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Eaton Rapids Lawyer

Handling Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, SSD & More

Every day, thousands of people are injured in serious car crashes, workplace injuries, and other accidents. All too often, these incidents leave victims suffering severe injuries, disabilities, and staggering financial losses. Getting back on your feet after a traumatic event can be incredibly difficult—especially knowing another person or party’s negligence was the cause of the accident.

At Bahrie Law, we represent clients in complex personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls, and more. We also help individuals who have sustained debilitating work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as people who are no longer able to work due to serious disabilities. Since 1979, our firm has been fighting tirelessly for the rights of injured and disabled clients throughout Michigan. From our Lansing office, we serve all of Eaton Rapids and Eaton County.

In addition to our personal injury practice, we help clients with the following legal matters:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Social Security disability (SSD)
  • Divorce and family law
  • Criminal defense
  • Probate and estate planning

We have multiple locations across Michigan to better serve our clients. Learn how we can help you with your case by calling or visiting our Lansing office for a free initial consultation. We are also available to meet via video conferencing (Zoom).

To request an appointment, please call 888-473-1289 or contact us online.

Who Can File a Personal Injury Claim?

To file a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence, also known as a “third-party claim,” you typically must be able to prove certain basic elements:

  • Duty of Care: First, you must establish that another person or party had a duty to act reasonably and within the bounds of the law.
  • Breach: Next, you must prove that the other person or party failed to uphold the duty of care, typically by acting negligently or wrongfully.
  • Causation: You also need to prove that the other person/party’s breach of the duty of care was the proximate cause of your injuries and/or damages.
  • Damages: Lastly, you must demonstrate that you suffered measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost income/wages, and pain and suffering.

Because Michigan is a no-fault car accident state, your first step after a motor vehicle accident is usually to file a claim with your own insurance provider (known as a “first-party claim”) and seek compensation through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. You may need to meet certain other eligibility requirements to step outside the no-fault system and file a third-party claim against a negligent motorist. Contact our Eaton personal injury lawyers to learn more.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Michigan?

Michigan law requires nearly all employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. It does not matter if an employee is full-time, part-time, or seasonal; if their employer has workers’ compensation insurance, they are covered.

Workers’ compensation covers all work-related injuries and occupational diseases. This means that you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you were injured on the job or due to work-related activities. You are also eligible if you suffered an illness as a result of your workplace environment, duties, or activities.

Generally speaking, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation if you:

  • Work for a private or public employer
  • Are classified as an employee (not an independent contractor)
  • Suffered a work-related injury or illness
  • Can prove that your injuries were not caused by your own willful or wanton conduct

There are some exceptions to who can file for workers’ compensation in Michigan. Employees of the federal government, as well as some agricultural, maritime, and railroad workers, are protected by other state and federal laws, making them ineligible for workers’ compensation.

If you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim, appealing a claim denial, or navigating the Michigan workers’ compensation system, contact Bahrie Law for a free consultation with one of our Eaton Rapids workers’ compensation lawyers.

What to Do If Your Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied

Social Security disability (SSD) is a federal program intended to help disabled individuals who are not able to work and earn a living to support themselves and/or their families. Unfortunately, most first-time Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims are denied. If this has happened to you, you have the option of appealing the denial.

You should be aware that your time to file an appeal is limited; you only have 60 days from the date you received the official denial notice to request your appeal. You should also know that you should always appeal a denied claim. Filing a new claim or failing to request an appeal within 60 days will almost certainly mean that you will lose out on benefits.

The first step in appealing a denied SSD claim is a request for reconsideration. You may also request a hearing, which will be held before an administrative law judge. You do not have to request a hearing, but it is an excellent opportunity to present evidence supporting your claim. However, you may waive your right to a hearing and request a review based solely on the medical evidence. We strongly encourage you to contact our Eaton Social Security disability lawyers to learn more about what to do if your SSDI or SSI claim is denied and how we can help.

Trust Bahrie Law to Fight for You

Whether you were severely injured due to someone else’s negligent conduct, need help appealing a workers’ compensation or SSD claim denial, or are navigating a difficult divorce, child custody battle, or have been accused of a crime, Bahrie Law is ready to fight for the best possible outcome. We have more than 40 years of experience, as well as a proven track record of success.

Local insurance defense attorneys, mediators, prosecutors, and judges know us and our reputation for aggressive client advocacy. They know that we are not afraid of taking our clients’ cases to trial and that we will do everything we can to ensure their rights are protected. We offer the personal service and attention of a boutique law office, coupled with the resources and skill of a well-established and respected firm. Learn how our Eaton attorneys can help you with your legal matter today.

Call 888-473-1289 or submit a free online case evaluation form to get started with a complimentary consultation.