The Law Office of Donald E. Lewis, P.C.
WE REPRESENT PEOPLE, NOT INSURANCE COMPANIES
1. I don't have a lot of money. What will it cost me to have my case evaluated?
You won't be charged for case evaulation, no matter how many visits it takes. We even collect police reports, your medical records and any other important information necessary to decide whether or not you have a valid claim. If, in our opinion, you do not have a case, we won't charge you for any of the work we've done up to that time. If we do take your case, you can repay us for the costs plus attorney fees at the end of the case-
2. What's the value of my case?
The value of any claim depends on many factors. Because we specialize in personal
injury accident cases only, we evaluate thousands of claims every year. We stay
current on the settlement value of cases similar to yours, both in Michigan and nationwide. Generally speaking, insurance companies place a value on your case
based on the injuries involved. Simply put, the more severe your injuries, the higher the value of your case. Another factor is whether the medical problems resulting from
your injury are likely to continue. We recently settled a case for $6.5 million, the third largest personal injury claim in Michigan history. Obviously not every case is worth
that much money, but we are diligent in our attempt to get you the full value of your claim..
3. I'm not the type of person who files lawsuits. Can I settle this case without
going to court?
We make every effort to settle your case without litigation. Ultimately, the final
decision of whether or not to sue is left to you. Sometimes a lawsuit is the only way
to obtain the full value of your claim. However, we frequently settle cases for the
policy limits available without going to court. Ninety-Nine percent of all personal
injury cases filed in court never go to trial. Most of these cases are settled far in
advance of trial, after both sides have exchanged all of the necessary information.
4. What if I have future medical bills? Will the insurance pay for these if I
settle my case now?
In an automobile negligence case, any settlement you make with the other driver will
only apply to the value of your pain and suffering. Your automobile insurance carrier
or your health insurance carrier pays your medical bills. Since we do not settle with
your own insurance company in a settlement with the other driver, your automobile insurance company remains responsible for your future medical bills, without limit, for life. In a non-automobile accident case, your health insurance will usually continue to
pay future medical bills as long as it relates to the accident. The only difficulty you
may have is if you change insurance companies in a non-automobile accident case.
5. How long do I have to file a claim?
For most personal injury claims in Michigan, the Statute of Limitations is three years. This includes automobile accidents, slip-and-falls, and other related injuries. For
medical malpractice, the Statute of Limitations is two years; For claims against your
own automobile insurance company to pay your medical bills or wage loss, there is a
one-year Statute of Limitations. You should call our office to talk to us in greater
detail regarding these Statutes, as there are important details that you need to know in order to go forward with your case.
6. If I don't win my case, will I owe you money for attorney fees?
All of our services are performed on a contigent-fee basis. That means that we don't collect an attorney fee from you unless we are successful in recovering money
for you. We receive a one-third fee on any money recovered on your behalf. Many
law firms collect fifty percent.. Plus, If we make no recovery, there is no fee.
Call the Law Office of Donald E. Lewis, P.C. for a free consultation, where you
will learn more vital information, including lost wages, Statute of Limitations,
dealing with insurance companies, and more..