Attorney in Plymouth, MI

Representing Clients Throughout Wayne County

If you need a personal injury attorney in Plymouth, or if you are looking for a legal team that can help you navigate the workers’ compensation or Social Security disability claims filing process, turn to Bahrie Law. From our office in Detroit, we serve clients throughout Wayne County and the entire state of Michigan. While we focus our practice on serious accidents, work-related injuries, and disabilities, we also provide aggressive representation for those navigating complex family and criminal law cases, as well as those navigating the probate or estate planning process.

We have multiple office locations to better serve you and provide free initial consultations either in person or by phone/video conferencing. There is absolutely no risk and no cost associated with speaking to one of our Plymouth attorneys about your legal situation.

To get started with your complimentary consultation, call us at (800) 785-9924 or contact us online.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim If You Were Partly at Fault?

Most personal injury cases are brought on the grounds of negligence, meaning the injured party (known as the “plaintiff”) must prove that the other party (known as the “defendant”) acted negligently or wrongfully, and that this behavior is what caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Put simply, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was at fault.

But what happens when both parties share some of the blame?

Under Michigan’s rule of comparative negligence, you can still file a personal injury claim if you were partly at fault for the accident or event that caused your injuries. To recover economic damages, such as medical bills or lost wages, you do not have to prove that you were less at fault than the other party. However, to recover compensation for non-economic losses, like pain and suffering, you must prove that you were less than 50% to blame.

Regardless of whether you are seeking economic or non-economic damages, your recovery will be reduced by whatever percentage of blame the insurance company or the court determines you have. So, for example, if the court decides that you were 25% at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you would only be able to recover up to 75% of your total damages.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Michigan

When you are injured on the job or while carrying out any activities that benefit your employer, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system available to nearly all employees in Michigan who sustain work-related injuries or occupational diseases.

If you are eligible, you may be entitled to the following workers’ compensation benefits:

• Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for all medical expenses and related costs associated with your work-related injury or illness. This includes copays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, and more.
• Wage Replacement: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you are entitled to wage replacement benefits. These benefits are calculated based on a percentage of your average weekly wage and may be subject to caps.
• Specific Loss Benefits: Employees who suffer specific injuries may be entitled to specific loss benefits, which are calculated based on a percentage of your average weekly wage. Qualifying injuries include the loss of function or use of an arm, eye, finger, foot, leg, or toe.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: When an employee is unable to return to their previous employment or can only carry out light-duty work, they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These cover costs associated with job retraining and related expenses.
• Death Benefits: Workers’ compensation provides wage loss benefits and funeral/burial expenses to eligible surviving dependents (spouses, children, etc.) of covered employees who die due to work-related injuries or illnesses.

To learn more, including which benefits you may be entitled to receive, contact our Plymouth, MI workers’ compensation lawyers today.

What Is the Difference Between SSDI & SSI?

Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) meant to assist disabled individuals who are unable to provide for themselves and/or their families. Though often confused, SSDI and SSI are two entirely separate programs with different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Below is a brief outline of the differences between SSDI and SSI:

• SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance is available to those who have earned enough work credits and who have a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSDI, you must be “insured,” meaning you must have worked long enough and earned enough income on which you paid Social Security taxes.
• SSI: Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program that provides benefits to individuals over the age of 65 or who are blind or disabled and who have limited income and resources. You do NOT need to have earned any work credits to be eligible for SSI.

You may be entitled to both SSDI and SSI; reach out to Bahrie Law to discuss your specific situation with one of our Plymouth SSD lawyers.

Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation With Our Team

No matter the challenge you are facing, our legal team is here to help. We understand the importance of working quickly to protect your rights and strive to provide powerful, cost-effective solutions tailored to your unique situation. Whether you were injured in an automobile accident, fell on someone else’s property, suffered a debilitating work-related injury, or are under investigation for a crime, we encourage you to reach out to our Plymouth attorneys right away.

We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have during a free, no-obligation consultation. We also offer our personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, our attorneys only collect fees if/when they win your case.

Learn how our firm can help you with your legal needs; call (800) 785-9924 or submit an online contact form today to request your complimentary case evaluation.