Westland Tort Lawyers

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Litigation Lawyers in Westland

A "tort" is defined in Westland, Michigan as a legal wrong, not criminal in nature, for which the law provides compensation to the victim.

When a tort is committed in Westland, Michigan, thereby giving the victim the legal right to sue the person who allegedly harmed them, the victim's right to sue is known as a "cause of action."

The law of Westland, Michigan recognizes several dozen different torts, but only a few of them are actually litigated with any frequency, and many of them are relics of a bygone age. However, there are a few torts that are litigated very often. These torts are negligence, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and battery.

Types of Torts in Westland, Michigan

Negligence: Negligence is by far the most common tort that results in litigation in Westland, Michigan. Negligence is a failure to exercise the amount of care appropriate for a given situation, and causing harm to someone else as a result of this carelessness. For example, running a red light is inherently careless. If you run a red light, and cause personal injury or property damage, you are liable for the harm you caused. Of course, this is just one example, and negligence can occur in essentially any context.

Fraud: Fraud is another common tort litigated in Westland, Michigan courts. Fraud is defined as the deliberate misrepresentation of facts made for financial, or other personal gain, which causes harm to someone else. Usually, fraud is committed when a product or service is sold, and the seller lies about the nature or quality of the thing being sold. If, in deciding to buy what the fraudster is selling, the victim relies on the false statements, the seller has committed fraud. The buyer can then sue the seller, to seek compensation for their losses. At the very least, they will usually receive the difference between the fair market value of the thing they bought, and what they paid for it.

Battery: The law in Westland, Michigan defines battery as any harmful or offensive contact by one person, with the body of another person, without the consent of the victim. Any punch, kick, strike, or slap would clearly amount to battery, since it is harmful, unless it occurs in a context where the person being battered consented to it (a lawful boxing match, for example). However, conduct that doesn't cause any physical harm, but is "offensive," can also be considered battery. This most often comes up when one person initiates unwanted sexual contact with another.

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Intentional infliction of emotional distress is also called IIED in Westland, Michigan, and it was not recognized as a valid cause of action until fairly recently (for the longest time, physical harm was a requirement before someone could sue for tort damages). To hold a defendant liable for IIED, it must be shown that the defendant engaged in some type of outrageous conduct, targeted at the plaintiff. Furthermore, it must be shown that this conduct directly caused severe emotional distress in the plaintiff, and that that was the defendant's intent. Proving that actual emotional distress occurred is the most difficult element of this tort, and the plaintiff's word is far from sufficient. It often requires intensive examination by a psychiatrist, who will then testify as to the plaintiff's mental state.

How Can A Westland, Michigan Tort Lawyer Help?

If someone has committed a tort against in you Westland, Michigan, you have a legal authority to seek compensation. Furthermore, if someone has sued you, alleging that you committed a tort, you have a right to mount a legal defense.

In either case, a Westland, Michigan attorney who is experienced in handling tort cases will be able to help. Your lawyer can advise you on the best trial strategy, should the case go to trial, and negotiate with the other side, to try and reach a resolution that both parties can live with.

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Life in Westland

Westland, Michigan is located in Wayne County just about 16 miles away from the city of Detroit. It has a budding population of over 86,000 residents. The city had its humble beginnings in the 18th century as a prime location for mill industries.

Currently, Westland is an ideal location for persons seeking employment and residential opportunities. Its location near Detroit makes it an excellent place for commuters to live and engage in retail and commercial activity. For example, the Westland Shopping Center is located in the city. The Shopping Center has over 100 stores that shoppers can choose from. As an "All-American City", Westland also has an abundance of recreational and dining opportunities throughout the city.

Westland is presently invested in preserving its historical roots. Recently in 2009 the city received a grant through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The grant was in the amount of over million and will be used for restoring historic districts.

Many Westland, Michigan lawyers belong to several bar associations, including the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Membership in multiple bars allows lawyers in Westland to serve their community with a more thorough legal perspective. Most Westland claims are heard in the 18th District Court of Michigan, which was recently renovated to promote more efficient court operations.

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