The Steps in a Michigan Personal Injury Lawsuit

A personal injury lawsuit is a sequence of factual investigation, legal decisions, and deadlines. Some cases settle before filing; others require discovery, motions, or trial. Understanding each stage makes it easier to supply useful information and evaluate decisions with your lawyer.

Investigation and the decision to file

Counsel evaluates the event, potential defendants, legal basis, insurance, injuries, and available proof. Preserve photographs, recordings, damaged items, witness contacts, and policy information early. Filing should account for the applicable deadline rather than waiting for treatment to end.

A complaint begins the lawsuit, followed by service and a response. Filing does not establish liability or guarantee that every proposed claim will survive legal challenges.

Discovery develops the record

The parties can exchange relevant documents and written questions, take depositions, and obtain appropriate expert evidence. Keep original records and tell your lawyer about unfavorable facts as well as favorable ones. Do not delete messages or social posts because a case has begun.

Prepare for a deposition by reviewing events accurately with counsel. Listen to the question, answer truthfully, and distinguish what you know from what you cannot recall. Guessing creates a less reliable record, not a stronger case.

Motions, mediation, and trial

A motion can ask the court to resolve a legal or evidentiary issue. Mediation or facilitation may help the parties discuss settlement, but a proposal is not a verdict. If the case reaches trial, the parties present admissible evidence and arguments for a decision.

Discuss an offer in light of the supported losses, disputed issues, available coverage, expense, timing, and consequences of a release. A willingness to try a case does not guarantee a particular result.

Resolution includes more than receiving an offer

A settlement may require release terms, lien or reimbursement review, and a written distribution statement. Minor-child and wrongful death settlements involve additional approval or distribution questions.

See minor-child settlements, fees and case expenses, and social media evidence preservation. Our consultation page is a starting point for discussing the stage your case has reached.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Will every injury claim require trial?

No. The resolution depends on the facts, legal issues, negotiations, and decisions in the case.

Should I delete an unfavorable post before discovery?

No. Preserve potentially relevant information and discuss it with your lawyer.