Kalamazoo Personal Injury Attorneys

Your first and only concern immediately following an accident is to receive any emergency treatment necessary to care for your injuries. But what happens after that? How will you pay for your medical bills? How will you be able to work? Resolving these issues is our job. Our Kalamazoo personal injury attorneys understand the toll sustaining an injury and dealing with the aftermath of that injury can be. Not just on you but on your family as well.

At Willis Law, our team have significant experience handling even the most complex and serious personal injury cases and have a history of obtaining the best outcome possible. From car collisions to medical malpractice our experienced Kalamazoo personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for you and your family! At Willis Law, located in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, our primary goal is to provide outstanding client service that gets the results our clients need.

Our firm was built on a Christian model of service that requires us to be dedicated advocates who are available when our clients have any questions or concerns. In fact, in most situations, you will receive your attorney's cellphone and home phone numbers so he or she can best serve your needs.

What is Personal Injury?

A personal injury lawsuit is a legal case filed by an individual (plaintiff) who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. The purpose of such a lawsuit is to seek compensation (damages) for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

Some of the personal injury cases our firm handles include:

• Car Accidents: Car accidents occur when a driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, leads to a crash. Victims can file a claim to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Truck Accidents: Accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the vehicle's size and weight. Liability may rest with the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer if negligence, such as driver fatigue or mechanical failure, is involved.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents frequently cause serious injuries since riders lack the protection of a car. These accidents may result from reckless drivers, hazardous road conditions, or defective motorcycle parts.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents happen when a vehicle strikes a person walking, often due to speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving. Because pedestrians have little protection, these accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries.
• Catastrophic Injuries: These are life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, or amputations, that significantly impact a victim’s ability to function. They often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation.
• Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence, such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or improper treatment, causes harm to a patient. Victims may seek compensation for additional medical costs, lost income, and suffering.
• Construction Accidents: Injuries on construction sites can result from falls, equipment failures, or unsafe working conditions. While workers' compensation covers some claims, lawsuits can also be filed against negligent third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors.
• Wrongful Death: A wrongful death lawsuit is filed when someone dies due to another’s negligence or misconduct. Surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional distress.

Michigan Personal Injury Laws Overview

Michigan personal injury laws are designed to protect individuals who suffer harm due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These laws allow victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a plaintiff can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If they are found partially responsible, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations

Michigan law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning lawsuits must be filed within a specific time frame. Generally, victims have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, exceptions exist, such as for medical malpractice cases, where victims may have additional time if the injury was not immediately discoverable. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines, often requiring notice within six months of the injury.

No-Fault Car Accident Laws

Michigan operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning that after a car accident, injured parties must first turn to their own insurance provider for compensation, regardless of who caused the crash. This Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services. However, victims can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and excess medical expenses if they suffer a serious impairment of body function, permanent disfigurement, or death.

Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases

In Michigan, personal injury victims may recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other tangible financial losses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, but these are rare.

Medical Malpractice and Special Requirements

Medical malpractice claims in Michigan have additional legal requirements. Before filing a lawsuit, the plaintiff must provide a Notice of Intent to Sue at least 182 days before filing the claim. Additionally, an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert must accompany the lawsuit, verifying that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the patient’s injury.

Wrongful Death Claims

When an individual dies due to another party’s negligence, their family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Michigan law allows surviving spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and other dependents to seek damages for medical bills, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Like other personal injury cases, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within three years from the date of death.

Contact Our Firm Today!

Anyone who has suffered a serious injury deserves to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kalamazoo, MI on his or her side. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can hold those accountable for their actions and obtain the compensation you need to replace lost wages, cover medical bills and pay for additional costs that may arise down the road.

Please schedule a free initial consultation today to discuss your situation at your convenience and learn how our attorneys can help. You may call our office at (888) 461-7744 or you may contact our Michigan personal injury lawyers online.