FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accidents resulting in serious injury often leave victims wondering what to do next. Most people are unfamiliar with how insurance claims work and how to determine whether they are getting a fair settlement. This personal injury FAQ page is designed to provide answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our clients, but it is not a substitute for speaking with a lawyer.
My injury did not happen recently, can I still have a valid claim?
Maybe. There are time frames in which you have to file your claim, called statute of limitations. Generally, for personal injury and wrongful death, you have two years from the date of injury or death to file. Contact Zychowicz Law LLC, to determine if your claim is still eligible. There have been recent changes in Michigan law regarding auto accidents. You may have been turned down by law firms that are not aware of these modifications. Call us today so we can inform you of your new rights.
I am not sure who exactly caused the harm inflicted on me, can I still recover damages?
Maybe. Our firm has the resources to retain experts, professional investigators, and specialists to establish liability when it is unclear as to whom caused the injury. In most cases, the hiring costs of these experts are paid by Zychowicz Law LLC. We only recover our investment and attorney fees if we fully compensate you through negotiations or a trial.
In today’s economy, how can I afford to hire an attorney?
At Zychowicz Law LLC, we understand the financial strain on our clients. We offer free evaluation and consultation. No fees are allocated for our representation unless we recover compensation for you.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after my accident/injury?
Immediately. Important evidence and witness testimony must be preserved in order to conduct a full analysis and before the statute of limitations closes the door on your claim. Let us at Zychowicz Law LLC, conduct the investigation and handle the insurance agents so you can receive proper medical treatment and begin the road to recovery.
Do I have to go through the lengthy process of trying to recover damages?
Maybe. We will not take a quick settlement if it falls short of covering your total damage amount. Our firm is prepared to go to trial if necessary to ensure fair compensation to our clients. While doing so, we handle the insurance adjusters, medical billing, and property damage issues so our clients can focus on getting back to normalcy.
A family member of mine was injured but passed away before a chance to file suit. Are there any remedies for them?
If the death can be proved to be caused by the injury, this can become a wrongful death suit. Only certain individuals can file on a deceased’s behalf for their wrongful death. We can help in this process and determine if you have a legitimate wrongful death claim of the passing of your family member.
If I was bitten on my property by my neighbor’s dog, do I have a valid claim?
Absolutely, as long as you were not the “keeper” at the time or provoked the bite. Ohio has a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means the owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their pet. Call today to schedule your free consultation so we can discuss the facts of your claim.
What if the dog’s owner states that he/she does not have insurance?
Insurance is not very relevant in a dog bite case. You would take the claim against the owner personally. The incident may even fall under their homeowner’s insurance. Unless you completely trust the other party, do not take their word as truth. Contact Zychowicz Law LLC. We will help you get back on your feet and handle the rest.
What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a premature or accidental casualty that happens as a result of misconduct or negligence by an individual, company or entity. The right to bring the wrongful death actions lies with the decedent’s immediate family members (usually surviving spouses, children or parents). This can arise out of a variety of circumstances such as an automobile accident, exposure to occupational hazardous conditions/materials, medical malpractice or even resulting from criminal behavior.
What is considered a “product” in a product liability claim?
Basically, a “product” is any tangible object that is produced, manufactured or supplied into commerce with intents for sale or lease to individuals for personal or commercial use. This includes, but is not limited to, prescription drugs, automotive parts, appliances, cookware, sports equipment and children’s toys. Both manufacturers and suppliers of these products can be found liable for injuries they caused. The manufacturer can be held liable for defects in the construction, design, manufacturing, or formulation of their products. They can also be held responsible for providing insufficient instructions and warnings of use.
What is premises liability?
Property owners and occupiers have the responsibility of preventing injuries to individuals on their property. Premises liability can involve many different types of injuries. Most commonly the injuries are sustained as a result of a trip or “slip and fall.” This can be a result of wet floors, unsafe sidewalks or improper railings for staircases. The most difficult aspect of this claim is proving that the owner had knowledge of the condition, whether it is unshoveled snow or a broken stair rail, which caused the injuries. If you were injured on someone else’s property by an unsafe condition, please contact Zychowicz Law LLC, today for a free evaluation of your claim.
Is my landlord still responsible for my safety throughout our lease agreement?
Yes. Most landlord-tenant contracts provide the landlord (and tenants) duties to each other. Ohio law clearly defines duties that are not stated in the lease agreements. Call today to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case and determine if there are justifiable actions to take.
What is bad faith insurance?
All insurance companies owe a duty of good faith to those insured under their policies. This may include failure to provide adequate compensation after a property damage loss or defense if you are at fault for an accident. Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims may also result in bad faith actions. To speak with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your dispute with an insurance company, call Zychowicz Law LLC, for your free consultation.
The settlement amount offered by the insurance company is not even enough to pay my medical bills. Does this mean bad faith?
Most people have little knowledge of their rights under the law and insurance companies take advantage of this. This results in a settlement worth a small portion of what you, the policyholder, should be entitled to. To ensure you receive fair treatment from your insurance company, contact Zychowicz Law LLC, for an experienced attorney to assist you.