Personal Injury

Who Are The Proper Defendants In Michigan Dog Bite Attacks?

Who Are The Proper Defendants In Michigan Dog Bite Attacks?

One important element of a dog bite claim is properly identifying the party responsible. The proper defendant in a Michigan dog bite attack is the owner, keeper or possessor of the animal. Check out our new blog post to learn the differences of each and for more information on Michigan Dog Bite law. 

Statute of Limitations For Michigan Personal Injury Cases

Statute of Limitations For Michigan Personal Injury Cases

The Statute of Limitations sets forth the maximum time after an event in which legal proceedings can be initiated. After the statute of limitations expires, unless a legal exception applies, the injured party loses the right to file a lawsuit. Don't wait until the time period for filing your claim expires to get compensation for your injuries. 

Can I Sue A Restaurant For Food Poisoning?

Can I Sue A Restaurant For Food Poisoning?

According to the Center For Disease Control And Prevention, 48 million Americans suffer from food poisoning each year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. If you have ever suffered an illness as a result of food served at a restaurant or purchased at a grocery store, you may have wondered if you could pursue a claim for damages. 

Worker's Compensation Liens On Third-Party Personal Injury Recoveries

Worker's Compensation Liens On Third-Party Personal Injury Recoveries

If you have been injured by a third-party while on the job, you may be entitled to bring a negligence case against the responsible party in addition to receiving worker's compensation benefits. However, your employer/worker's compensation carrier may have a lien on your third-party case for benefits it paid.

Coordinated & Excess Medical Coverage In Your Auto Insurance Policy

Coordinated & Excess Medical Coverage In Your Auto Insurance Policy

The Michigan No-Fault Act allows your insurance carrier to sell two types of no-fault coverage: full medical coverage and coordinated or excess coverage.

How Long After An Auto Accident Do I Have To Apply For Michigan No-Fault Benefits?

How Long After An Auto Accident Do I Have To Apply For Michigan No-Fault Benefits?

First-party benefits are commonly provided by your own auto insurance company and provide compensation for certain economic losses: typically hospital and medical expenses, wage loss and replacement services. In order to receive the maximum first-party benefits, the claimant must provide notice to the responsible insurance company within one year of the accident. 

Gov. Snyder Signs HB 4686 Extending Open & Obvious Defense To Local Governments

Gov. Snyder Signs HB 4686 Extending Open & Obvious Defense To Local Governments

Last week, Governor Snyder signed HB 4686, a bill that allows municipalities to use the "open and obvious" defense to claims alleging dangerous, defective, and unrepaired sidewalks. This law, which will go into effect immediately, will make cities effectively immune and removes any incentive to maintain city sidewalks.

Michigan Loss Of Consortium: Damages For The Spouse Of An Injured Person

Michigan Loss Of Consortium: Damages For The Spouse Of An Injured Person

Did you know that under Michigan law, the spouse of an injured person may have an independent claim for damages in the amount of the value of the services, society and companionship, and sexual relationship the spouse has been deprived of? 

Sewer System Exception To Governmental Immunity

Sewer System Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function (see When Can The Government Be Sued?). However, an exception exists for a sewage overflow or backup if the disposal system had a defect and the incident constitutes a "sewage disposal system event" as defined by statute. 

Proposed Changes To Michigan No-Fault Would Harm Seriously Injured Accident Victims

Michigan legislators and the Insurance Coalition have proposed changes to Michigan's No-Fault Auto Insurance system that would harm seriously injured accident victims, while benefiting insurance companies. The proposed changes, would significantly reduce benefits for catastrophic claims without any guarantee that Michigan drivers would see a reduction in their rates. Contact your state representative or senator today to have your voice heard. 

Proprietary Function Exception To Governmental Immunity

Proprietary Function Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function (see When Can The Government Be Sued?). However, an exception to this general rule exists for actions to recover for “bodily injury or property damage arising out of the performance of a proprietary function.” 

Medical Care Exception To Governmental Immunity

Medical Care Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function (see When Can The Government Be Sued?). However, an exception to this general rule exists for medical care provided by a government agency or employee. 

Public Building Exception To Governmental Immunity

Public Building Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function (see When Can The Government Be Sued?). However, an exception to this general rule exists for injuries caused by improperly maintained public buildings. 

Motor Vehicle Exception To Governmental Immunity

Motor Vehicle Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function (see When Can The Government Be Sued?). However, an exception to this general rule exists when a officer, agent, or employee of a governmental agency negligently operates a motor vehicle for which the governmental agency owns. 

Highway Exception To Governmental Immunity

Highway Exception To Governmental Immunity

Generally, the government is immune from tort liability when engaged in a governmental function. However, an exception to this general rule exists when the government fails to maintain and repair public highways. 

When Can The Government Be Sued?

When Can The Government Be Sued?

The general rule is that government agencies and their employees are immune from tort liability when they are engaged in governmental functions. MCL 691.1401 et seq. However, there are certain exceptions where an injured party can still bring a lawsuit for compensation against government agencies and employees. 

Michigan: Most Expensive State For Auto Insurance

Michigan: Most Expensive State For Auto Insurance

The Zebra, a national quote comparison website for car insurance, released their 2016 report titled "The State of Auto Insurance" and it revealed bad news for Michigan residents. Michigan led the country with the highest average annual auto insurance premium. The report found that the average Michigan driver spends $2,087 per year on auto insurance.

Michigan No-Fault Benefits: The Difference Between Replacement Services And Attendant Care

Michigan No-Fault Benefits: The Difference Between Replacement Services And Attendant Care

A common confusion among many clients injured in a Michigan car accident is the difference between these first-party No-Fault benefits that sound similar, but which in reality are distinct. 

Bicyclists Under The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code

Bicyclists Under The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code

After Monday's tragic story detailing the death of a 39-year-old Oceola Township man who was killed while riding his bike, we thought it prudent to dedicate a blog post on the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code as it pertains to bicyclists in an effort to spread awareness of the rights and duties of both motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists and in hopes of preventing future tragedies.