Sterling Heights Michigan Defendant's Affirmative Defenses refer to legal strategies used by the accused party in a lawsuit to assert their innocence or mitigate liability. These defenses aim to provide justifications or explanations for the defendant's actions, typically challenging the plaintiff's claims or allegations. In Sterling Heights, Michigan, several types of affirmative defenses can be used based on the specific circumstances of the case: 1. Self-defense: This defense asserts that the defendant acted in self-defense to protect themselves from harm. It argues that the defendant's actions were necessary and reasonable to prevent injury or threats. 2. Statute of Limitations: This defense asserts that the plaintiff's claim was filed after the legal time limit specified by the applicable statute of limitations. It contests the plaintiff's right to file the lawsuit due to the expiration of the permitted timeframe. 3. Contributory negligence: This defense claims that the plaintiff's own negligence or actions contributed to the injurious incident. It argues that the plaintiff should bear some responsibility for the damages incurred. 4. Comparative negligence: Similar to contributory negligence, this defense asserts that both the plaintiff and the defendant share the responsibility for the incident. However, it seeks to allocate fault proportionately between the parties involved. 5. Impossibility: This defense argues that the defendant's alleged actions were impossible or beyond their control, making it impossible for them to commit the alleged misconduct. 6. Duress: This defense claims that the defendant acted under extreme coercion or threat of harm, negating their culpability for any illegal actions undertaken. 7. Mistake of fact: This defense suggests that the defendant's actions were based on an honest mistake or misunderstanding of the facts, which should absolve them from liability. 8. Consent: This defense asserts that the plaintiff willingly agreed to participate in the action or event that led to the alleged harm, thereby waiving their right to sue the defendant. 9. Necessity: This defense argues that the defendant committed an otherwise illegal act out of necessity to prevent greater harm or injury. 10. Estoppel: This defense contends that the plaintiff is barred from asserting their claim because they previously made statements or engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the current lawsuit. These affirmative defenses can enable the defendant in a Sterling Heights, Michigan case to challenge or mitigate the plaintiff's claims, potentially leading to reduced liability or a more favorable outcome for the accused party.