Practice Areas

PERSONAL INJURY

Personal Injury

Personal injury law in Michigan encompasses any harmful act, intentional or accidental, for which the law can provide a solution. There are many different types of personal injury, including, applying bodily injury to someone, being destructive to someone's property or character, or wrongly denying someone his or her rights.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping those who have been injured due to the negligence of others.


Personal injury cases involve situations where an individual has suffered harm or injury due to the actions or inaction of another person or entity. Our practice covers a wide range of personal injury cases, including:


Wrongful Death: Losing a loved one due to the negligence of another is a devastating experience. Our attorneys can help you pursue justice and compensation for your loss.


Car Accidents: Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Our attorneys have experience handling a variety of car accident cases, from fender benders to catastrophic collisions.


Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents can occur on private property, public property, or in the workplace. Our attorneys can help you determine whether you have a case and can hold the responsible party accountable.


General Negligence: Negligence is a legal concept that refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care in a particular situation, which results in harm to another person. In Michigan, to prove a claim of negligence, a plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused the plaintiff's injuries.


Bad Faith Law: Bad faith law is a legal principle that applies in many different areas of law, including insurance, contract, and tort law. At its core, bad faith refers to a party's failure to act in good faith when dealing with another party.


In the insurance context, bad faith typically arises when an insurer fails to fulfill its obligations under an insurance policy, such as by unreasonably denying a claim, delaying payment, or undervaluing a claim. Insurers have a duty to act in good faith when dealing with their policyholders, and failure to do so can result in legal liability for bad faith.


In contract law, bad faith can arise when one party fails to perform its contractual obligations or acts in a way that frustrates the other party's ability to perform. For example, if a party enters into a contract with no intention of fulfilling its obligations, that may be considered bad faith.


In tort law, bad faith can arise in a variety of contexts, such as in the context of intentional infliction of emotional distress, where a party engages in extreme and outrageous conduct with the intent of causing emotional harm.


Overall, bad faith law is designed to protect individuals and businesses from unfair and unethical behavior. Parties that engage in bad faith may be liable for damages, such as compensatory damages for any losses suffered as a result of the bad faith conduct, as well as punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.


Product Liability: Product liability cases involve situations where a defective product has caused harm or injury to a consumer. Our attorneys have experience holding manufacturers and distributors accountable for their products.



At The Mark Sisson Law Firm, PLLC our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a personal injury can have on your life. We are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your personal injury case.

FAQs

  • What is a personal injury case, and how do I know if I have one?

    A personal injury case is a legal claim that seeks compensation for damages suffered by an individual due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, company, or entity. These damages may include physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.


    To determine if you have a personal injury case, you must first establish that another party was at fault for your injuries. This typically involves proving that the other party had a duty to exercise reasonable care, that they breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and that their breach caused your injuries.


    If you have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The Mark Sisson Law Firm PLLC can evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim, as well as advise you on the legal options available to you. 

  • What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?

    In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Some of the most common types of damages include:


    1. Medical expenses: This includes compensation for past and future medical bills, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other related costs.
    2. Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including future earning potential.
    3. Pain and suffering: This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from your injuries.
    4. Property damage: If your personal property was damaged as a result of the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
    5. Loss of consortium: This refers to compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services of a spouse or loved one.
    6. Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior, such as intentional harm or gross negligence.

    The specific damages available in your case will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case, as well as the applicable law. The Mark Sisson Law Firm PLLC can help you determine the types of damages that you may be entitled to and fight to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.

  • How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan?

    In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the injury or accident. This means that you have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.


    There are, however, some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if you are suing a government agency or employee, you may need to provide notice of your claim within a much shorter time frame, such as within six months. 


    It is important to note that if you fail to file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not miss any important deadlines.

  • How much is my personal injury case worth?

    The value of a personal injury case depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of your case. It is impossible to provide an accurate estimate of the value of your case without a detailed evaluation of the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your case.


    In general, the more severe your injuries and financial losses, the higher the potential value of your case. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The value of your case may also be affected by other factors such as liability, comparative negligence, and insurance coverage.


    The Mark Sisson Law Firm PLLC attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide you with an estimate of the potential value of your claim. We can also advise you on the best strategy for pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries.

  • How long does a personal injury case typically take to resolve?

    The length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case can vary widely, depending on a variety of factors. Some cases can be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take several years to fully resolve. Some of the factors that can impact the timeline for a personal injury case include:


    1. The severity of the injuries: Cases involving serious injuries may take longer to resolve, as the full extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim's life may not be fully understood for some time.
    2. The complexity of the case: Some personal injury cases are more complex than others, and may require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and legal research.
    3. The willingness of the parties to negotiate: If the parties are able to negotiate a settlement agreement, the case may be resolved more quickly than if the parties are unable to reach a settlement and the case must proceed to trial.
    4. The court's schedule: Court schedules can vary widely, and some courts may have a backlog of cases, which can delay the resolution of a personal injury case.
    5. The skill and experience of the attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help expedite the resolution of a case by negotiating with the opposing party, presenting a strong case in court, and using their knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal process efficiently. While there is no set timeline for a personal injury case, your attorney can provide you with a general idea of how long your case may take based on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

  • What are the potential outcomes of a personal injury case?

    The potential outcomes of a personal injury case depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the strength of the evidence presented. Some potential outcomes of a personal injury case include:


    1. Settlement: In many personal injury cases, the parties are able to negotiate a settlement agreement. A settlement is an agreement between the parties in which the injured person agrees to accept a certain amount of compensation in exchange for dropping the case. Settlements can be beneficial for both parties, as they can help avoid the time and expense of a trial.
    2. Trial verdict: If the case proceeds to trial, a jury will decide the outcome. If the jury finds in favor of the injured person, they may be awarded damages for their injuries and losses. However, if the jury finds in favor of the defendant, the injured person may not be entitled to any compensation.
    3. Dismissal: In some cases, a judge may dismiss a personal injury case before it goes to trial. This can happen if the injured person fails to meet certain legal requirements, such as filing the case within the statute of limitations or failing to provide sufficient evidence to support their claim.
    4. Appeal: If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of a personal injury case, they may be able to file a n appeal. An appeal is a legal process in which a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court and determines whether it was correct. It is important to note that every personal injury case is unique, and the potential outcomes will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. The Mark Sisson Law Firm PLLC attorneys can help you understand the potential outcomes of your case and guide you through the legal process.

  • How do I pay for a personal injury lawyer?

    A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement between a lawyer and their client, where the lawyer agrees to represent the client in a legal case without charging any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the compensation that the client receives if the case is successful.


    For example, let's say an injured person hires a personal injury lawyer under a contingency fee agreement. If the lawyer successfully negotiates a settlement or wins the case in court, the injured person would receive a certain amount of compensation, and the lawyer would receive a percentage of that amount as their fee. If the case is not successful, the lawyer does not receive any fee.


    The percentage that the lawyer receives as their fee is typically negotiated between the lawyer and the client before the representation begins. The standard percentage is 33.3%.

  • What role does insurance play in a personal injury case?

    Insurance can play a significant role in a personal injury case. Depending on the circumstances of the case, different types of insurance may come into play:


    1. Liability insurance: If the person who caused the injury has liability insurance, their insurance company may be responsible for paying compensation to the injured person. For example, if a driver causes a car accident, their auto insurance policy may cover the damages and injuries caused in the accident.
    2. Health insurance: If the injured person has health insurance, their health insurance company may pay for some or all of the medical expenses related to their injury.
    3. Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: If the person who caused the injury does not have enough insurance to cover the damages, the injured person's own insurance policy may provide coverage under their uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
    4. Homeowner's insurance: If the injury occurs on someone's property, the property owner's homeowner's insurance policy may provide coverage for the damages and injuries caused.
    5. Workers' compensation insurance: If the injury occurs while the person is working, their employer's workers' compensation insurance may provide coverage for the medical expenses and lost wages related to the injury. In a personal injury case, the injured person's lawyer may negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a settlement or compensation for the injured person. It is important to note that insurance companies are for-profit businesses and may try to pay out as little as possible, so having an experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure that the injured person receives fair compensation.

  • What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me after my accident?

    If an insurance adjuster contacts you after your accident, it is important to proceed with caution and take the following steps:


    1. Get the adjuster's information: Get the name and contact information of the insurance adjuster, as well as the name of the insurance company they work for.
    2. Do not admit fault: Do not admit fault or provide any details about the accident. Only provide basic information such as your name and contact information.
    3. Consult with a personal injury lawyer: It is highly recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjuster. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, and ensure that you do not accidentally say anything that could hurt your case.
    4. Do not sign anything: Do not sign any documents or settlement offers without consulting with a lawyer first. Signing a settlement offer may prevent you from seeking further compensation in the future.
    5. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with the insurance adjuster, including the date, time, and content of the conversation. Also, keep copies of all medical bills, receipts, and other documents related to the accident. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be complicated, and it is important to have a personal injury lawyer on your side to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.