Detroit Personal Injury Lawyers

GOODMAN ACKER. GOOD DECISION.

Accidents happen — it’s one of the first things we learn in life. Some accidents, however, are more serious and consequential than others. People suffer injuries, some of which can change an individual’s life forever. When these occur, and the accident could have been avoided, we believe the victims are owed compensation. We realize that after you experience an accident, your financial situation becomes a reason for concern and caution. You can feel peace of mind in knowing that our Detroit personal injury lawyer accepts personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t charge legal fees unless we are able to obtain compensation for your claim.

Detroit Personal Injury Guide

• What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
• Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
• What Are Damages?
• Who May Be Held Liable in a Detroit Personal Injury Case?
• How Can a Lawyer Help with My Detroit Personal Injury Claim?
• Contact a Trusted Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer from Goodman Acker

We Have Recovered Millions for Our Clients

Our reputable law firm is proud to have achieved million-dollar results for our clients in Detroit, MI, and throughout Michigan’s Tri-County Area. Our goal is to maximize compensation awards for our clients so that they don’t experience any financial strain as a result of their injuries. As our client, you can rest assured in knowing that we will protect your rights to fair compensation.

Our efforts to help those in need have led to our feature in the following publications and media outlets:

Why People Choose Goodman Acker

1. Free Consultations
2. 150+ Years of Combined Experience
3. Available 24/7
4. 99% Success Rate in Winning Cases

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury attorney has a specific understanding of personal injury law and represents individuals injured in otherwise preventable accidents. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons: distracted or impaired drivers, bites from unleashed dogs in public spaces, and even accidents that occur in hospitals, such as during childbirth.

A Detroit personal injury lawyer will investigate and prove that someone else’s negligence caused your accident. That individual should be held liable for your injuries, medical bills, and mental state, and your lawyer can help get you the compensation you deserve.

What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Claim?

The legal term “personal injury” defines a case that involves harm to a person’s emotional wellness or body. These cases focus on negligence and the person responsible for the accident. Through litigation, the parties work to discover who was at fault for the injuries, determine the extent of the damages, and compensate the injury victim for said damages.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Multiple types of situations can fall into the category of personal injury cases. To qualify as a personal injury case, the incident must involve a victim of an injury as well as a negligent party. Many circumstances surround these cases, and personal injury lawyers investigate them thoroughly. If you’ve been injured in any of the following ways, you might be eligible to file a claim:

This list is not all-inclusive, and you can encounter many more possible causes for a personal injury case. If you or someone you love has been injured, reach out to our Detroit personal injury attorneys today to see if you qualify for a claim. We will ask questions that can help us determine the best course of action.

What Are Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions, you may wonder whether you have a valid personal injury claim. At its core, most personal injury cases are built on proving negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation, and that failure causes harm to another individual. To have a successful personal injury lawsuit, four essential elements must be established:

1. Duty of Care: The first step is showing that the person or party responsible for your injury owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal obligation to act in a way that avoids harming others. For example, drivers have a duty to operate vehicles safely, and property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors.
2. Breach of Duty: Next, it must be demonstrated that the at-fault party breached their duty of care. This happens when they fail to act responsibly or violate safety standards. For instance, a driver who runs a red light or a business owner who neglects to fix a known hazard may be considered to have breached their duty.
3. Causation: Once a breach of duty is established, it must be shown that this breach directly caused your injuries. This is often referred to as “cause and effect.” You need to prove that the negligent actions were not just coincidental but actually led to the harm you suffered.
4. Damages: Finally, to pursue a personal injury claim, you must have experienced demonstrable losses or damages as a result of your injury. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other financial and emotional hardships.

Understanding these four elements is crucial when evaluating whether you have a personal injury claim.

What Are Damages?

Damage is a term that refers to losses that qualify for personal injury compensation. The damages that occur due to a personal injury claim include noneconomic harm and financial expenses. Most damages are medical expenses. Nonmedical damages include time taken off work or a lost job. If you file a personal injury claim, you might be able to recover compensation the following damages:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Cost of transportation for medical care or due to the loss of a vehicle
• Medical bills, including medication, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and emergency room visits

If your treatment is expected to last for an extended period or cause long-term expenses, your personal injury lawyer will estimate the total costs.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Detroit Personal Injury Case?

Determining who is responsible for your injuries is a critical part of any personal injury case. Liability can extend to a wide range of parties depending on the circumstances of your accident. At Goodman Acker PC, we work diligently to identify all liable parties to help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. Here are some examples of who may be held liable in a Detroit personal injury case:

Individuals

Often, another person’s negligence is the cause of an injury. This could be a reckless driver, a distracted property owner, or even someone who acts irresponsibly in a public setting. When an individual’s actions—or lack of action—cause harm, they may be held accountable for the damages.

Businesses

Businesses can also be held responsible for accidents. For example, if a customer slips and falls due to unsafe conditions at a store, the business owner may be liable. Similarly, employers can be held accountable for the negligent actions of their employees if those actions occur within the scope of their job duties.

Property Owners

Whether it’s a private residence, a commercial property, or even public land, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. Failing to fix hazardous conditions, such as broken stairs or icy walkways, can make property owners liable for injuries sustained on their grounds.

Manufacturers

If a defective product causes harm, the company that designed, manufactured, or sold the product may be held responsible. Product liability cases can arise from a wide range of issues, such as faulty vehicles, unsafe medical devices, or harmful household products.

Government Entities

When an injury occurs on public property or is caused by a government organization, the city, state, or federal government could potentially be held liable. For instance, accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, unsafe public buildings, or negligent government workers may lead to claims against a government entity. However, filing a claim against a government body often involves unique, complex legal requirements.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Detroit Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to understanding the legal process, it’s easy to feel unsure about what steps to take. This is where a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference. Here are some of the key ways an attorney can help with your Detroit personal injury claim:

Navigating the Legal Process

The legal process can be complex and intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal terminology and procedures. A personal injury lawyer guides you through every step, ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met. They also help you understand your rights and what to expect throughout your case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often more focused on protecting their bottom line than paying fair compensation. Adjusters may try to minimize your claim or even deny it outright. An experienced attorney knows how to handle insurance companies and will advocate for your best interests. They’ll communicate with adjusters, gather necessary documentation, and ensure you’re not taken advantage of during negotiations.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Case

Building a strong personal injury claim involves more than presenting your injuries—it requires solid evidence. Your lawyer will investigate your case thoroughly, collecting crucial evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and even expert testimony if needed. This foundation strengthens your claim and improves your chances of securing fair compensation.

Negotiating Settlements

Many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to court. However, negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. Your lawyer will evaluate any settlement offers and advocate fiercely to secure the compensation you deserve. If the offers aren’t fair, they won’t hesitate to push for more.

Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, a personal injury lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial. They will build a compelling case, represent you effectively in court, and fight for the maximum possible compensation. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side ensures you’ll have a strong advocate if the legal process extends to the courtroom.

By partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Goodman Acker PC, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of your claim. From dealing with aggressive insurance companies to managing the entire legal process, our attorneys are here to provide the support and resources you need. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

About Goodman Acker

At Goodman Acker, you’ll find a team of highly experienced attorneys and support staff. With more than 150 years of experience helping injured clients, our law firm is well-versed in the laws surrounding personal injury claims, as well as many other types of legal cases. Our lawyers work hard to ensure you’re getting the compensation you deserve to get back to your everyday life. Reach out to our office, and Goodman Acker will pair you with a Detroit personal injury lawyer with experience handling your type of case to provide you with the best representation possible.

You can trust the knowledgeable team at Goodman Acker to fight for you. We offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and a 99% success rate when it comes to winning cases. Our goal is to maximize your reward so the personal injury you sustained does not have a detrimental effect on your life.

Contact a Trusted Detroit Personal Injury Lawyer from Goodman Acker

Being involved in an accident can be traumatic. You might experience life-altering injuries that result in medical bills, missed days at work, the loss of your job due to your inability to work, and even emotional damages. No matter how the injury occurred, you deserve an attorney who will fight for your rights and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Our team looks forward to giving you that representation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Headquarters

Two Towne Square SUITE 444
Southfield, MI 48076
(248) 831-1507

 

Recommended Reading

• How the Personal Injury Claim Process Works
• Is There a Minimum Value for a Personal Injury Settlement?
• How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Last?

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]