Have you or someone you love suffered an injury due to an accident? If so, you may have a legal claim for financial damages. Under the law, accident victims have certain protections. Specifically, if another person’s negligence caused the accident, that person may be financially responsible for your losses.
Money may not be your primary concern after an accident, which is understandable. But it is essential to consider the financial implications of your injuries moving forward. Your injury may have a long-term impact on your life, ability to work, and need for medical care.
At Gruel Mills, we understand the challenges accident victims face, and we’re here to help. Let us focus on the legal aspects of your personal injury case so that you can focus on your recovery. To set up a free initial consultation, call the experienced Grand Rapids personal injury lawyers at Gruel Mills today.
One of the most important things an attorney can provide is a safe space for their clients. At Gruel Mills, we believe trust is the cornerstone of any attorney client relationship. When you work with us, we want you to know that your interests are our interests. Coping with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. One of our goals is to help take away your stress and allow you to have the confidence that things will get better.
For over 35 years, our attorneys have worked to provide our clients and the Grand Rapids community with a better future. We believe everyone deserves proper legal representation. That’s why we make it our mission to work with underserved communities and give back through donations and pro bono representation. While we are a nationally recognized firm, we are proud to call Grand Rapids home and consider it an honor to give back to the people of our community.
As a personal injury attorney, there is nothing better than giving your client the resources they need to rebuild their life. While every case is different, we want to help you get what you need to feel comfortable moving forward.
Personal injury lawyers work with clients who have sustained an injury due to another person’s negligence, whether through their direct actions or lack of care.
In Michigan, the law allows you to recover financial damages for negligence if you can prove four elements:
The initial consultation is your attorney’s opportunity to review your case, but it is also your opportunity to get to know the attorney and see if you want them to represent you. From the initial meeting, an attorney should be able to tell you whether you have a good case and provide you with a basic understanding of what you should expect if you choose to pursue the claim.
This meeting is important for both parties, so come prepared.
Helpful items to bring to the initial meeting include:
In addition, it helps to bring a list of questions to ask at your initial consultation. These questions can help you determine whether an attorney is qualified to handle your case and whether they are the right fit for you.
Sample questions include:
Insurance companies are businesses, which means you can’t count on them to put your best interests above their profits. Their goal is to settle every injury claim for as little as possible since every dollar they pay out cuts into their bottom line. This is why you need someone on your side who knows how these companies operate and will fight back to maximize your recovery.
When you hire Gruel Mills, we take over every conversation with the insurance company from day one. We take care of all the calls, letters, and emails for you, so you never have to worry about what to say or whether you might accidentally hurt your claim.
We also gather the records, photos, and witness information necessary to prove what really happened. Then, we present clear evidence of the other party’s fault and your losses to the insurance adjuster. We make sure they understand the full impact of your injuries, including your medical expenses, income losses, and ongoing pain, so they can’t ignore or minimize what you’ve been through.
Our team knows the tactics insurance companies use to delay, deny, and undervalue claims. We keep track of every detail and respond immediately when they push back or stall. We also calculate what your claim is worth before negotiations begin, so we can identify and challenge lowball offers.
Finally, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we can file a lawsuit and take your case to court. We handle all the pressure, the paperwork, and the entire legal process from start to finish so you can focus on getting better while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Comparative negligence rules come into play when two or more parties share responsibility for an injury accident. Under Michigan’s comparative negligence law, you can still claim compensation from other at-fault parties even if you are partially responsible for your injuries, but there are limits.
If you share responsibility, the court will reduce your payout based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you hold 20 percent of the blame, your maximum recovery would decrease by 20 percent. And if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you can still recover (reduced) compensation for economic losses like medical bills and wages, but not for non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Insurance companies often use this rule to reduce how much they pay, so it’s important to have a lawyer who can help you push back. Our team works hard to prove exactly what caused the accident, keep the fault where it belongs, and protect your right to fair compensation.
After an accident or loss, it is normal to have questions. At Gruel Mills, we believe the more information you have, the better equipped you will be to move forward with your case. Below are some of the most common questions our attorneys receive from personal injury clients:
Money is always a concern to the people we talk to after an accident, and for good reason. A sudden accident can affect your livelihood and cause apprehension about your future. As your attorney, our goal is to help you get the most out of your case, so you can afford medical care and maintain a good quality of life despite your injuries.
Many variables can affect the value of a personal injury case, and it is impossible to provide an exact estimate for your specific case. However, we can look at the costs commonly associated with cases like yours.
Common costs you may be able to recover in a personal injury case include:
The majority of personal injury cases settle outside of court or before trial. Going to court is expensive, and juries are unpredictable. In most cases, both you and the insurance company are better off coming to a mutual agreement.
Your attorney will advise you whether the insurance company’s offer is appropriate and what your case looks like moving forward. However, you ultimately decide whether you want to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.
After an accident, watching the bills add up and missing time from work can cause stress. So it makes sense to question how long a personal injury case will take. When you work with an attorney, the goal is always to settle your case as quickly as possible. At the same time, we want you to get what you deserve. Typically, a case that settles out of court will take far less time than one that requires litigation.
Other factors that can affect the timeline of your case include:
Following an accident, you need someone by your side that you can trust. The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Gruel Mills can be your rock in this difficult time.
You deserve a fair and just resolution for your case. If you have questions, don’t wait. For more information or to get started on your personal injury case, contact Gruel Mills or visit us online to request your free initial consultation.
Comerica Building
99 Monroe Ave NW #800
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-235-5500
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