MI Safety Tips – Recent Michigan Water Accidents Prompt Saftey Concerns

July 29, 2010

As a result of the abnormally high summer temperatures, people from across the state are flocking to Michigan lakes and beaches for some fun and relaxation. Despite the generally enjoyable nature of water-related activities, serious accidents can occur at any time, any place causing significant personal injury or even death. Following two recent water accidents in the past week, personal injury lawyers in Detroit, as well as public officials are concerned for the safety of Michigan beachgoers.

Last summer, many Michigan beaches were supplied with lifeguards or at the very least, flags of different colors indicating water dangers such as rip currents or a strong undertow. This year however, budget cuts have eliminated both of these safeguards from beaches across the state, ultimately putting swimmers at a higher risk for a Michigan water accident to occur. Just last week, a 17 year-old girl was critically injured in a swimming accident, while a 49 year-old man drowned while attempting to rescue his son.

Although it is unknown what caused these accidents, Grand Have Public Safety Captain Rick Yonker believes that rip currents are likely involved. Unfortunately, many people attempt to fight a rip current to no avail. According to Yonker however, the best thing to do is to “remain calm and conserve energy.” Stronger swimmers should swim parallel to shore to get out of a current, and then swim on an angle back to shore. More inexperienced swimmers on the other hand, should float with the rip current until it ceases. Additionally, all swimmers are recommended to wear a flotation device or life jacket regardless of ability or skill.

Certainly, enjoying the many great lakes and beaches is one of the best parts of living in the state of Michigan. However, residents need to remember that accidents can happen at any time, especially near the water. Wearing an approved flotation device, swimming in a group, and paying attention to any available warning signs or inquiring the weather before heading to the beach is a good step toward preventing water accidents. If one is hurt in a water-related accident, the victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation it is important to contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Detroit. Acting quickly to retain counsel is the first step in making sure that you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.


MI Product Recall – Dodge Recalls 22K 2010 Trucks and SUVs For Brake Problems

July 13, 2010

Cruising around town in a cool-looking truck or sport utility vehicle is certainly an exciting activity. If the car malfunctions in any way however, the drive can turn dangerous quickly. In the opinion of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Detroit, mechanical problems in vehicles are often reoccurring, and a larger problem within that model or make. To handle such as situation, the car company will undoubtedly announce a vehicle recall so that significant personal injury or death is avoided.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler has announced recalls on over 22,000 vehicles including: the Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram 1500, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Wrangler. Referring to the 2010 models of these trucks and SUVs, Chrysler fortunately caught the internal vehicle problems quickly before a serious Michigan car accident occurs.

The recalls of the Dodge and Jeep automobiles are set to begin in August while Chrysler continues to look into the manufacturing problems that could pose threats to public safety. Investigations to date have pointed to an improper flare on a brake tube connecting the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit. As the HCU is a part of the anti-lock braking system installed in these vehicles, the malfunctioning flare can cause a leak and loss of brake fluid. This is a very serious problem, as this directly affects a motorist’s ability to brake while driving.

Fortunately, the faulty brake tube can be replaced ultimately fixing the problem and saving driver’s from disaster. Owners of these aforementioned Dodge and Jeep vehicles should visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for more information. A more proactive option is simply to contact your local Chrysler dealer to schedule a maintenance fix. Failure to solve the internal problems in your car is dangerous, as faulty brakes can cause serious car accidents resulting in massive personal injury or death. If an auto crash does occur, a victim and their family will almost certainly have many questions regarding possible options. For answers, as well as superior legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working personal injury attorney in Detroit. Acting quickly will ensure the best possible outcome for your personal claim, including the compensation you deserve for your medical and personal losses.


MI Wrongful Death – Michigan Widow Sues Wayne County Communities For Wrongful Death of Husband

July 7, 2010

Emergency situations can happen at any time, in any place. Often caused by human error of some kind, all accidents can cause significant personal injury or death. In the opinion of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Detroit, among the most devastating are those where somebody was harmed as a result of the actions of others, particularly those meant to uphold the law. This week, the media alerted the public to a case where a Plymouth woman is suing numerous Wayne County communities for the wrongful death of her husband, as well as wrongful detention.

In June 2009, law enforcement officials raided the home of Thomas Steiner and Neileigh Regets on suspicion of cocaine possession and trafficking. Even though they were originally looking for drugs, police eventually arrested Regets on attempted suicide charges. Fortunately it was not long before the officers subtly recognized the counts against Regets were bogus–she was held for 72 hours before being released with no charges pending against her.

Steiner, a recovering alcoholic suffering from bipolar disorder and Alzheimer, could not bear the stress of his wife’s arrest and her young children as well. To get away, he was staying at a local hotel. According to court documents, law enforcement officials entered his hotel room and took his medications needed for his disorders, but left a bottle of vodka. Three days later, Steiner was found dead in his hotel room. An autopsy revealed that he died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and that there was alcohol in his system.

Blaming police for the wrongful death in Michigan, Regets is suing numerous defendants including the City of Plymouth, as well as the townships of Plymouth and Canton.

It has been difficult to retrieve a response from the various organizations named in the lawsuit. The Detroit Free Press reports that police have refused to release any additional information regarding the case because the investigation is still ongoing–much to the dismay of Regets’ personal injury attorney who called the situation “nightmarish.”

Experiencing a death in the family is a heartbreaking situation for anyone to be in. However, the situation is even more devastating if a loved one died as a result of the unlawful and immoral actions of others. Families of wrongful death victims in Michigan are immediately left with several questions regarding their options. It is essential to be proactive in seeking answers by contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Detroit for assistance. Using sound legal advice and tactical legal representation provided by a hard-working lawyer is essential to ensuring the results you want for your personal injury claim.


Safety Matters – Fourth of July Brings Fun, But Also an Increase in Safety Concerns

June 28, 2010

Although the Fourth of July is an exciting holiday involving family, food, and fun, it also can pose serious safety threats. An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer has seen it all: warm temperatures and a day-off from work encourage increased alcohol consumption and careless behavior, making enjoyable activities such as water sports, driving, or igniting fireworks increasingly dangerous. The results of an accident on a special holiday could be devastating, causing significant personal injury or death.

As the recovering economy has provided the opportunity for more Michigan tourists this summer, the number of people out and about this Fourth of July is expected to increase a great deal. To protect yourself and your family this holiday season, be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind to prevent Michigan recreational accidents from occurring:

  • Supervise children at all times while sparklers are in use, as it is possible to cause severe burns to the extremities. Emergency room doctors interviewed by The Detroit Free Press stated that most firework injuries could be prevented if younger users were supervised by a sober and responsible adult.
  • Keep an eye on kids while swimming and diving in any body of water. Even better, make sure there is a trained lifeguard on duty. The more eyes on the kids in the water, the better.
  • Be honest about your child’s swimming abilities–if your child is an inexperienced swimmer, make sure that he or she is wearing an approved flotation device for their safety.
  • While driving or riding in any type of boat, it is important to have an approved life jacket for each person on board. Otherwise, boaters are subject to drowning.
  • If you are an adult boating or participating in any water-related activity, refrain from use of alcohol or drugs. Emergency situations in the water is not uncommon, and being intoxicated will greatly reduce a person’s ability to reach safety.
  • Under the same tune, driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is not only risky, it’s downright dangerous. An increased number of people on the roads will increase the chances of Michigan drunk driving accidents occurring.

Keeping these simple, but important safety tips in mind can help prevent disaster this Fourth of July. Failure to refrain from immense alcohol use or supervise young children can have horrendous consequences, including severe personal injury or death. If an accident does occur over the holiday weekend, the victim and their family will instantly be left with numerous questions regarding their options. For answers as well as tactical legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and assertive Detroit personal injury attorney immediately. Acting quickly can help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for the medical and personal losses sustained in your accident.


MI Construction Site Accident – Masonry Company Sued After Worker’s Death in Ann Arbor

June 6, 2010

Although construction is a vital part of developing any area, if one is not completely careful, serious accidents can occur at these sites causing significant personal injury or death. In the opinion of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, many of these devastating incidents stem from a failure of a building company to comply with safety regulations designed to prevent disaster. A perfect example is the case of a construction worker who died from a fall on the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor.

While working on the massive UofM Museum of Art addition in February 2008, Leo Felty Jr. accidentally stepped backward of an unguarded scaffold and fell approximately 40 feet. Unfortunately, the impact of the Michigan construction site accident was go great that he died on impact.

Following Felty’s death, the state Attorney General charged Davenport Masonry, the construction company involved in this case, with failing to uphold the standards set by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. According to spokeswoman Joy Yearout, although these cases do not occur everyday, there are certainly trends in the causes of work-related accidents. “In most cases, the company has been previously cited for similar safety regulation lapses, or we have other evidence that demonstrates the company should have known that employees were not following safety regulations,” she explained.

According to AnnArbor.com, Felty’s case is just one of three that occurred on the University of Michigan campus during a 16-month period. Elevator mechanic David Smith died in August 2008 from falling down an open elevator shaft while working on the renovations to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Another worker, Gary Winisky was killed in June 2009 after being crushed by roofing materials that fell from a crane.

As a result of the reoccurring accidents, the University of Michigan has recently announced new safety regulations, imposed upon outside construction companies. For example, as a part of the new rules, contractors must develop “project-specific safety plans” to ensure that every employee is protected from an accident.

Evidenced by the case of Leo Felty Jr., being involved in a construction site accident is a traumatic and life-changing experience for anyone to go through, that can unfortunately result in serious personal injury or death. Because most of these incidents stem from a failure to adhere to safety regulations, it is essential that these minor problems are quickly fixed so that no worker is hurt on the job. If injured in such an accident however, a victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their case. For answers and aggressive legal representation, it is important to contact a hard-working Detroit worker’s compensation lawyer. Doing so immediately can help ensure that you receive the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim.


MI Medical Malpractice – Forced Abortion Suit Names Doctor for 7 Counts of Malpractice

June 6, 2010

Going to see a doctor or physician for any reason is a nerve-racking experience. Not only is your physical health in question, but great trust is placed in the medical practitioner to provide quality care to all patients. Failure to do so could not only cause significant personal injury or death, but it also breaks the delicate relationship between a doctor and their patient. As an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, incidents such as these unfortunately happen quite frequently. A perfect example rests in the case of a Michigan woman who is holding a Flint doctor for numerous counts of medical malpractice after a forced abortion.

According to documents filed in the Genesee County Circuit Court, Caitlin Bruce, 20, went to a local female health-care clinic to have an abortion performed. However, the ultrasound of her unborn child quickly changed her mind. Bruce reports that she asked Dr. Abraham Hodari to stop the procedure. Despite this, he continued to perform the abortion, contending that there was blood and tissue on his instrument from the pregnancy preventing him from stopping.

Following the incident, Bruce went through many psychological hardships, stating that the abortion changed her life completely. She was so terrified that she even tried to commit suicide as a result. Her experiences prompted her to file lawsuit against Dr. Hodari for seven counts of Michigan medical malpractice.

Even though Dr. Hodari insists that he could have stopped the procedure, his actions have been criticized by other medical practitioners. According to Dr. Mona Hardas, M.D., “Even if someone has signed a consent form, if someone wants you to stop you have to stop.” She also explained that there were other ways that he could have handled the situation, other than going ahead with the abortion as originally planned, such as sending her to the emergency room for a second opinion and examination by other doctors.

As seen by the example of Caitlin Bruce, the consequences of medical malpractice can be permanent and life-changing. Not only is the person subjected to great personal injury or death, it greatly violates the fragile balance of trust between doctors and patients. Following such an incident, victims and their families are almost certainly left with a number of questions regarding the best options to take. For answers, as well as superior legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit medical malpractice lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical and personal losses.


MI Motorcycle Accident – Fatal Motorcycle Crash Takes the Life of Lansing Area Senior

June 6, 2010

When operating any type of motor vehicle, it is important to pay attention to the road at all time, and minimize all distractions that could cause an accident. Not only is using a cell phone while behind the wheel a dangerous habit, but driving while intoxicated can significantly impair a motorists’ ability to navigate the roads. However, in the opinion of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, motorcycle crashes can sometime be among the most devastating as the driver of the bike is subject to major medical problems because their vehicle is much smaller than others on the road–it is not uncommon for such an incident to result in significant personal injury or death. Such are the circumstances of a recent case involving a Michigan man who died after being involved in a Lansing area motorcycle collision.

According to law enforcement officials, Thomas Graham, 76, was heading south on Zimmer Road in the evening hours of June 2nd. At some point during his ride, the Williamston Township resident reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a ditch on the side of the road. The impact of the crash was so great, that as a result of the Michigan motorcycle accident, Graham died as the scene.

At this time, few pieces of information are known regarding the motorcycle crash. While the Michigan State Police reported that Graham was wearing a helmet, it has yet to be determined whether alcohol played a factor in this crash. An autopsy will greatly assist investigators by providing additional evidence to piece together the details of the accident. To find out all the missing answers, law enforcement officials are currently investigating the incident.

As seen by the example of Thomas Graham, emergency situations can arise unexpectedly while operating any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle. Because these machines are smaller than most others on the road, bikers are at a higher risk for significant personal injury or death, leaving a victim and their family with numerous questions. For sound legal advice, as well as superior legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. Doing so can make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for all losses incurred.


MI Pedestrian Accident – Woman in Wheelchair Injured By Motorist With Suspended License

June 3, 2010

In the spring and summer, many Michigan residents take advantage of the nice weather and choose to travel by foot to their destination. Although this is both economically smart and green-friendly, an increase in pedestrians on busy streets creates a much higher risk of an accident occurring, resulting in serious personal injury or death. An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer can attest however, that those most likely to be hurt in such incidents are those that tend to be smaller in size (and therefore harder to see), such as children, senior citizens, or as seen in a recent case, the handicapped.

In the morning hours of June 1st, Emma Plair, 67, was heading to a doctors appointment in her motorized scooter, which she uses to get around. As she was attempting to cross Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids, a white Mazda with a Illinois license plate slammed into her. As a result of the Michigan pedestrian accident, Plair sustained a broken leg and head injuries.

The driver of the Mazda, 31 year-old Jerry Pettaway Jr., fled the scene almost immediately after hitting Plair. However, he turned himself in to law enforcement officials later that evening. Although he stated in court today that he never meant to hurt Plair, and that the crash was an accident, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office is charging him with two felonies including failing to stop at the scene of a serious accident and driving with a suspended license, causing injury. According to records from the Secretary of State, these are just the newest additions to an already extensive criminal history, including drug-related charges, assault, trespassing, and failure to pay child support.

As seen by the example of Emma Plair, even when crossing the street at designated crosswalks, a pedestrian accident can occur that results in serious personal injury or death. The situation is always made substantially worse however, when the at-fault motorist leaves the scene and does not take responsibility for his or her actions. Following a crash, a victim and their family will undoubtedly have several questions regarding their options. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and experienced Detroit pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.


Safety Matters – Accident Prevention Tips Every Michigan Boater Should Know This Summer

May 31, 2010

As the sun shines longer and the temperatures rise, several Michigan residents are flocking to the many lakes and rivers located statewide. Although boating is largely considered an enjoyable activity, more people on the water can greatly increase the likelihood of an accident occurring, resulting in serious personal injury or death. Therefore, as an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is important to update the public on safety tips that every boater should remember before going out on the water this summer.

  • According to the U.S. Coast Guard, it is important to devise a “float plan” before heading out on the water. This simply entails letting a friend or loved one know not only where you are going and when you plan to be back, but also what type of boat you are navigating. Should a Michigan boating accident occur, this information will greatly assist the Coast Guard their search.
  • Every vessel should undergo a safety inspection each year. Even the most experienced boaters may not catch all the internal mechanical programs that can occur on even the best-maintained boats. A low-cost and effective way to prevent this problem is to take advantage of the free vessel safety check program offered.
  • Because cell phones often do not receive reception every place you will likely travel on the water, it is a good idea to have a VHF radio on board. This way, if an emergency happens, you can alert other boaters of your situation.
  • Just like operating a motor vehicle, it is important not to drive any vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nationally, alcohol is the leading cause of death among boaters.
  • And last, but certainly not least: everyone aboard the boat should wear a life jacket at all times. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, about 90 percent of people who drown in boating collisions were not wearing a life jacket.

Following these simple, but important safety tips can help every Michigan boater on the water avoid crashes this summer. Emergency situations can happen at any time, and it is essential to be prepared. Otherwise, serious accidents can occur, resulting in serious personal injury or death, leaving the victim and their family with many questions regarding their options. For sound legal advice, as well as the best legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit boating accident lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim.


MI Car Accident – Fatal Flint Crash Under Investigation by State Police

May 31, 2010

Whenever behind the wheel of any motor vehicle, it is essential to eliminate all distractions that could take the motorists’ eye off the road for even a minute. Recent media statewide has been focused lately on the dangers of using a cell phone and texting while driving. However, as a dedicated Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is important to remind Michigan residents of another extreme distraction  behind the wheel: alcohol.

Not only does driving under the influence greatly impair a persons’ ability to see correctly, it also hinders their reaction times, making a serious accident resulting in significant personal injury or death almost inevitable. Such are the circumstances of a case where police believe that alcohol played a factor in a recent single motor-vehicle accident in the Flint area, leaving one man dead and another seriously injured.

In the early morning hours of May 30th, two men were traveling along Wilson Road, west of Belsay Road in Genesee Township. According to law enforcement officials, the unidentified 30 year-old driver was moving at a high rate of speed and was unable to maintain control of his vehicle, causing the car to roll several times. As a result of the Michigan car accident, the driver was ejected from the vehicle sustaining serious injuries, while the passenger, David Huey, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations conducted by police revealed the likely cause of the accident, as well as influential factors. Numerous local media sources have reported that law enforcement officials also believe that alcohol played a factor, preventing the driver from maneuvering along the highway safely. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence–of all the deadly crashes statewide in 2008, Michigan drunk driving accidents comprised 28 percent of the fatality total.

As seen by this devastating example, driving under the influence of alcohol can have permanent and life-changing consequences. Not only is the driver now listed in serious condition at Hurley Medical Center, his best friend and passenger died as a result of the accident. While accidents can happen at any time or any place, designating a sober driver is one proactive step that can be taken to avoid Michigan drunk driving crashes from occurring. If injured in a collision however, a victim and their family will have several questions regarding the next steps to take. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit drunk driving lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure you receive the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim possible, getting you the compensation you deserve.


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