(734) 285-6040
Metro Detroit Personal Injury, Criminal & Divorce Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, charged with a crime, or served with divorce papers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Monroe County, early legal action matters.
James E. Brittain is a Michigan attorney based in Taylor, representing clients throughout Southeast Michigan in serious personal injury claims, criminal defense matters, and divorce proceedings.
He is licensed in all Michigan state courts and provides direct attorney representation from intake through resolution.
Michigan Personal Injury Attorney – Car Accidents, Dog Bites & Slip and Fall Claims
Personal injury cases in Michigan are governed by statutory deadlines, insurance regulations, and evolving appellate standards. Insurance companies begin evaluating claims immediately after an accident occurs. Statements, medical documentation, and early filings can significantly affect long-term compensation.
Representation focuses on building a structured claim supported by evidence, medical records, and liability analysis from the outset.
Michigan Car Accident Lawyer
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system requires strict compliance with notice requirements and benefit applications. Injured drivers and passengers may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, wage loss coverage, and medical expense reimbursement regardless of fault.
In serious cases, third-party lawsuits may be filed for pain and suffering damages where a serious impairment of body function can be established.
Auto accident representation includes:
Serious Impairment of Body Function
Under Michigan law, recovery for pain and suffering in auto accident cases requires proof of a serious impairment of body function. Establishing this threshold involves medical documentation, functional limitations, and legal analysis.
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PIP benefit disputes
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Denied medical claims
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Serious impairment litigation
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Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
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Rear-end and intersection collisions
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Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
Michigan Dog Bite Attorney
Under Michigan law, dog owners are generally strictly liable for bite injuries occurring without provocation. These cases often involve emergency treatment, reconstructive procedures, and long-term scarring.
Slip and Fall Lawyer in Metro Detroit
Property owners must maintain reasonably safe premises. Premises liability cases frequently involve snow and ice accumulation, defective stairs, poor lighting, or hazardous walkways.
These claims often turn on notice, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and compliance with Michigan premises liability standards.
How Personal Injury Claims Work in Michigan
Michigan injury cases often involve both first-party and third-party components. Under the No-Fault system, injured individuals may seek Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical expenses and wage loss. In serious cases, a separate negligence lawsuit may be filed against the at-fault driver if the statutory threshold is met.
Insurance carriers frequently dispute causation, medical necessity, and treatment duration. Early coordination of documentation, medical records, and statutory notice requirements is critical to protecting long-term recovery.
Serious injury cases require structured case development, not reactive negotiation.
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney – OWI, Assault & Drug Charges
Criminal charges move quickly through Michigan district and circuit courts. Bond conditions, plea negotiations, and evidentiary hearings can significantly affect the outcome of a case.
Early review of police reports, body camera footage, and constitutional issues is critical.
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OWI / DUI defense
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Drug possession charges
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Assault and battery
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Domestic violence allegations
Strategic motion practice and procedural analysis may impact admissibility of evidence and prosecutorial leverage.
What Happens After a Criminal Charge in Michigan
After arrest or citation, criminal cases move quickly through district court. Arraignment, bond conditions, pretrial conferences, and evidentiary hearings can significantly affect case trajectory.
Early review of police reports, dash-cam or body camera footage, and constitutional issues can determine whether suppression motions or evidentiary challenges are appropriate.
Waiting limits options. Early strategic evaluation preserves leverage.
Michigan Divorce & Custody Attorney
Divorce proceedings in Michigan involve property division, custody determinations, and financial restructuring. Early filings and temporary orders can shape long-term outcomes.
Family law representation includes:
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Divorce proceedings
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Child custody disputes
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Parenting time modifications
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Child support matters
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Post-judgment enforcement
Structured preparation protects both financial interests and parental rights.
How Divorce Proceedings Progress in Michigan Courts
Divorce cases begin with filing and service, followed by temporary orders that may govern custody, parenting time, and financial responsibilities during the case.
Property division, child custody determinations, and support calculations are governed by statutory and case law standards. Early documentation and structured preparation influence outcomes long before final hearing.
Family law cases benefit from proactive strategy rather than reactive litigation.
Direct Representation From Start to Finish
Serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb & Monroe Counties
Office located in Taylor, Michigan. Representing clients throughout Southeast Michigan, including:
Wayne County
Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, Dearborn Heights, Lincoln Park, Southgate, Allen Park, Plymouth.
Oakland County
Troy, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Novi, Pontiac, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Auburn Hills, Birmingham.
Monroe County
Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, St. Clair Shores, Roseville, Eastpointe, Fraser, Mount Clemens.
Macomb County
Monroe, Milan, Dundee, Petersburg, Luna Pier, Carleton, South Rockwood, Estral Beach.
About James E. Brittain
James E. Brittain is licensed to practice law exclusively in the State of Michigan. He represents clients throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Monroe Counties in personal injury, criminal defense, and divorce matters. Based in Taylor, Michigan, he provides direct attorney representation from initial consultation through case resolution.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. His legal practice is focused entirely within Michigan courts, allowing for familiarity with local procedures, filing requirements, and courtroom expectations across Southeast Michigan jurisdictions.
Direct Attorney Access
Clients work directly with their attorney. Core legal strategy is not delegated. From case evaluation to motion practice and hearings, representation remains structured and consistent. Clear communication and procedural preparation are prioritized at every stage of a case.
Structured Case Preparation
Personal injury claims, criminal charges, and divorce proceedings all involve deadlines, evidentiary requirements, and procedural rules that can significantly impact outcomes. Cases are evaluated based on statutory standards, evidentiary posture, and strategic timing. Early organization of documentation and legal positioning often influences long-term results.
Michigan-Focused Representation
Practice is limited to Michigan law and Michigan courts. This focus allows for attention to the specific procedural rules, statutory frameworks, and appellate standards governing cases within the state. Clients benefit from representation that is concentrated rather than geographically diluted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do personal injury cases take in Michigan?
Do I have to meet the serious impairment threshold to recover after a car accident?
In Michigan auto accident cases, recovery for pain and suffering requires proof of a serious impairment of body function. This involves demonstrating that the injury affects an important body function and has a significant impact on normal life. Medical documentation and legal analysis are central to this determination.
Should I speak to the insurance company after a car accident?
Insurance carriers may request recorded statements shortly after an accident. Statements can affect coverage and liability positions. Legal guidance before providing detailed statements can help avoid misunderstandings that may affect a claim.
What should I do after being charged with a crime in Michigan?
Contact an attorney promptly. Criminal cases move quickly through district court. Bond conditions, arraignment procedures, and early evidentiary review can significantly affect case strategy and available options.
How is child custody determined in Michigan?
Custody determinations are based on statutory best-interest factors evaluated by the court. These factors consider the child’s welfare, stability, and parental involvement. Temporary orders entered early in a case may influence long-term outcomes.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after being served with divorce papers?
Michigan courts impose strict deadlines for responding to divorce filings. Early evaluation allows for structured preparation regarding custody, parenting time, and financial issues before temporary orders are entered.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured in a car accident, charged with a crime, or served with divorce papers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Monroe County, early legal review is critical. Deadlines under Michigan law are unforgiving, and early procedural positioning can significantly affect long-term outcomes.
Contact James E. Brittain to discuss your situation and determine the next appropriate steps. Consultation allows for review of deadlines, evidentiary posture, and available legal options under Michigan law.