Civil Dispute & Personal Injury Attorneys in Livonia, MI
Accident victims are often left in a vulnerable state. The law has ways to help them recover and pay for their medical bills, but there are many roadblocks that stand in the way.
In a wrongful death claim, emotions run high. In a car accident case, dealing with an aggressive insurance company can be intimidating. In a medical malpractice case, your concerns might be brushed aside or you may not know what the law entitles you to collect.
For all of these issues and more, Creighton McLean & Shea, PLC is here to guide you to victory with the patience, compassion, and dedicated advocacy you deserve.
If you or your loved one has been injured due to someone else’s reckless actions, you don't have to cope alone. At Creighton McLean & Shea, our personal injury attorneys in Livonia, MI are committed to helping our clients get their lives back on track. Don't add more stress to your plate during this trying time; leave the lawsuits in our hands and focus on recovering.
To connect with a local Livonia, Michigan lawyer you can depend on, call (734) 270-6513 and get a free consultation.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are many advantages to having an experienced civil dispute attorney on your side. Creighton McLean & Shea, PLC has a strong civil litigation and personal injury practice focused on helping those who have suffered harm at the hands of another. The extensive experience of our attorneys makes us well-equipped to handle a broad range of civil matters. Our expertise will help make these situations less complicated and stressful for our clients.
If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer in the Livonia, MI area, the Creighton McLean & Shea law firm is here to help. Typical services we provide include:
- Filing paperwork and insurance claims
- Obtaining, organizing, and evaluating medical records
- Gathering critical evidence
- Meeting deadlines
- Obtaining witness testimony from expert witnesses
- Calculating damages and maximizing settlement amount
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing clients in court if and when a case goes to trial
Enjoy personalized service from a firm with an established reputation. We invite you to view our testimonials or reach out now for a free consultation. We represent individuals and businesses in Livonia and surrounding Michigan communities and we are prepared to discuss your legal needs with you today.
Resolving Your Personal Injury Claim or Civil Dispute
A civil case is a legal dispute between two or more parties. It begins when a plaintiff and/or their lawyer files a complaint against a defendant and demands compensation for harm that has been caused. Personal injury law encompasses auto accidents, workplace accidents, nursing home abuse or neglect, premises liability/slip and fall accidents, animal attacks, defective products, medical malpractice, and more. Other civil disputes may involve damaged property, debt collection, child custody, contract breaches, shareholder oppression, landlord/tenant issues, and more.
Personal injury settlements are intended to cover the costs of a plaintiff's injury caused by a defendant's behaviors. In these cases, the defendant’s negligence and liability for the plaintiff’s injuries must be definitively proven in order for the plaintiff to qualify for recovery. The four elements of negligence are:
- Duty of care: Did the defendant owe a duty of care to prevent harm to the plaintiff?
- Breach of duty of care: Did the defendant breach that duty by behaving recklessly?
- Causation: Were the defendant’s actions the direct cause of the harm sustained by the plaintiff?
- Suffering/Damages: Did the plaintiff suffer damages that deserve compensation from the defendant?
How is all of this proven? Civil litigation is often extremely complex, and Creighton McLean & Shea, PLC is prepared to help you understand the full scope of the situation. There are rights that need to be protected for everyone involved in civil disputes, and our experience representing parties on both sides of these situations allows us to develop a proactive strategy on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Preparation is the key to success in any personal injury claim or civil dispute. We investigate the nature of the dispute and work closely with our clients to ensure that we fully understand the scope of the case. This prepares our legal team to support your position and present the strongest possible argument on your behalf.
Going to court can be intimidating. The majority of civil cases settle before ever making it to the courtroom, but keep in mind a trial can allow you to assert your rights and provide you with a formal result. With the dedicated advocacy of Creighton McLean & Shea, PLC, litigation can work to your advantage. We prioritize protecting your interests and will not hesitate to go to court on your behalf.
We also know that civil litigation can be costly and time-consuming, which is why our firm will help you explore the possibility of alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration or mediation. These options can help resolve a contract dispute quickly and directly so that you can get back to your life as soon as possible. Our expert attorneys will help you decide whether a courtroom or arbitration table is best for your situation and support you throughout the entire process.
Compensation for Personal Injury Cases
Most civil cases do not result in prison sentences. Instead, plaintiffs will sue defendants for an amount of money that reflects the amount of loss they have suffered. In a personal injury case, this monetary compensation is known as "damages." The losses from the accident are divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are tangible financial losses you can prove. This includes things like your medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic losses are more abstract, such as the emotional pain and suffering an accident victim endures. Damage caps also apply.
The amount of money you get from a personal injury varies widely according to the type and severity of injury or loss you have suffered. Most personal injury cases allow financial recovery for the following:
- Past medical expenses, such as doctor visits and hospital bills
- Future medical expenses, such as physical therapy
- Pain and suffering/mental and emotional trauma
- Lost or damaged property
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death, if applicable
Michigan Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
Did you know there is a time limit on when you can collect money from a personal injury case? This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and if time runs out, you may be unable to collect any money.
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Michigan is three years after the death or injury occurred. If more than three years have passed, you may not be entitled to any damages.
Three years may seem like a long time, but the sooner you can get started building your case, the better your chances will be. Don't delay; call a Livonia, MI attorney from Creighton McLean & Shea now to explore your legal options.
Comparative Negligence in Michigan
Even if you are partially at fault for causing an accident, Michigan's comparative negligence rules may still allow you to recover partial damages.
The state of Michigan uses a "modified comparative fault" rule. This means that if it is determined that you are less than 50% at fault for the accident you were involved in, your amount of compensation will be reduced by that amount. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not be entitled to any money.
Need an example? Imagine you are driving slightly over the speed limit when another driver zooms through a red light and T-bones you. You are injured, but because you were also breaking the speed limit, you are found to be 15% at fault for the accident. If your hospital bills and other damages cost $50,000, the settlement award would be reduced by 15% and you could only collect a maximum of $42,500.
No-Fault Car Insurance Laws in Michigan
The "no-fault" system means that in most accidents, each person's auto insurance covers medical bills and certain other out-of-pocket losses, regardless of who was actually at fault for the accident.
Due to this, Michigan law prevents you from going to court after a car accident except in extreme cases. In order to file a lawsuit against the other driver, a car accident victim must have suffered death, serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of a bodily function with strong evidence to back it up.
Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Michigan
In many states, pet owners can avoid liability the first time their dog injures someone if they didn't know the dog was dangerous. This is often referred to as the "one bite" rule. In the state of Michigan, however, a specific statute (Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 287.351) renders the pet owner "strictly liable" regardless of the animal's past behavior. Specifically, the law states:
"If a dog bites a person, without provocation while the person is on public property, or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, the owner of the dog shall be liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."
Personal Injury Attorney FAQs
Need Guidance from a Personal Injury Lawyer or Civil Litigation Lawyer? Call Creighton McLean & Shea
When an accident happens, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Trust your future to Livonia’s oldest and most experienced law firm. We've been delivering fair legal outcomes since 1945, and today we are ready to lead you to victory.
In addition to civil litigation and personal injury matters, we also handle the following legal issues:
- Wills & Trusts
- Business Law
- Criminal Defense
- Divorce & Family Law
- Partnership Disputes
- Probate & Trust Administration
We understand that when you choose to call a lawyer, you may be facing one of the most stressful situations of your life. We’re here to ease that burden, providing you with expert legal counsel, fierce representation, and genuine partnership throughout the entire process. With thorough knowledge of Michigan law and years of experience handling a variety of cases in Livonia, Plymouth, Farmington Hills, Novi, Canton, and more, we are prepared to fight for your rights.
If your life has been turned upside down by someone else's carelessness, hope is here. Call our law firm for a free consultation to find out more about our legal services and representation.
