top of page

FAQs

Personal Injury

​

I can’t afford to hire a lawyer for my personal injury claim. What should I do?

Some personal injury lawyers only if you get paid if you get paid. In the legal profession, this is known as working on a "contingency" basis. Therefore, if your case is lost and does not result in any monetary awards, there are no attorney’s fees owed.  However, you can hire any attorney on an hourly, paid for time basis. 

​

If I am awarded a settlement, how do you get paid, and how much?

Should a judgment be awarded or your case settled out of court, the law office takes a predetermined percentage of the net recovery, regardless of our time and expense in representing you. If we agree to take your case, you would essentially pay us nothing unless a settlement or judgment is awarded on your behalf.  Ethical rulings require that the clients are responsible to reimburse for the costs advanced. 

​

How do I know if I have a winnable personal injury case?

If you have been injured or traumatized and believe it is the fault of someone else (including a company, person, or their property or pet) then you are likely to have a personal injury case.

Only a professional team with an experienced personal injury lawyer can determine whether or not you have a viable personal injury case.  We invite you to contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to examine the facts of your case and determine its validity.

​

What kind of monetary compensation can I expect to receive?

Each and every case is unique, but you may be compensated for any number of things including: all medical related expenses (including physical therapy and medication), lost wages (including overtime and potential future wages and loss of earning capacity), pain & suffering, emotional trauma, embarrassment, humiliation, and property damage. These are categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

​

How soon should I file a lawsuit?

You should contact us as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. Be sure to document the incident with police and avoid signing any statements or papers from anyone else.  And especially, do not give a statement to the other (at-fault) driver’s insurance company. 

Even if the incident happened long ago, your case may still be handled, although all cases do have a statute of limitations (the time within which you have to file the claim).

​

What happens during a personal injury lawsuit?

Your personal injury attorney will determine the unique facts of the case and will contact the legal representation of the company or person you are filing a claim against. Most personal injury cases are settled before any trial is needed.   However, to get the best result, you need an attorney who is not only prepared to try the case but also knows how to win trials. 

​

What should I do if I'm ready to seek legal advice?

Start gathering the facts and information on your case.  Take note of all the specifics of the incident including when and where the incident occurred, note potential witness lists, and call us:  (616) 451-8478.

​

I have been asked to sign a document regarding my injury, what should I do?

NEVER sign anything without proper legal counsel.  Most importantly, ALWAYS contact professional legal counsel before signing any documentation regarding your injury.

We invite you to contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case and your rights.

​

How can I tell if my lawyer has experience in trying personal injury cases?

An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to provide references and examples of cases tried and won.  Be wary of any personal injury lawyer who cannot provide examples of previous cases won and monetary damages awarded.  Also, personal injury attorneys who mass advertise often refer cases out to other attorneys for a “referral fee” and do not personally handle your case.

 

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Even if you were partly at fault for the incident, the doctrine of comparative negligence generally applies.  However, the 1986 Tort Reform Act in Michigan requires that the plaintiff (injured party) prove that the at-fault driver was over 50% at fault.  Any resulting jury verdict would be reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff’s negligence.  

bottom of page