Michigan Civil Litigation Attorney
When a dispute lands in court, you want a litigator who has actually won at trial. Manny Chahal represents plaintiffs and defendants in business, contract, real estate, employment, and tort litigation across Michigan state courts, federal court, and the Michigan Court of Appeals — with a $2.135 million Wayne County jury verdict and a $1.1 million personal injury settlement to back it up. Hard-nosed pretrial work, motion-driven leverage, and trial-ready preparation from intake forward.
Litigation Practice Areas
Trial-tested representation across the full spectrum of civil disputes.
Breach of Contract
Commercial contract disputes, breach claims, anticipatory repudiation, specific performance, and damages — including liquidated damages enforceability and consequential damages limitations.
Business & Shareholder Disputes
Member oppression, derivative actions, breach of fiduciary duty, dissolution under MCL 450.4515 (LLCs) and MCL 450.1489 (corporations), and partnership dissolution.
Real Estate & Property Litigation
Title disputes, quiet title actions, easement and boundary disputes, broker-commission claims, partition actions, and landlord-tenant litigation.
Employment Litigation
Wrongful termination, Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (MCL 37.2101), Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (MCL 15.361), non-compete enforcement, and wage-and-hour disputes.
Fraud & Business Torts
Common-law fraud, silent fraud, innocent misrepresentation, tortious interference with contract or business expectancy, civil conspiracy, and conversion claims.
Insurance Coverage Litigation
First-party bad faith, denial of coverage, no-fault PIP litigation under MCL 500.3148, UM/UIM disputes, and declaratory judgment actions.
Construction & Lien Disputes
Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101) claims and defenses, mechanic’s liens, payment bond claims, defective work claims, and AIA contract disputes.
Appeals & Post-Judgment Matters
Michigan Court of Appeals briefing, applications for leave to the Michigan Supreme Court, post-judgment motions, and judgment enforcement / collection.
Key Michigan Civil Litigation Statutes & Court Rules
Statute of limitations and procedural authorities every Michigan litigant should know.
The Litigation Process
A disciplined, milestone-driven approach from pre-suit demand through judgment.
Pre-Suit Investigation
Demand letters, evidence preservation, document holds, and pre-litigation negotiation to resolve before filing fees and discovery costs.
Pleadings & Discovery
Complaint, answer, affirmative defenses, written discovery, depositions, expert disclosures, and document production.
Dispositive Motions & ADR
Summary disposition under MCR 2.116, case evaluation, mediation, and facilitative settlement conferences.
Trial & Judgment
Jury or bench trial, post-trial motions, judgment entry, and — when the result demands it — appeal.
Damages We Pursue (or Defend Against)
Knowing what’s recoverable shapes every strategic decision in litigation.
Compensatory Damages
Direct and consequential damages flowing from breach or tortious conduct — including lost profits where reasonably certain.
Liquidated Damages
Contractual liquidated damages provisions — enforced if reasonable, struck as penalty if not under Michigan law.
Exemplary Damages
Available in Michigan for willful, malicious conduct causing humiliation or mental anguish — distinct from punitive damages.
Statutory Treble Damages
Available under specific Michigan statutes — including conversion (MCL 600.2919a) and certain consumer protection violations.
Attorney Fees & Costs
Recovery via contractual fee-shifting, statutory fee provisions, MCR 2.405 offer of judgment sanctions, or sanctions for frivolous claims.
Equitable Relief
Specific performance, injunctions, declaratory judgments, constructive trusts, and accounting remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a Michigan civil lawsuit?
It depends on the claim. Personal injury: 3 years (MCL 600.5805). Breach of contract: 6 years (MCL 600.5807). Fraud: 6 years from discovery. Many tolling and discovery rules apply — confirm with counsel before relying on any deadline.
What is summary disposition and why does it matter?
Summary disposition under MCR 2.116 lets a court dispose of a case (or claims within it) without trial when there is no genuine factual dispute. Strong motion practice can end a case before trial — saving years and significant legal cost.
Should I sue or settle?
It depends on liability strength, available evidence, the defendant’s solvency, fee-shifting exposure, and your business or personal objectives. We pressure-test cases honestly before recommending either path.
What is case evaluation in Michigan?
Case evaluation is a non-binding panel valuation under MCR 2.403. Rejecting an evaluation can trigger fee-shifting sanctions if the trial result is materially worse — a powerful lever for the better-positioned party.
Can I recover attorney fees in Michigan?
Generally only when authorized by contract, statute, court rule, or sanctions. The American Rule applies — but well-drafted contracts and aggressive use of MCR 2.405 offers can change the math substantially.
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