Medical Malpractice Attorneys Livingston County MI
You trusted your doctor to provide competent medical care, but something went terribly wrong. Maybe a surgeon made an error during a routine procedure. Perhaps a misdiagnosis delayed treatment for cancer or a heart condition. Maybe your loved one received the wrong medication or died from a preventable infection. When medical professionals make mistakes, patients suffer catastrophic injuries—or lose their lives entirely.
At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., our medical malpractice attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues these cases require. We've spent over 45 years fighting for injured clients throughout Michigan, including Livingston County communities like Brighton, Howell, Hartland, and Fowlerville.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice in Michigan?
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Medicine involves judgment, risk, and uncertainty. However, when a healthcare provider's negligence causes harm, Michigan law provides a path to compensation. To prove medical malpractice, you must establish four elements: the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care; the provider breached the standard of care; the breach caused your injury; and you suffered damages.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Livingston County
Medical errors happen across all healthcare settings in Livingston County. Common forms of medical negligence include surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, emergency room negligence, and nursing home abuse and neglect.
Michigan's Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Michigan law strictly limits the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Under MCL 600.5805(8), you generally must file within two years of when the malpractice occurred or within six months of discovering the injury—whichever is later. However, the discovery period cannot extend beyond six years from the date of the negligent act.
Proving Medical Negligence Requires Expert Testimony
Michigan law requires an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert before you can file a malpractice lawsuit. This expert must practice in the same specialty, be board-certified (or have equivalent training), and spend at least 75% of their professional time in active clinical practice or instruction. Building a successful medical malpractice case requires extensive investigation, medical record review, and collaboration with top experts.
Compensation Available in Livingston County Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and attendant care needs. These damages have no statutory cap in Michigan. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Michigan caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at approximately $569,000 (adjusted annually for inflation), with a higher cap of approximately $1,047,000 for death, permanent loss of a vital bodily function, or permanent cognitive impairment.
Why Medical Malpractice Cases Require Experienced Trial Attorneys
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex and expensive to litigate. Many firms settle cases quickly to avoid the substantial costs of preparing for trial. We take a different approach. We invest in the expert testimony, medical records analysis, and thorough preparation necessary to prove your case—and we're prepared to go to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
Contact Our Livingston County Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
When healthcare providers fail their patients, the consequences can be devastating and permanent. We offer free consultations and handle all cases on a contingency-fee basis—no fees unless we win. Call us at (734) 994-0200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to what matters most about your case and how we work.
How do I know if my doctor committed medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider's negligence causes you harm. Simply having a bad outcome isn't enough—you must prove the provider fell below the accepted standard of care for their specialty. If your treatment differed significantly from what a competent doctor would have done, if critical tests were missed, or if obvious symptoms were ignored, you may have a claim. Our attorneys work with medical experts to evaluate whether malpractice occurred.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Michigan?
Michigan law generally requires you to file within two years of when the malpractice occurred or within six months of discovering the injury—whichever is later. However, the discovery period cannot extend beyond six years from the negligent act. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and exceptions are rare. Contact an attorney immediately if you suspect medical negligence to protect your rights.
Do I need a medical expert to prove my malpractice case?
Yes. Michigan law requires an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert before you can file a malpractice lawsuit. This expert must be board-certified in the same specialty and spend at least 75% of their time in active clinical practice or instruction. Additionally, expert testimony is required at trial to prove the healthcare provider fell below the standard of care and caused your injury.
What damages are available in Livingston County medical malpractice cases?
You can recover economic damages including all medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and rehabilitation expenses—these damages are not capped. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering are capped at approximately $569,000, but a higher cap of approximately $1,047,000 applies when malpractice caused death, permanent loss of a vital bodily function, or permanent cognitive impairment. Wrongful death cases may also include loss of companionship and financial support.
Can I sue a hospital for medical malpractice in Michigan?
Yes. Hospitals can be held liable for their own negligence, including inadequate staffing, failure to properly credential physicians, negligent supervision, or unsafe policies. Hospitals may also be vicariously liable for the negligence of their employed physicians, nurses, and staff. Independent contractors like emergency room physicians may require separate claims, but our attorneys investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
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Don't face this alone. Let us review your case and show you what's possible. We never charge legal fees unless we recover damages on your behalf and the initial consultation is free as well. Reach out to us today.
Adrienne D. Logeman
Partner
James A. Iafrate
Partner
What Our Clients Say About Us
Cases won, lives changed, and we are happy to have helped each one of our clients.
If I could give them 100 stars I would!
"At the lowest point in my life they were there for me and got more than I expected. Mr. Logeman was amazing and Cheryl his assistant was so caring and professional. I would recommend them to anyone with a personal injury or accident. They went above and beyond for my son and I. I will forever be in their debt!"
They did wonderfully in winning our case!
"We were referred for a personal injury motorcycle accident. We had no idea even where to begin, but the caring and professional team reassured us and took off a lot of stress. They did wonderfully in winning our case, and were always great at communicating where the case was at and what was needed. I would highly recommend and if we were to ever need their services again, I wouldn't think twice about calling them up."
I could not have asked for better representation!
"Adrienne Logeman is an exceptional auto injury attorney. Adrienne put me at ease and explained every step of the process. She was composed, professional, polite and extremely competent. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in our favor. I could not have asked for better representation and care. I am very thankful for her. An incredible experience."
I truly believe you could not find a better firm to work with.
"Jim Iafrate and his staff are wonderful to work with, professional, compassionate, and do everything in their power when working on your case. I was always part of the process as communication was timely. Additionally, they know the law and will not be bullied by big insurance companies."
Jim was always available when we needed him to answer questions!
"Jim handled our case resulting from a very bad automobile accident. Both my husband and I were injured. He is very personable and efficient. He came to our home to get the details of the accident and continued to provide excellent handling of our case to the end when he reached an excellent settlement for us. We feel we became friends during this whole process."
I cannot recommended them highly enough!
"I'm so grateful to Logeman & Iafrate for taking care of my legal needs for my case. The entire staff are exceptional, professional, communicate well during the entire process."
By far the best lawyer I've ever had!
"I had the pleasure of Jim Iafrate representing me. He was professional, had excellent communication skills and is trustworthy. He always kept me up to date, was responsive and worked diligently. His abilities enabled us to settle my case in a timely manner. Thanks for your hard work Jim!"
I can not say enough about this firm they continue to advocate for me!
"I was in 2 different catastrophic car accidents. Jim Iafrate has been my attorney for many years. I can say that without a doubt he is the best attorney in this field. Jim and his staff are professional and compassionate. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a attorney that has been in a car accident. Jim will go above and beyond for his clients."
My wife and I strongly recommend this law firm and are grateful for all their efforts.
"The attorneys at Logeman, Iafrate and Logeman were absolutely fantastic and professional in handling our case from a severe automobile accident. They provided constant support and guidance in making sure all of our medical needs were met. The staff at this firm was so helpful in all aspects of the case and subsequent trial and settlement."
I know that we can always trust their advice!
"I work with individuals that have suffered a brain injury because of an auto accident. This law practice has always been an amazing resource for them. They always put their clients first and I know that we can always trust their advice."
I would recommend James and his office to anyone!
"James and his team worked right beside our entire family during the whole process and even after. James was always available and fought hard to get my family what we deserved. He didn't back down and was uplifting through the entire process. Not only was I proud to have him as our lawyer, we were even prouder that we can now call him a friend."
Logeman & Iafrate, P.C.
2950 S State St Ste 400, Ann Arbor, MI 48104