Michigan Negligence Lawyer: Understanding Complex Cases and How We Help

Understanding General Negligence Cases

When people hear “negligence,” they often think of car accidents. But in reality, negligence law covers a wide spectrum of situations where someone’s carelessness, failure to act, or disregard for safety causes harm to another. These cases often involve serious injuries and can be legally and factually complex. That’s why choosing the right attorney is so important.

At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, we regularly handle negligence matters across Michigan. Managing Partner Bob Giroux, who has once again been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Go-To Lawyer” for Negligence Law, has more than 30 years of trial experience in cases ranging from medical malpractice to construction accidents. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering a negligence claim.

What Types of Negligence Cases are There?

Negligence cases can arise from many different circumstances, including:

• Premises Liability: Slip and falls, unsafe property conditions, or negligent security.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors in diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedures.
• Auto & Motorcycle Accidents: Crashes caused by reckless, distracted, or impaired drivers—or even negligence by repair shops or dealerships.
• Product Liability: Injuries caused by defective or unsafe products.
• Construction & Workplace Accidents: Failures to follow safety regulations leading to injury.
• Dog Bites & Animal Attacks: When owners fail to properly control or restrain their animals.

Each category requires a slightly different approach, and many involve complex regulations, expert testimony, and strong resistance from insurance companies or large corporations.

What Type of Attorney Do You Need?

If you’ve been injured due to negligence, you need a personal injury attorney with trial experience. These cases often pit everyday people against hospitals, insurers, corporations, or businesses with significant resources. An attorney who knows negligence law inside and out, and who has the ability to take a case all the way through trial if necessary, is essential.

At Giroux Pappas, every case is prepared as if it will go to trial. That preparation ensures we uncover the full scope of liability, anticipate defense arguments, and build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Why You Need a Michigan Negligence Lawyer?

Negligence cases may seem straightforward at first glance, but they are rarely simple. Insurance companies and defense counsel are skilled at minimizing or denying claims. An experienced negligence attorney:

• Thoroughly investigates to identify every responsible party.
• Works with experts to evaluate medical, technical, or financial issues.
• Knows how to navigate Michigan’s specific negligence laws, including damage caps and procedural rules.
• Negotiates aggressively with insurers while always being ready for trial.

Without experienced legal representation, important issues like future medical costs, wage loss, and long-term care needs can be overlooked—leaving victims with far less than they deserve.

Why Are Negligence Cases So Complex?

Negligence law requires proving more than just that someone acted carelessly. To succeed, the injured person must show:

1. Duty: That the defendant owed them a duty of care.
2. Breach: That the defendant breached this duty through action or inaction.
3. Causation: That the breach directly caused the injury.
4. Damages: That the injury resulted in actual, measurable harm.

Defendants often dispute every element, sometimes arguing that the victim contributed to their own injury, or that another factor was to blame. Many cases also involve highly technical evidence—medical records, engineering reports, or safety standards—that require expert testimony and careful presentation.

Real Case Results from Our Michigan Negligence Lawyers

• Medical Malpractice: In one case, our client suffered a severe partial leg injury leading to amputation. Because Michigan caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, our strategy focused on economic damages. We worked with a construction contractor to design a home modification plan, engaged a rehabilitation doctor to prepare a life care plan, and obtained detailed estimates for medical products and anticipated advancements in treatment. By building this strong economic case, we achieved a $2.6 million settlement—ensuring the client’s future needs were covered.
• Motorcycle Negligence Case: Another client came to us after being turned away by two other attorneys and with very little time before the statute of limitations expired. He had been seriously injured when his brakes failed, despite a recent dealership inspection. We developed innovative liability theories against the dealership, focusing on their poor internal processes and failure to communicate critical manufacturer updates. The case settled for $750,000, showing how creative legal strategies can revive even difficult cases.
• Construction Site Accident: On a construction site, a client was struck by a machine due to safety failures. Our deep knowledge of construction negligence law—including industry safety requirements and standards—enabled us to show how the defendants violated their obligations. The case settled for $2.4 million, helping the client recover from devastating injuries.
• Product Liability and Negligence: In another case, a client lost vision in one eye and suffered severe facial and head injuries due to a defective product. The matter required extensive depositions and case-building, and ultimately settled for $5.9 million just before trial began. Our persistence and readiness to try the case were key in reaching this outcome.

While every case is unique, our experience illustrates how negligence law works in practice: Each of these examples demonstrates how negligence cases hinge on preparation, expert involvement, and trial readiness.

A Recognized Leader in Negligence Law

Bob Giroux has built his career on fighting for those injured through negligence, and his recognition by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Go-To Lawyer” for Negligence Law reaffirms his leadership in this area. At Giroux Pappas, our clients know they have a dedicated trial team on their side—one that prepares every case with care, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence. Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights. Call: 248-531-8665