Were you injured in a motor vehicle crash, a workplace accident, by a defective product, or due to another incident in the Upper Peninsula? Did someone else’s carelessness cause you serious harm, leading to costly medical bills and other expenses you never planned for?

If so, don’t despair. Schwaba Law Firm, a reputable Upper Peninsula personal injury law firm, could help you hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions or inaction. Andrew Schwaba will help you recover the money you need to pay your bills and move on with your life.

Andrew doesn’t just hear you — he really listens and takes the time to get to know you and your story. He and his team can help you navigate these challenging times. Schwaba Law Firm wants to help you regain your footing and get your life back on track. Their goal is to help you get the money you need to pay your medical bills, replace damaged or destroyed property, and move on with your life.

After an injury accident, don’t trust your case to just any lawyer. Turn to a law firm with the right experience, resources, and ability to seek the full and fair compensation you’re owed. Contact Schwaba Law Firm today to speak to an Upper Peninsula personal injury lawyer.

What Will an Upper Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyer Do for My Case?

When you hire a personal injury lawyer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to represent you, they will be crucial in guiding you through the legal process and advocating for your interests every step of the way. Your attorney will help you by:

  • Evaluating your case, including the nature of your injuries and estimating the value of your claim
  • Investigating the incident and preserving crucial evidence to support your claim
  • Representing your interests in negotiations with the other party, their insurance company, and their attorneys, working for the best possible settlement
  • Filing a lawsuit and seeking damages in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Your lawyer’s job is to use their knowledge, experience, and resources to help you recover the compensation you deserve, while also taking the stress of the legal process off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.

What Damages Could I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Case?

In everyday language, “damages” is a term used in the legal world to refer to the money someone might have to pay you if they’ve caused you harm or loss. This harm could be to your body, mental well-being, or property. Damages are designed to help you recover from economic and non-economic losses.

Economic losses include:

  • Medical bills
  • Emergency room visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and other medical expenses
  • Lost wages due to time missed from work
  • Lost future earnings (if disabled)
  • Cost of repairing or replacing personal property
  • Cost of ongoing treatment or care
  • Property damage

Non-economic losses are the intangible losses that affect a person physically and mentally, such as:

  • Loss of quality of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Pain and suffering

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?

Yes. Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine when determining the monetary award a plaintiff can receive in a lawsuit. This means you could still seek and recover compensation even if you were partially to blame, as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault.

For example, you take your car accident case to court, and after hearing the evidence, a judge or jury determines that the total damages (medical bills, lost wages, car repair costs, etc.) are $100,000. However, the court also determined that you were 20 percent at fault for the accident. In this case, you are eligible to recover damages because you were less than 50 percent at fault, but your award would be reduced by your percentage of liability. In this scenario, your damages of $100,000 would be reduced by 20 percent to $80,000.

Conversely, if you were 50 percent or more at fault, you would not be eligible to recover compensation from the other party.

What Are Common Personal Injury Cases in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

Under Michigan law, you have the right to seek fair compensation if someone else’s irresponsible actions or inaction injures you. Through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could hold the at-fault person or party accountable for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred due to the incident. Some of the most common causes of severe injuries in the Upper Peninsula include:

You don’t have to let this serious injury accident take away what matters most to you. Hire an experienced Upper Peninsula personal injury attorney to fight for the fair compensation you’re owed.

What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?

No one expects to be severely injured in an accident, much less due to someone else’s carelessness. Unfortunately, negligent motorists, business owners, companies, and other parties can and do cause serious harm to those living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Some of the most common injuries that could lead to personal injury claims include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Whiplash and other neck injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Eye injuries
  • Hearing damage or loss
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress

Remember, seeking medical attention following an accident is critical, even if you don’t immediately notice symptoms. Many of these injuries may not be evident immediately but could have serious consequences if left untreated.

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

After an injury accident, you might wonder whether you have a personal injury claim against the other party. While you should always contact an experienced Upper Peninsula personal injury lawyer to determine if your claim is valid, in general, you might have a personal injury claim if:

  • You were injured in an accident
  • Someone else caused it or contributed to it
  • Their actions or inaction directly led to your injuries
  • You suffered losses as a result of the accident, and your injuries

It is crucial to note that to have a viable personal injury case in Michigan, your claim must still fall within the timeline established by the state’s statute of limitations. In general, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years. The time limit might be much shorter if your claim is against a city, county, or the state. If the statute of limitations has expired, the court will be barred from hearing your case.

What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?

You could have a viable injury claim if someone hurts you and it’s their fault. This can happen either because they meant to cause harm or they didn’t take the proper care they should have (otherwise known as “negligence”).

For instance, if someone hits you with their car because they weren’t paying attention, that would be considered negligence. To prove your case, your lawyer must show that the driver failed to protect you from harm because they were distracted. They would also have to show that the car crash caused your injuries. Your attorney would also have to show that your injuries caused you to suffer losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and more. If these can be proven, the other party could be responsible for compensating you as best as money can for the adverse effects you’ve experienced due to their negligence.

How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?

On average, a personal injury case might take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some complex cases could even take longer. Your attorney can give you a better estimate based on the specifics of your case. Remember, it’s often worth taking the time to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Accepting a quick lowball settlement could leave you without enough money to fully recover and move on from the accident.

How Long Do I Have in Michigan to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

You typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan but medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years. There are some circumstances in which the timeframe will be shorter or longer, so be sure to contact an Upper Peninsula personal injury attorney right away to find out if you have a case.

How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?

You should start your personal injury claim as soon as possible after your injury accident. You’ll want to act quickly before crucial evidence is lost, stolen, or cleaned up. You’ll also want to give your attorney ample time to investigate the incident, build a strong claim, negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit and seek compensation in court.

While it’s essential to start your claim quickly, it’s equally vital to take the time to choose the right attorney and to understand your rights and options. Making informed decisions early in the process can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Today

Andrew Schwaba understands that an injury does more than cause physical pain: it can disrupt your entire life. He is ready to fight for you and secure the future you deserve. They’ve helped countless clients reclaim their lives after serious injury accidents and are ready to do the same for you.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, workplace accident, defective product, or another injury accident, it’s time to take the first step toward your recovery. You won’t be charged anything until your case is fully resolved, so you have nothing to lose.

Contact the Schwaba Law Firm today for a free consultation and case review with a personal injury attorney in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.