Douglas, MI Personal Injury Lawyers

Douglass is a small neighborhood in eastern Detroit. It was the site of the Frederick Douglass Homes, which was the largest city-run housing project in Detroit at one time. Currently, there are luxury townhomes, hotels and trendy restaurants and bars in the area. The Douglass neighborhood is conveniently located near I-75 and I-375, which results in increased traffic and the potential for car accidents. 

Reasons To Hire a Douglass, MI, Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries result from many different situations. When they are the result of neglect or negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Consider these common causes of injuries that can benefit from the advice of a Michigan personal injury lawyer. 

Car, Truck or Motorcycle Accident

Road accidents are among the most common types of accidents requiring a Douglass, MI, personal injury attorney. According to state police data, there were slightly over 50,000 reported traffic crashes in Wayne County in 2022. They resulted in 216 fatalities and 15,682 injuries. More than 39,000 crashes caused property damage. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, you may be able to seek compensation. Our capable attorneys understand the intricacies of the Detroit court system and can help you navigate the claims process. 

Medical Malpractice

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are bound by a duty to provide care. When they violate that duty, it may constitute malpractice. This can happen in outpatient, hospital and nursing home settings. In the case of medical malpractice, our attorneys will examine medical records, consult with medical experts, and ensure that all paperwork is filed on time to help you recover damages. 

Police Misconduct

Sadly, police misconduct can result in wrongful arrests, injuries and even death. Our lawyers are here to help victims of police brutality, improper procedures or civil rights violations by Detroit area law enforcement. 

Slip and Fall Accident

Although they can happen for many reasons, there is often a negligent property owner behind slip and fall accidents. When they do happen, serious injuries can occur, including:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spine injuries

Our attorneys will help establish the owner’s negligence and seek appropriate compensation. While we try to negotiate a settlement with appropriate parties, we are willing to go to court if necessary to ensure you receive the award you deserve. 

Workers Compensation Claims

Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for most employees. This pays for medical care and some lost wages if you are injured at work or become sick through regular working conditions. However, the strain of not getting a full salary often compounds injuries. It is advisable to seek the services of an experienced Douglass, MI, personal injury attorney before you sign anything from your employer’s insurance company. 

Wrongful Death

Any death can put significant strain on the loved ones left behind. If your loved one’s death resulted from an accident caused by negligence, you may be able to seek damages from the responsible party. Our attorneys aim to answer your questions during this justifiably stressful time and help you manage the complex web of paperwork and claims. We can help you decide if seeking compensation for a wrongful death is the right path to help you move forward. 

When To Speak With a Douglass, MI, Injury Lawyer

It is generally advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. There are several reasons for this. First, the sooner you contact our office for a consultation, the sooner you can hand over responsibility for communication and record keeping. This means you can move forward with focusing on your recovery.

Another reason for seeking attorney services early on is that it helps you avoid making a mistake that could potentially cost you down the road, such as accepting an unfair early settlement offer from an insurance company. 

Steps To Take After an Accident

Speaking to an attorney is important to moving forward, but it is only one of the steps you should take in the aftermath of an accident. The following actions help ensure that you get the care and resources you need to heal.

Seek Medical Attention

It is a good idea to seek medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t think you were hurt. Some injuries do not manifest symptoms for several days, while shock may mask others. Having an exam can help establish that your injuries are directly associated with the accident. 

File an Accident Report

Many businesses and employers have formal reporting policies, which facilitate recording pertinent information. In general, you want the names and contact information of everyone involved in an accident. You may also want to record insurance information, especially for car accidents. Depending on the type of accident you have, you may be legally required to file a police report.

Avoid Talking About the Injuries

While you may want to share information about your accident or injuries with friends and family, it is usually better to keep this information private. You also want to limit any communication about your injuries with insurance companies or attorneys because they may try to portray your comments in a way you did not intend. 

Keep Records of All Communication

Another crucial step to take in the wake of an accident is to record all communication you have with other involved parties. Whenever possible, avoid speaking on the phone, instead opting for written communication such as email. If you speak to someone on the phone, take detailed notes with names, dates, times, and what you discussed. If you have hired an injury attorney, allow them to handle all communication on your behalf.

How Injury Lawyers Help 

Hiring an experienced lawyer gives you the opportunity to heal from your injuries while someone else coordinates with the involved parties. A personal injury attorney helps manage all of the details and communications you will face after an accident.

Provide Legal Counsel

Starting with your initial consultation, our attorneys will provide you with solid legal counsel on the merits of your case and the most logical steps forward. We file all paperwork with the appropriate agencies in a timely manner and advise you on the benefits and drawbacks of any settlement offers from insurance companies. 

Investigate Accidents

Investigating accidents and uncovering issues that may indicate negligence is another important role that injury attorneys play. We may speak with witnesses, visit accident locations, and research previous similar accidents to help establish your case.

Estimate Compensation Amount

Many insurance companies will offer a settlement based on medical care costs immediately following your injury. However, personal injury cases can include compensation for other expenses you may not think to include on your own. For example, future medical costs or loss of use of a body part. 

Michigan mostly limits personal injury claims to compensatory damages. Those can be economic, such as lost income, the cost of medical care and property damage, or noneconomic, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship. Our attorneys have extensive experience establishing appropriate compensation amounts for these hard-to-define items. 

Find the Help You Need

If you or a loved one have experienced an injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Mike Morse Law Firm offers support and resources to help you navigate the personal injury claims process. Contact us online or call us at 855-MIKE-WINS to speak with a representative and schedule your initial consultation.