How Is Compensation Calculated in a Michigan Personal Injury Case?
How Is Compensation Calculated in a Michigan Personal Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Michigan due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Biggs & Gunst P.C. Attorneys At Law, we help injured individuals in Ann Arbor understand what their case may be worth and how compensation is determined under Michigan law.
Key Factors in Calculating Compensation
Personal injury compensation in Michigan typically falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
1. Economic Damages
These are financial losses that can be objectively calculated, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work or reduce your earning capacity, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the incident, repair or replacement costs can be included.
- Future Economic Losses: In cases of long-term disability or permanent injury, future financial losses can also be considered.
2. Non-Economic Damages
These relate to intangible losses that affect your quality of life, including:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental and Emotional Distress
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
How Michigan’s Laws Affect Compensation
Michigan is a comparative negligence state, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Additionally, Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws impact how compensation is pursued in car accident cases. Typically, your own insurance covers medical bills and wage loss, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries are serious enough, you may pursue additional compensation through a third-party claim.
Proving the Value of Your Case
To determine the full value of your personal injury claim, it’s critical to gather:
- Detailed medical records
- Pay stubs or tax returns to show lost income
- Expert opinions for future costs
- Evidence of pain and suffering, such as journal entries or therapist evaluations
Get Help with Your Claim in Ann Arbor
At Biggs & Gunst P.C. Attorneys At Law, we assist clients in Ann Arbor with building strong personal injury claims and fighting for fair compensation. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, slip and fall, or another act of negligence, we’re here to help you understand your rights.