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If you’ve been sued or are thinking about starting a lawsuit, you may be curious about how the local court system is organized. Here is some basic information relating to civil (non-criminal) cases.

• District Court. This Court has jurisdiction in civil cases in which the amount claimed is $25,000 or less. It also has jurisdiction in small claims cases for matters of $3,000 or less, and it decides landlord-tenant and land-contract forfeiture cases. There are three District Courts in Washtenaw County: The 15th District Court handles cases arising in the City of Ann Arbor. The 14B District Court handles cases arising in Ypsilanti Township. The 14A District Court handles cases arising elsewhere in the County.
• Trial Court. This Court has jurisdiction throughout Washtenaw. The Civil Division of the Trial Court handles civil cases in which the amount claimed is over $25,000. The Family Division handles divorce matters, name changes, adoptions, appointment of conservators and guardians, and the estates of deceased people. The Probate Court is part of the Family Division of the Trial Court.

The attorneys at the Ann Arbor firm of Hamilton, Judge, Schroer & Steingold have practiced extensively in all of these courts.

Have you sustained an injury caused by someone else? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Several factors go into whether or not you have a claim worth pursuing.

• Negligence. Generally speaking, to be entitled to compensation, you must prove that the other party was negligent – that is, failed to use reasonable care for the safety of others. (Negligence is not required, however, for a worker’s compensation claim.)
• Causation. You must also prove that the negligence actually caused your injury.
• Damages. If you can prove your case, you’re generally entitled to collect economic damages – such as lost wages – and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Michigan laws place a limit on damages in some cases.
• Getting Paid. Winning an injury case means nothing if the defendant lacks insurance or the means to pay the damages awarded.

The attorneys at the Ann Arbor firm of Hamilton, Judge, Schroer & Steingold can evaluate your injury claim and advise you about your options.