Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Representation You Can Trust
A severe accident can jeopardize your health and financial stability, while a fatal accident can devastate a family. In either case, the aftermath often brings overwhelming challenges: mounting medical bills, extended work leave and the strain of caring for loved ones. While pursuing legal action might seem like a mountain to climb during this difficult time, protecting your rights and securing your future is important. As your attorney, I, Joel B. Sklar, will guide you through Michigan’s legal system to fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 35 years of experience, I have helped countless personal injury victims and their families recover damages from negligent parties. These damages often include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. My aggressive advocacy has earned the trust of hardworking Detroiters facing challenging times, and I am here to help you, too.
How Were You Or A Loved One Injured?
I exclusively represent plaintiffs, championing the Davids against the Goliaths. I am not afraid to hold big businesses, insurance companies and other corporate interests accountable for harmful actions. My practice area covers a wide range of personal injury matters, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, motorcycles, rideshares, bicycles, pedestrians)
- Slip-and-fall accidents on commercial or municipal property
- Wrongful death claims
- Closed head and traumatic brain injuries
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Catastrophic injuries (paralysis, amputation, brain injuries)
- Product liability cases
This list is not comprehensive; my experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases allows me to handle a range of legal matters in this field. Contact me if you do not see your accident or injury mentioned above.
Representing Clients In No-Fault Accident Cases
In Michigan, drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for car accident expenses. This no-fault system means you can file a claim with your insurer, regardless of who caused the accident. It is supposed to make things easier, but it is not always that simple. Insurance companies often try to limit what they pay out. If you accept your insurance company’s settlement offer too quickly, you may be responsible for higher medical bills than anticipated.
Personal Injury And Wrongful Death FAQs
The aftermath of a serious accident can leave many people frightened and confused about what to expect. Here are the answers to some important questions:
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Detroit?
Under Michigan’s statute of limitations, you typically have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are some exceptions, however. Medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within two years of injury, and claims against government entities typically require notice of action within as little as 60 days. The statute of limitations may also be paused (tolled) for a while in cases involving minors and when discovery of the injury was delayed or concealed.
It is wisest to begin exploring your legal options as soon as possible after an injury, regardless of the statute of limitations, since that is the best way to make sure that important evidence is collected and preserved. I can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case so that timely action can be taken. Together, we can file your personal injury claim before the deadline to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
What is the “one-year-back” rule for medical expenses in Michigan?
This refers to a rule with the state’s no-fault PIP coverage and medical expenses. It says that the only recoverable medical expenses are those within one year, retroactively, from when a lawsuit is initiated. This means you or your providers must sue within a year of any unpaid medical service date, or you lose the ability to recover that expense.
Can I still recover compensation if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes. Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system with a “50% bar” rule. This system means that the victim of a car accident can seek compensation for their losses so long as they are 50% or less responsible for their injuries. However, any compensation they receive will be reduced according to their percentage of liability.
In practical terms, this means that if you are assigned 30% of the liability for a crash – perhaps because you were speeding when another car hit you – and you have $100,000 worth of losses, you would only be due $70,000 in compensation.
You Deserve Skilled, Proven Representation In Personal Injuries
As your lawyer at Joel B. Sklar Law, I will help you evaluate your claim and understand its worth before you agree to a payout. You can rely on me, whether you need an ally by your side during negotiations or in court. Throughout my career, I have secured numerous significant verdicts and settlements that are as large as seven-figure recoveries. Discuss your case with me for free. Call my Detroit office at 313-765-8530 or use my online contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation.