If someone else’s actions hurt you, you might be seriously injured and unable to work. You may worry about how to pay for all those medical bills, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs you’ve experienced. A personal injury claim can give you options for recovering financial compensation to cover your losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Michigan?
You must act fast if you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Michigan, you have a deadline, or statute of limitations, on personal injury cases. Under Michigan Complied Laws (MCL) 600.5805, you must file a lawsuit within three years after the date of injury or death (for a wrongful death claim).
However, if your claim stems from medical malpractice, you only have two years to file a lawsuit. There are other limits if your personal injury claim is based on criminal-type acts, such as assault or battery.
This might sound like a lot of time, but it’s not. Your personal injury lawyer will need time to investigate your case and determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. Then, it can take months to develop your case. It’s essential to call an attorney as soon as you can and get started with an initial consultation to learn about your options.
Steps for Filing Your Personal Injury Claim
When you decide to file a personal injury claim, you must take several steps to give yourself the best chance of recovering the maximum compensation possible.
Document and Investigate Your Injury
You should work with your personal injury lawyer to investigate your accident and determine exactly what happened. You will need to know who was at fault and whether negligence or reckless actions were involved. This will require talking to eyewitnesses, obtaining police reports, and taking pictures and video of the accident scene.
Make sure you document all your injuries and how they impact your life. Keep medical records, including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging. You can keep an injury or pain journal that details your medical treatment and how your symptoms affect your everyday life.
Negotiate a Settlement or File a Lawsuit
Most personal injury claims end in a settlement. This is the most efficient outcome for everyone. It keeps your costs low and allows you to collect enough money to cover all your losses.
However, if the other person or their insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement agreement, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Often, this lets the other party know that you mean business, and they will be encouraged to attempt settlement again.
If you cannot settle, you may have to go to trial and get a jury verdict to obtain compensation for your damages.
A Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
Working with a personal injury lawyer throughout the settlement negotiation and lawsuit process is essential. A personal injury claim requires in-depth legal knowledge and understanding of local court procedures. You need someone by your side to help you navigate the system.
Your Detroit personal injury attorney can communicate with the insurance companies and at-fault parties. They will also conduct a full investigation to find evidence to support your case. Your attorney can draft legal documents, handle court hearings and depositions, and take your case to trial, if necessary.
Call Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC For Help with Your Claim
You don’t have to wade through a personal injury claim alone. Instead, contact an experienced attorney who will handle your case from start to finish. When you call Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we will listen to your story, evaluate your situation, and help you choose what steps to take next.
Call us today at 313-462-7979 or contact us online for a consultation.