Michigan follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. If you take legal action for personal injuries or a wrongful death, your damages can be reduced by your level of responsibility. When you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect non-economic damages. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can collect economic and non-economic damages. However, the total recovery will be reduced by your level of liability. For example, if a court finds that you experienced $100,000 in medical bills and lost wages but you were 20% at fault for using headphones while cycling, the damages would be reduced to $80,000.
