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Marko Law Firm

Personal Injury in Sterling Height, Michigan

Personal Injury Law Firm

If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence, you have the right to demand financial compensation for the losses you've suffered. But pursuing a personal injury lawsuit is no easy task. Defendants and their insurers are backed by armies of lawyers prepared to defend 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 return to their lives. If necessary, however, we assemble a litigation strategy and take the case to trial. Either way, we defend our clients from beginning to end so they can focus on getting better.

What Is Personal Injury?

The essence of a personal injury case is negligence. When another individual, business, or even a governmental agency acts irresponsibly, others can get injured. The injury is usually physical, but it can also be psychological or emotional as well. "Negligence" is a legal term that suggests failure to exercise an appropriate level 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 exclusion (such as failing to remove a known hazard from one's business property).To win a personal injury case, the victim must show that the defendant was negligent. There are four particular elements that are required under Michigan legislation:

  • Duty of care– The offender must have owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. In some cases a duty emerges out of a personal relationship between the parties, such as doctor and patient. But this isn't always necessary. For instance, 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 omissions are brought out. It also covers situations where the at-fault party breaks a law or engages in deliberate wrongdoing. Breach is usually the most contested part of a personal injury claim.
  • Causation– The offender's breach needs to really cause injury to the plaintiff. If the defendant acted negligently but didn't harm the plaintiff, this element fails.
  • Damages– These are the losses for which the plaintiff will seek financial compensation. Some of the most common damages are medical costs, 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 Case

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

  • Medical expenses– This broad category can include everything from hospital bills and prescription drugs to physical therapy and special adaptive equipment to help with a victim's day-to-day activities.
  • Lost wages– While you recuperate or are hospitalized for your injuries, you will lose time from work and, with it, possibly considerable amounts of money. You can ask a court to award you damages to cover this lost income.
  • Lost earning capacity– Your career prospects may be cut short or drastically limited after a personal injury. An expert witness can help approximate the future earnings you will miss out on as a result.
  • Pain and suffering– These damages account for the pain and psychological stress you will likely experience for some time to come. Although hard to measure, they are necessary for catastrophic injury cases.
  • Loss of enjoyment of day-to-day life– It may not be possible to appreciate your typical daily activities, hobbies, and other passions after a bad injury. These damages help compensate you for the loss.
  • Loss of consortium– This category refers to the deprivation of the benefits 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 meant to penalize the wrongful party and discourage others from engaging in similar conduct.

Are There Time Limits to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Your right to file a claim against a negligent party will not last forever. In Michigan, personal injury claims are subject to what's called a statute of limitations. This sets a deadline for plaintiffs to submit 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 begins to run when the injury takes place.However, it's best not to procrastinate taking action on your case. Witnesses' memories can diminish with time, proof will be more difficult to obtain, and you might forget vital information if you wait too long. If you or a loved one have been hurt, reach out to a committed Sterling Height personal injury lawyer.

How Can the Personal Injury Lawyers of Marko Law Assist Me?

Suing a defendant almost always means suing an insurance company, like an automobile insurer. Regardless, you can count on the offender's lawyers pushing back on your claims or making settlement offers that come nowhere close to covering your losses. You want a lawyer that not only understands Michigan personal injury law but understands how to determine a fair value for your case. At Marko Law, we've assisted numerous personal injury clients to obtain the compensation they require to recover. We will not accept unfair deals and will stand by you from beginning to end. Give us a call or complete the contact form today to get started on your claim.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Personal Injury in Sterling Height, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.

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