Detroit Personal Injury Lawyers - Serving Southfield & all of Michigan
PERSONAL INJURY RESOURCES
At Sommers Schwartz, we represent individuals and families in all types of Michigan personal injury claims. Through our tried-and-true style of client-centered representation, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients
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$7.4 MILLION for brain damaged infant.
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Unlike other law firms that handle only a handful of common types of cases, we believe we have a responsibility to help all accident victims, regardless of how they were injured.
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Michigan Product Liability Cases
When a company manufactures a product, the manufacturer is assuring the public that the product is safe for its intended use. However, companies routinely sell unreasonably dangerous products that suffer from design or manufacturing defects. These defects can put not only the user of the product in danger, but may also place the general public in jeopardy. Other products, even when properly designed and assembled, present a serious risk to users. Manufacturers of these products have a duty to warn users about a product?s dangers.
When a dangerous or defective product causes injury, the manufacturer may be liable through a Michigan product liability lawsuit. Importantly, when designing a product and determining what warnings to include, manufacturers must consider that a product might be misused. The extent of misuse that a manufacturer must consider, however, is a matter that is typically left for the courts.
The law in Michigan governing defective and dangerous products is very nuanced and can be quite complicated. For example, in some cases, a plaintiff can proceed on a theory of strict liability, meaning there does not need to be a finding that the manufacturer was negligent. However, a plaintiff may need to show that there was a cost-effective alternative design that the manufacturer could have used that would have prevented the risk of injury. In such cases, the testimony of an expert witness will likely be necessary.
At Sommers Schwartz, we routinely handle complex product liability cases in Michigan and throughout the country. Many of our cases pertain to medical devices and dangerous drugs; however, we also handle claims of defective vehicles, machinery and consumer good.
Featured Result
$1.0 MILLION
Settlement in a defective equipment case
Premises liability cases vary in type
For example, slip-and-fall accidents often occur in retail shops, grocery stores or government buildings. Frequently, these accidents are the result of spilled liquids, damaged stairs, poor construction, missing handrails, uneven pavement or other unmarked hazards. To succeed in a Detroit trip-and-fall case, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant landowner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it.
Property owners can also be liable for injuries caused on their property as a result of a third party?s actions. Most often, this arises in the context of an assault. For example, if someone is assaulted at a bar, the bar may be liable for failing to take the necessary steps to prevent violent or criminal acts.
At Sommers Schwartz, we seek to hold property owners accountable for the injuries caused by their negligence. For over the past 45 years, we have proudly represented those who have been injured in Michigan slip-and-fall accidents, and know what it takes to succeed in even the most complex premises liability cases.
Featured Result
$4.5 MILLION
Settlement in fallen line electrocution case
Expert witnesses in medical malpractice and birth injury cases
These cases almost always require the testimony of an expert witness, because many of the issues presented in Michigan medical malpractice cases are beyond the common understanding of most jurors. Indeed, the selection of an appropriate expert is one of the most critical decisions in a medical malpractice claim.
At Sommers Schwartz, we have over 45 years of experience handling all types of Detroit medical malpractice cases. Throughout this time, we have developed a reputation for being thoughtful, aggressive and skilled litigators, earning the respect of both our colleagues and adversaries. Our attorneys help set the standard to which doctors across the country are held.
Featured Result
$1.9 MILLION
Compensatory damages for brain injury & cerebral palsy
Compensation in wrongful death cases
Aggrieved family members who successfully pursue a wrongful death claim may obtain compensation for medical, hospital, funeral, and burial expenses as well as compensation for their loved one's lost wages and pain and suffering.
In addition, family members can recover for the loss of financial support and companionship that their loved one provided. Under the state's statute of limitations, a Michigan wrongful claim must be brought within three years of the date of death; otherwise, a court will likely dismiss the case.
For those who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident, the Michigan wrongful death law firm of Sommers Schwartz is here to help. Our team of skilled injury lawyers are well respected throughout Michigan and across the country and are known for helping aggrieved loved ones pursue maximum compensation for their loss.
Michigan's Modified Comparative Negligence Laws
As experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys, one of the most common questions prospective clients ask us is whether they can still recover for their injuries if they are partially at fault for the accident resulting in their injuries. Simply stated, the answer is yes. However, because a plaintiff's total recovery amount can be reduced in these situations, it is critical to minimize a plaintiff's fault where possible.
Featured Result
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR
Settlement in the wrongful death of a 33-year-old man
If sharing fault, a party's non-economic damages may be reduced or entirely prohibited.
- If an accident victim is less than 50 percent at fault:
If an accident victim is less than 50 percent at fault, both their economic and non-economic damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a Michigan truck accident victim sustained $400,000 in damages but was 10 percent at fault, their total recovery would be $360,000. - If an accident victim is more than 50 percent at fault:
In this case accident victims are not eligible to recover non-economic damages, including for their pain and suffering. However, even in this situation, a plaintiff can still pursue a claim for their economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. These damages will be reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault.
What to Expect When Working with Our Dedicated Team of Detroit Personal Injury Lawyers
After an accident, you will likely have questions. Not all accidents are straightforward, and you may be unsure who was legally at fault. You may have questions about where to obtain the best medical care, how to pursue an insurance claim against the at-fault driver, or whether you need to file a Michigan car accident case.
We are here to help you.
Respect: Throughout the country, our well-respected attorneys are known as authorities in Michigan personal injury and medical malpractice law. Of course, our results speak for themselves, but clients also appreciate our professionalism, enthusiasm and diligence. We understand how important the recovery process is to you and your family, and we will always make ourselves available to discuss your case and answer any questions.
Transparency: We believe in transparency. As part of our promise to you, we offer a free consultation in which you will meet with an attorney to discuss your case. Our attorney will listen to what is important to you and explain if we can help and, if so, how. We will answer any questions you have regarding the recovery process. And because we work on a contingency basis, we never receive any compensation for the work we put into your case unless we are successful in helping you recover for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Michigan Personal Injury Law Firm for Immediate Assistance
To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation, call us today at 866-753-7774 to schedule a free consultation.
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury after any type of Michigan accident, contact the dedicated team of attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. For more than 45 years, we have fought for the rights of injured individuals as well as their families. Our team of experienced attorneys handles all types of personal injury cases in Detroit and across the state, helping our clients obtain the compensation they need to move on with their life.