Personal Injury In Farmington Hills | Metro Detroit

If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or malicious conduct, you deserve just compensation. That’s where the Davis Law Center steps in. We serve seriously injured clients throughout Farmington Hills, Metro Detroit, and all of Michigan, and we have a proven track record of taking on insurance companies and winning.

When you meet with us, you will work directly with a skilled personal injury lawyer who will handle all the details of your claim, guide you through the process, and fight for every dollar you deserve. We offer free consultations, and there is never a fee until we recover for you. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.

Understanding Metro Detroit Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims are legal disputes that arise when an individual suffers harm from an accident or injury for which someone else may be legally responsible. “Personal Injury” covers a wide range of different claims, from automobile accidents to workplace injuries and even incidents on someone else’s property. The basic elements of a Personal Injury claim in Farmington Hills and throughout Michigan that you should understand are:

1. Michigan Statute of Limitations

A majority of personal injury cases in Michigan have a three (3) year statute of limitations. This means a lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of the incident that caused the injury. Failure to file within this time frame will bar your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Of course, there are numerous exceptions to this rule. Different filing deadlines apply to minors, medical malpractice cases, claims against the government, and other situations, which we discuss in more detail here. But for the more common claims, such as car crashes, slip-and-fall accidents, and dog bites, a 3-year statute of limitations applies.

2. The “Negligence Framework”

A successful personal injury claim in Michigan involves proving 4 elements of negligence (Duty, Breach of Duty, Causation, and Damages).

A. Duty: In a personal injury case, this is the very first thing we must prove. In plain English, “duty” is simply the legal responsibility we all have to look out for one another. In Michigan, the law requires you to act with “reasonable care.” This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but you do need to act as any sensible person would to avoid accidentally hurting someone else. For example, if you’re driving, you have a duty to pay attention to the roadway. If you own a store, you have a duty to clean up a spill. If a reasonable person could see that an action (like texting while driving) might hurt someone, they have a legal duty not to do it.

B. Breach of Duty (Breaking the Rule) – Once we establish that someone had a “duty” to be careful, we have to show they breached it. This is a fancy way of saying they messed up. For example, if a driver is speeding through the intersection of Orchard Lake & 12 Mile Road, he or she has breached his or her duty to keep other drivers safe. They will have broken the “reasonable person” rule.

C. Causation (The Link) – Causation (Proximate Cause) can be one of the trickier elements of the negligence framework. Establishing that someone was careless (breached a duty) is not enough; we also have to prove that the “breach” is what actually caused the injury, and not something else. For example, if someone rear-ends you at a red light, we need to show that the crash caused your back pain and was not a pre-existing condition.

D. Damages (The Real World Cost) – None of the above elements of negligence matter if you cannot prove you suffered “Damages” as a result of an accident. This means you have to prove the accident cost you something physically, emotionally, or financially. Financial (economic damages) could include medical bills and wages lost because you are unable to work. Non-economic damages may include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, fright and shock, denial of social pleasure and enjoyments, embarrassment, humiliation or mortification. Disability, physical impairment, or disfigurement are also non-economic damages that can be recovered.

3. The Claims Process Timeline

Once you become a Davis Law Center client, the claims process begins and generally consists of three steps.

A. Consultation – Our initial consultation with clients generally involves finding out how the accident occurred, who they believe was at fault, what body part(s) were injured, and the identity of any witnesses and medical providers. To help the Davis Law Center evaluate your claim as accurately as possible during your free consultation, it is helpful to arrive prepared. Having these documents ready allows us to focus on your legal strategy rather than hunting down basic facts. Here is a checklist of the most important items to bring to your initial meeting:

📋 Personal Injury Document Checklist

1. Police or Incident Reports: If law enforcement responded to your car crash, or if an incident report was filed at a business (for a slip-and-fall), bring a copy.
2. Photos & Video: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, or the hazard that caused your fall.
3. Witness Information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident occur or offered help at the scene.
4. Medical Evidence: Any discharge papers from the emergency room, doctor’s notes or imaging reports (MRI, X-ray, CT Scan).
5. Medical Bills: Bills you have received, including pharmacy receipts and co-pays.
6. List of Medical Providers you have seen since the injury.
7. Insurance Information: Bring your health insurance card and auto insurance Declarations Page showing your coverages.
8. Proof of Lost Wages: Recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer stating how much time you have lost from work and your rate of pay.

After reviewing all this information with you, we then explain in detail the litigation process and what you should expect going forward.

B. Investigation – Based on our initial consultation, we will then gather any missing evidence, interview witnesses, and retain experts, if necessary. We do all this to prove all the elements of a negligence claim, as discussed above.

C. Negotiation. – Once we have the necessary proofs, we will attempt to negotiate with a defendant’s insurance adjuster pre-suit to achieve a settlement. If that is unsuccessful for any reason, we would then file a lawsuit and commence litigation. While we conduct discovery (exchanging information related to the case with the defense attorney), we will continue to negotiate. Oftentimes, the trial court may order the parties to participate in Case Evaluation or Mediation. These are procedures designed to get both sides talking and facilitate a settlement. If these procedures are unsuccessful, the case will be set for trial, where we present evidence to a jury, and they render a verdict. Depending on the complexity of the case and the insurance company’s desire to settle, our Farmington Hills and metro Detroit cases generally resolve in a range of just a few months to a year or more.

What Types of Personal Injury Accidents Does The Davis Law Center Handle?

At Davis Law Center, we have extensive experience handling injury claims arising from all types of accidents including:

Car Crashes

According to the latest 2024-2025 reports from the Michigan State Police and traffic safety authorities, Michigan averages nearly 290,000 traffic crashes per year. Approximately 71,000 people were injured in Michigan crashes in 2024, with 1,100 fatalities recorded. In Farmington Hills alone, there were 2,672 reported crashes, resulting in over 400 injuries. In fact, the roundabout at Orchard Lake & 14 Mile Road is consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the state. Based upon these numbers alone, you can see why Car accidents are among the most common personal injury cases. These incidents often involve complex insurance claims and require a thorough understanding of traffic laws and driver negligence.

Dog Bites

Oakland County, Michigan, ranks among the top counties for reported dog bites, particularly in suburban areas like Farmington Hills, where pets are common in residential neighborhoods. Dog bite incidents can lead to severe physical and emotional trauma, and children are the most frequent victims. Michigan law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites in most circumstances, and here at the Davis Law Center, we are experienced in navigating these laws to ensure victims are compensated for their medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Hit-and-Run/Uninsured Motorist Claims

Hit-and-run accidents occur every day in Farmington Hills, metro Detroit, and throughout Michigan. These types of crashes occur when another driver strikes a pedestrian or another vehicle and flees the scene. In these types of cases, we will try to identify the uninsured tortfeasor. If unsuccessful, and if you purchased Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, we will pursue an uninsured motorist claim against your insurance company. Uninsured Motorist coverage takes the place of the liability insurance the hit-and-run driver should have possessed; coverage we recommend all our neighbors in Farmington Hills purchase. UM claims pose unique challenges, and here at the Davis Law Center, we work tirelessly to secure compensation for our clients, ensuring victims are not left to bear the financial burden alone.

Motorcycle Accidents

In Michigan, a motorcycle is defined as every motor vehicle having a saddle or seat for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor. Given a motorcyclist’s vulnerability, Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. According to the Michigan State Police, Oakland County was second only to Wayne County in the number of motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in 2024. Motorcycle crashes often involve complex liability issues and biases against motorcyclists. Our firm’s experience in handling these specific challenges helps protect the rights and interests of motorcyclists and maximize their recoveries.

Premises Liability / Slip and Falls

Premises liability is the Michigan law that holds property owners and managers accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their land or in their buildings. At the Davis Law Center, we represent individuals who have been injured at retail stores, apartment complexes, hotels and motels, private homes, and government properties throughout Metro Detroit.

For decades, Michigan property owners used a defense called the “Open and Obvious Doctrine” to get cases dismissed. They argued that if a hazard (like a giant pothole or a patch of ice) was visible, they had no duty to fix it or warn you; No duty – No case. That has now changed. Thanks to landmark cases decided by the Michigan Supreme Court (Kandil-Elsayed v. F & E Oil, Inc. and Pinsky v. Kroger Co. Of Mich), property owners can no longer automatically escape liability just because a danger was “obvious.” Now, the focus is on whether the owner acted reasonably to keep their property safe. This shift has opened the door for thousands of victims to finally seek the justice they were previously denied. Even before the “Open and Obvious” duty defense was abolished, the Davis Law Center’s proficiency in this area of the law won and now continues to win substantial recoveries for its clients.

Common Premises Liability Claims We Handle
Slip-and-Fall Accidents: We handle cases involving “black ice” in Farmington Hills parking lots, wet floors in grocery stores, and slippery surfaces in office buildings.

Trip and Fall Hazards: Common issues include cracked sidewalks, uneven floor mats, loose carpeting, or poorly lit stairwells.

Negligent Security: If you were the victim of an assault or robbery because a property owner failed to provide adequate lighting, functioning locks, or necessary security, we can hold them accountable.

Truck Accidents

When a passenger vehicle collides with a 40-ton commercial truck, the results are almost always catastrophic. At the Davis Law Center, we understand that truck accidents are not just “big car accidents”—they are complex legal battles involving federal regulations, corporate giants, and aggressive insurance teams. We are well-versed in the specific federal and state regulations governing these vehicles, helping clients navigate through the intricate legal landscape of truck accident claims and maximizing their recoveries.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

No two personal injury claims are the same. The value of each case is influenced by several factors, including the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the accident, and the impact on the victim’s life.

At Davis Law Center, we are committed to fighting for the full range of damages our clients are entitled to, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. These damages typically include:

• Medical expenses – covering costs for immediate and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages – compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
• Pain and suffering – addressing the physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of consortium – for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family.

Exemplary damages may be sought in certain cases as well, particularly when the defendant’s conduct was especially harmful or egregious. While no amount of money can fully erase the trauma of a personal injury, obtaining just compensation is a crucial step in the healing process. At Davis Law Center, our goal is to secure a settlement or judgment for our Farmington Hills neighbors that reflects the true extent of their losses and supports their recovery.

Why Choose Davis Law Center?

Selecting the right attorney is the most critical decision you will make following an accident. At the Davis Law Center, we don’t just offer legal advice—we provide award-winning advocacy backed by over 30 years of success in Michigan’s courtrooms.

Proven Excellence & Professional Awards
Neil Davis, founder of the Davis Law Center, has dedicated his entire career to personal injury law, earning national recognition for his results and ethical standards. When you choose our firm, you are partnering with an attorney who has reached the highest levels of the legal profession:

Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Life Member): Neil Davis is a lifetime member of one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited exclusively to attorneys who have won million and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements—a feat fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers ever achieve.

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100: Neil has been consistently recognized as one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in the country, an honor reserved for the premier trial lawyers from each state who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, and influence.

Decades of Michigan Expertise: Since being admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1992, Neil has successfully recovered millions of dollars for victims of car crashes, truck accidents, and negligence throughout Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit.

Direct Attorney Access: Unlike the “settlement mills” you see on TV, your case won’t be handed off to a junior paralegal. You will work directly with Neil Davis from your initial consultation through the final resolution.

Contingency Fee Guarantee: We assume all financial risk. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you never pay a fee.

The “Davis Difference”
We believe that a person is more than just a case number. Our firm was built on the principle that “Big Firm” results should come with “Small Firm” personal attention. Contact us for a free consultation.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, and all of Michigan.