Michigan Reconsiders Accident Victims’ Right to Sue

August 24, 2009

In 2004, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that individuals who are injured in automobile accidents could not sue for pain and suffering. However, the state is now reconsidering that judgment and may make it a possibility for victims once again.

By state and federal laws, individual drivers are required to have insurance to cover the cost of any repairs that need to be made to their vehicles, to other drivers’ vehicles and to themselves or others. In the event of an accident, insurance generally covers the cost of any medical expenses or necessary repairs.

However, in serious automobile accidents, many individuals are severely injured and are unable to return to work. This means that they will miss wages from work and that they may suffer some serious psychological damages. For this reason, Michigan is considering reinstating the ability to sue for pain and suffering- to help eliminate this discrepancy.