The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress after an injury can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ve spent over 50 years fighting for injury victims just like you.
Time matters in personal injury cases. Michigan law gives you three years to file a personal injury claim, though medical malpractice cases must be filed within two years and some claims have much shorter notice requirements. Whether your claim is big or small, it’s important to us. Let our experienced injury lawyers protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!
Why Choose Conybeare Injury & Accident Lawyers?
Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers has long-standing record of fighting for those who’ve been hurt, starting with founder Bruce Conybeare’s decision in the 1980s to focus on plaintiff’s personal injury work.
Today, under Barry Conybeare’s leadership, they’ve become Southwest Michigan’s largest full-service personal injury firm, backed by a team that specializes in cases ranging from car accidents to medical malpractice to dog bites and workers’ compensation.
Consistently recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, they are known for their willingness to go head-to-head with insurance companies and corporate defendants to secure the compensation clients deserve.
If you’re looking for experienced advocates who only get paid when you recover, Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers offer trusted expertise, compassion, and a free consultation to guide you every step of the way.
How We Help South Haven Injury Victims
Think of a personal injury case like building a house – you need a solid foundation of evidence and skilled craftsmanship to create something that stands strong. At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ve spent decades perfecting our approach to build winning cases for our South Haven clients.
Evidence Collection
The days and weeks after an accident are critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate. Our legal team springs into action immediately, gathering:
- Official accident reports that tell the story of what happened
- Witness statements that support your version of events
- Photos and videos capturing the accident scene, injuries, and property damage
- Medical records linking injuries to the accident and documenting treatment progression
We don’t stop there. Our team works closely with medical experts to understand how your injuries will affect your life today and years from now. We also preserve physical evidence that could prove crucial in establishing who’s at fault. Time is not on your side when it comes to evidence – we act fast to secure every piece of proof before it vanishes.
Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies have one goal: paying you as little as possible. They use every trick in their playbook:
- Drag out claims until you’re desperate enough to accept less
- Start with insultingly low offers
- Find ways to deny responsibility
- Try to get you to make recorded statements they can use against you
Barry’s personal philosophy is to give clients as much information as possible about how the legal system works. Our attorneys fight back by:
- Calculating the true value of your claim before any negotiations begin
- Building an ironclad case with compelling evidence
- Standing firm against lowball offers with well-supported counteroffers
- Getting everything in writing to protect your interests
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. While you focus on healing, we’ll focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
Think of your first meeting with us as sitting down with a trusted friend who happens to be a legal expert. We want to give clients as much information as possible about the law and how the legal system works. We want you to feel educated and comfortable as we discuss your case.
Questions to Ask
Your consultation is your time to get answers. Here’s what you might want to know:
- Our experience with cases like yours
- How we’ll handle your case and keep you informed
- Potential roadblocks we might face together
- How long your case might take
- Our fee structure and payment approach
- Our trial experience and preparation methods
Everything you share stays between us, protected by attorney-client privilege. We’ll walk you through each step of the legal process, answer your questions, and help you understand your medical care options.
Come ready to tell us about your injuries, how they’ve changed your daily life, and any talks you’ve had with insurance companies. Your story helps us build the strongest possible case for you.
We know meeting with a lawyer might feel daunting. That’s why we take time to explain everything in plain English, not legal jargon. Many clients tell us they leave their consultation feeling relieved and hopeful about their path forward.
Ready to tell us your story? Call Conybeare Law Office today for your free consultation. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!
Calculating Your Claim’s Value
While no amount of money can fully compensate for serious injuries, understanding what your case is worth helps protect you from unfair settlements. At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ve secured record verdicts for our clients – like a $1.9 million verdict in Cass County for a fatal car accident case. Let’s break down what goes into valuing your claim.
Medical Expenses
The numbers can be staggering. Just a few days in the hospital might leave you with bills exceeding $50,000. Your claim needs to cover every aspect of your care:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries and medical procedures
- Prescribed medications and medical supplies
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical treatments and ongoing care
The firm’s philosophy is to give clients as much information as possible about their cases. That’s why we carefully document every medical expense – both current and future – to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Lost Wages
Michigan law protects your income after a motor vehicle accident. You can receive 85% of your lost wages tax-free for up to three years. Right now, that means up to $7,014 per month. But what if you can’t return to work? In cases of permanent disability following a crash, we can pursue additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In other types of personal injury cases, full wage loss and loss of earning capacity are elements of damages we can pursue on your behalf.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional trauma from an accident can’t be measured in dollars and cents. Insurance companies try to minimize your pain and trauma and often use cookie cutter approaches to assigning a dollar value. But every case is unique – just like every client’s story.
Don’t let insurance companies determine what your case is worth. Call Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers for a free evaluation. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our practice focuses on all aspects of personal injury law, from car accidents to medical malpractice. Each case that walks through our doors reminds us why we chose this field – to help people rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
Car and Truck Accidents
The numbers tell a frightening story. Van Buren County saw 1,973 car accidents in 2020, with 13 families losing loved ones and 306 people suffering injuries. Commercial truck accidents bring even greater dangers – these massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, twenty times heavier than your family car. One wrong move can change lives forever.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. Yet too often, we see cases where poorly maintained floors, dim lighting, or missing warning signs lead to serious injuries. These cases might seem straightforward, but proving fault requires skilled investigation, expert witnesses, and a deep understanding of premises liability law.
Medical Malpractice
When medical professionals make mistakes, the consequences can be devastating. Our firm stands beside families facing the aftermath of:
- Missed or delayed diagnoses
- Birth injuries
- Medication errors
- Emergency room mistakes
FAQs
What is the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan?
In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to act within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation. Medical malpractice cases have a shorter time limit – two years. And in certain cases against the government or tribal organizations, there are much shorter notice requirements – at times as short as 60 days from the injuring event.
In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to act within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation. Medical malpractice cases have a shorter time limit – two years. And in certain cases against the government or tribal organizations, there are much shorter notice requirements – at times as short as 60 days from the injuring event.
How do personal injury lawyers in South Haven typically charge for their services?
Almost all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or award, typically ranging from 33%.
What types of personal injury cases are commonly handled in South Haven?
Common personal injury cases in South Haven include car and truck accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, animal attacks, and workplace accidents. Each type of case requires specific expertise and approach.
What should I bring to my initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer?
For your first meeting, bring relevant documents such as accident reports, photos of injuries or accident scenes, insurance correspondence, medical records, and any evidence of lost wages. This information helps the lawyer assess your case effectively.
Contact Conybeare Injury & Accident Lawyers Today
Personal injury cases can feel like climbing a mountain – the path looks steep, the challenges seem endless, and you might wonder if you’ll ever reach the top. But you don’t have to make this climb alone. At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of families in SW Michigan reach the summit of justice and fair compensation.
While we understand that no amount of money can ever replace what you’ve lost, we know that fair compensation can give you the support you need to move forward.
Time is critical in personal injury cases. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and legal deadlines approach faster than you might think. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your rights. Let our experienced attorneys shoulder your legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your recovery.
Ready to take the first step? Call Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. Whether your claim is big or small, it’s important to us. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!