Michigan Lawyer Blog

When to Hire a Lawyer

 

Personal Injury Results

$15.3 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

$3 MILLION | PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT (INGHAM COUNTY, MI)

$2.1 MILLION | PREMISES LIABILITY (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$2 MILLION | TRUCK ACCIDENT (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$1.9 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

It might seem like the decision to consult with an attorney should be black and white, but it isn't always that simple. Sometimes emotions can get in the way, causing you to be confused about whether or not it's necessary. If you're on the fence and wondering if seeking legal representation is the right choice for you, then keep reading. Here are some examples of when Goodman Acker believes it's in your best interest to hire a lawyer and what a personal injury lawyer can do for you.

Have You Been Hurt in a Car Accident?


Gavel on Judge's bench with empty courtroom in the background
Image via Flickr by Patrick Feller

One of the top reasons people consult with a personal injury attorney is that they were injured in an automobile accident. Each year millions are injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. Michigan alone tops over 270,000 accidents annually. Sometimes these wrecks are simply accidents, and sometimes they occur due to someone else's negligence. These accidents can cost you thousands in medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and much more.

Settlements for a personal injury claim can help you recover some of these damages. A knowledgeable attorney, such as those here at Goodman Acker, can help you navigate the process surrounding these types of situations, determine whether or not you have a case, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Have You Been a Victim of Medical Malpractice?


Another top reason that individuals hire attorneys is that they've been made victims due to medical malpractice. You might be wondering what exactly medical malpractice is. It can occur due to:

  • A patient being given the wrong medication or a dose of medication is missed.

  • A wrongful diagnosis or missed diagnosis resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment.

  • Inadequate supervision in health care or an assisted living facility.

  • Birth injuries due to improper monitoring or failure to respond to issues during labor.

  • Mistakes during a surgical procedure that could have been prevented, such as operating on the wrong body part, patient, or using the wrong instruments.


If any of these instances sound like something that has happened to you or a loved one, it might be time to hire a lawyer.

Have You Been Hurt on the Job?


Worker's compensation consists of specific laws that are in place to protect you if you're injured on the job. Michigan law states that you may be entitled to payment of your medical expenses, weekly payments, or a lump-sum payment for partial or full disability resulting from an injury that occurred at work, along with weekly benefits if you are temporarily unable to work.

If you've been injured while on the job and followed all necessary steps and your employer denies payment, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer. Ideally, this would be someone who specializes in worker's compensation. Our skilled team at Goodman Acker has a combined 150 years of experience and knows how to negotiate with your employer to get you the compensation you deserve.

Has Your Disability Claim Been Denied?


Disability, whether it be short or long term, can be a tricky process. If you have been trying to get approved for disability but your application has been denied, hiring a lawyer to help you through the appeals process may increase the odds that you're approved. Filing an appeal can be complicated and challenging to handle on your own. There are deadlines to meet, certain words that could cause your case to be denied again, and much more that could risk you losing your disability approval.

Goodman Acker can also help you with your social security disability benefits claim (SSDI). If you're unable to work due to a temporary or permanent disability, especially if you're the primary source of household income, it can be stressful. Our team has handled SSDI claims involving spinal and brain injuries, chronic diseases such as cancer, and mental health conditions.

Have You Lost a Loved One Due to Someone Else's Negligence?


No amount will bring back a loved one, but when it results from someone else's negligence or reckless actions, you can do something about it to get compensation. Some examples of a wrongful death situation would be an accident caused by someone else's poor driving skills or a death that results from neglect in an assisted living facility. Coping with this kind of loss can cause more emotional pain and suffering than is necessary.

While wrongful death isn't a criminal matter, it is a civil matter, and if the death can be traced back to carelessness, you might have grounds to file a claim. Damages can be sought for emotional suffering, lost wages, loss of companionship, and more.

Other Situations Where an Attorney Can Help


There are other various situations where a personal injury attorney can help. At Goodman Acker, we have assisted clients with claims involving the following:

Many other situations may require hiring an attorney as well. If you have any questions or concerns or think you have a claim that needs assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us today.

Do You Need a Lawyer?


If you've found yourself in any of the above situations, seeking legal representation might be the right choice for you. Don't wait to get the help that you need. Our team is here and ready to dedicate our time and attention to your specific case to bring you the representation and compensation you deserve.

You can contact Goodman Acker today to receive your risk-free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our expert team. With over 150 years of combined experience, our skilled law firm can handle all types of personal injury, disability, wrongful death, and malpractice cases.

We are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you have to do is submit our online form, and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible. We are also available by phone at 248-206-8857. We look forward to helping you.

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