Battle Creek Lawyer
Serving All of Calhoun County
Since 1979, Bahrie Law has been fighting for the rights of individuals and families throughout Michigan. From our office in Lansing, we proudly represent clients in Battle Creek and the Calhoun County area in all types of complex personal injury matters. Whether you were injured in a car accident, hurt on the job or need help filing a Social Security disability claim, our team is ready to put more than 40 years of experience, as well as our extensive resources and skill, on your side.
We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees for all personal injury, workers’ compensation, and SSD services. This means that you do not owe any upfront fees, and our attorneys only get paid if they successfully recover compensation/benefits on your behalf.
Contact us online or call our office at 888-473-1289 to learn more.
Grounds for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Michigan
Most personal injury claims are brought under the negligence theory.
Under this theory, you must prove the following:
- Another person, company, or entity had a duty to act reasonably and lawfully
- The other party failed to uphold this duty by engaging in negligent or wrongful conduct
- You were injured and/or suffered measurable damages (economic and/or non-economic)
- The breach of the duty of care was the proximate cause of your injuries/damages
Personal injury claims are also known as third-party claims, but they are often not the only way to receive compensation after an accident or injury—or even the first step in the process.
When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, Michigan follows a no-fault system. This means that you can recover compensation through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage offered by your own auto insurance provider. This is true regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
However, recent changes to Michigan’s no-fault laws mean that there are now limits on PIP coverage. You may experience damages that exceed your coverage amounts, as well as non-economic damages, which are not covered by PIP. When this is the case, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and bring a third-party negligence claim against an at-fault driver or another liable entity.
Can You Recover Compensation or Benefits If You Were Partly at Fault?
Depending on the circumstances, you can likely still recover compensation or benefits after an accident or on-the-job injury if you were partly at fault.
Michigan follows a rule of comparative negligence, meaning injured victims are entitled to file personal injury claims when they share some of the blame. However, their compensation will be reduced by their at-fault percentage. So, if you are found to be 25% at fault, you can only recover up to 75% of the total amount you would have otherwise received.
For economic damages—that is, those associated with a specific monetary value—you can file a third-party claim regardless of your percentage of fault. But for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, you can only bring a claim if you were less than 50% to blame for the accident/incident.
In workplace accident and work-related injury cases, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. This is a no-fault system, meaning it does not matter who was to blame for your injuries or illness; you should be able to recover benefits regardless of fault. However, your employer and/or their insurance company may dispute your claim if they believe you caused your injuries through negligence or willful/wanton conduct.
Contact our Battle Creek personal injury lawyers today to learn more during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Filing Workers’ Compensation & Social Security Disability Claims
If you are hurt at work or have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation and/or Social Security disability. These are two separate programs, but both offer assistance to those who cannot obtain gainful employment due to disabling injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions.
At Bahrie Law, our Battle Creek workers’ compensation and SSD attorneys can help you with all aspects of your claim. From determining whether you are eligible to filing the initial claim to appealing a claim denial, our team will be there for you every step of the way. We understand how important it is that you get the benefits you are owed so that you can continue paying your medical bills and everyday expenses. We have extensive experience in this area of law and know the local court systems and various state and federal processes involved. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation.
A Legal Team You Can Trust
It is never easy to face a serious injury or disability. But with Bahrie Law on your side, you can have confidence knowing that our team of experienced and dedicated attorneys is looking out for your best interests. We understand the stakes, and we know what challenges you face. Our Battle Creek attorneys are here to help ensure you fully understand your options and can make the most informed decisions about your case.
No matter your legal needs, you can trust Bahrie Law to be there for you. We are happy to take your call and answer any questions you may have about our services in Calhoun County and throughout the state. We can help you set up an appointment with our legal team so that you can discuss the specifics of your legal situation at no cost and with zero obligation.
To get started, call us at 888-473-1289 or contact us online today.