Determining what a personal injury case is worth in Michigan is never a straightforward exercise. Every claim involves its own set of facts at the end of the day, and the value ultimately depends on things like the type of accident in question, the severity of your injuries, and more. Michigan’s unique legal framework can also affect what you’re actually able to recover, particularly in motor vehicle accident cases.
The best way to find out how much your case might be worth is to set up a free consultation with a Troy injury attorney. In the meantime, continue reading for helpful insight that you can refer to going forward.
Factors That Can Influence the Value of Your Michigan Personal Injury Case
No two personal injury cases carry the same value when all is said and done. Several factors come into play when evaluating what your claim may be worth, including:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether your injuries are permanent or expected to improve over time
- The total cost of your medical treatment, both past and future
- How much income you’ve lost and whether your earning capacity has been affected going forward
- The strength of the evidence establishing the other party’s fault
- Whether you share any responsibility for the accident
- The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault party
Cases involving catastrophic injuries tend to produce higher recoveries than those involving less serious forms of harm. However, the specific facts of your situation will always be the primary driving force behind the valuation.
The Serious Impairment Threshold in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
If your case involves a motor vehicle crash, Michigan’s no-fault law adds an extra layer of complexity, as alluded to above. Per MCL 500.3135, you can only sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages like pain and suffering if your injury qualifies as a “serious impairment of body function.”
To meet that threshold, your injury must generally satisfy three requirements. These include the following:
- It must be objectively manifested, meaning it can be observed or documented by someone other than you
- It must involve an important body function
- It must affect your general ability to lead your normal life
If your injury does not meet this standard, your recovery may be limited to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits available through your own insurance policy. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine your best course of action when you meet with them to review your case, so don’t lose hope about your legal options before you’ve taken that step.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Khamo Law After an Injury in Michigan
If you have questions about what your case might be worth in Michigan, the best place to start is by reaching out to a Troy personal injury attorney for help. During your free consultation, you can receive some initial legal advice about what you should do next, as well as more personalized information regarding your claim’s potential value.
Contact an injury lawyer at Khamo Law today to get started by calling (248) 466-0606 or by sending us a message online. With decades of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars won for our clients to date, our personal injury attorneys have a track record of success you can depend on.