually the most contested part of a personal injury case.
• Causation– The defendant’s breach needs to actually result in injury to the plaintiff. If the defendant acted negligently but didn’t hurt the plaintiff, this aspect fails.
• Damages– These are the losses for which the plaintiff will demand financial compensation. Some of the most common damages are medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The nature and amount of damages are fiercely disputed in most personal injury cases.

Potential Damages In A Personal Injury Lawsuit

The objective of a personal injury lawsuit is to make the plaintiff whole through financial compensation. This compensation is known as damages, and some examples are:

• Medical expenses– This broad category can consist of everything from hospital bills and prescription medications to physical therapy and unique adaptive equipment to assist with a victim’s daily activities.
• Lost wages– While you recover or are hospitalized for your injuries, you will lose time from work and, with it, potentially considerable amounts of money. You can ask a court to award you damages to cover this lost income.
• Lost earning capacity– Your occupational prospects might be cut short or significantly limited after a personal injury. An expert witness can help estimate the future earnings you will lose out on as a result.
• Pain and suffering– These damages account for the pain and psychological trauma you will likely experience for some time to come. Although hard to measure, they are necessary for catastrophic injury cases.
• Loss of pleasure in everyday life– It may not be possible to enjoy your regular day-to-day activities, hobbies, and other interests after a bad injury. These damages help compensate you for the loss.
• Loss of consortium– This category refers to the deprivation of the advantages of a family relationship. It includes the loss of support, society, friendship, and sexual relationship between partners brought on by the injury.
• Punitive (exemplary) damages– In rare cases, an at-fault party can be subject to punitive damages. These are intended to penalize the wrongful party and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

Are There Time Limits To File A Personal Injury Claim?

Your right to sue a negligent party will not last forever. In Michigan, personal injury cases are subject to what’s called a statute of limitations. This sets a deadline for plaintiffs to file their claims before they lose the right to do so. For a personal injury, the statute of limitations is two years. In most cases, the clock starts to run when the injury takes place.

However, it’s best not to delay taking action on your claim. Witnesses’ memories can fade with time, a proof will be more difficult to obtain, and you could fail to remember vital details if you wait too long. If you or a loved one have been hurt, reach out to a committed Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer.

How Can the Personal Injury Attorneys of Marko Law Help Me?

Suing a defendant almost always means using an insurance company, like a motor vehicle insurer. Regardless, you can count on the offender’s lawyers pushing back on your claims or making settlement offers that come nowhere near to covering your losses. You want an attorney that not only knows Michigan personal injury law but knows how to establish a reasonable value for your case.

At Marko Law, we’ve assisted countless personal injury clients to obtain the compensation they need to recuperate. We won’t accept unfair deals and will defend you from beginning to end. Give us a call or fill out the contact form today to get started on your claim.

Get In Touch With Marko Law Firm Today to Obtain a Free Assessment

If you are ready to begin with your personal injury case, then get in touch with Marko Law today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your losses. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to receive a free consultation from a personal injury lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.