Birthday Wishes

July 19, 2011

Happy 21st birthday wishes go out to one of Abrahams Law’s biggest fans, Andrew Luckoff. Congrats Andrew on not needing our services!

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MI Work Site Accident – West Michigan Teen Farm Workers Killed in Silo Accident

July 16, 2010

Take it from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Detroit–serious accidents can happen anytime, any place including while people are on the job. Work site accidents are among the most tragic because they are can be caused by environmental factors, such as the location that the job is performed in. It is possible that fumes and other chemicals coming from the work zones can cause serious personal injury or even death if inhaled by workers. In fact, an example of this is seen in a recent case where two West Michigan teens were killed in a tragic silo accident.

West Michigan teens Franscisco Martinez, 17, and Victor Perez, 18 were employees of the Yankee Springs Dairy who often worked long hours to earn extra money. However, while working in a small silo last week the two teens lost consciousness and collapsed. When they were finally pulled from the silo following the Michigan work site accident, the young men were pronounced dead on the scene.

According to the Barry County Sheriff, also inside the tiny yellow silo was a small amount of a molasses-like mixture that farmers use in cow feed. Although the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials believe that the fumes overcame the teens caused by the fermenting substance. Unfortunately, police also admitted that this will be a difficult case to crack–local news sources report that an officer from Michigan Occupational Health and Safety stated the investigation could take weeks, if not months to solve.

As if losing their children is not enough, the parents of the teens must go through additional heartbreak as the investigation drags on. This waiting period is not only emotionally draining, but also can prompt several questions regarding the personal injury or death of loved ones. Speaking with a knowledgeable and hard-working personal injury attorney in Detroit can provide not only answers, but the best legal advice and legal representation for your claim. Doing so quickly will get both results, and desperately needed compensation for medical and personal losses.

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MI Hit and Run Accident – Victim in Critical Condition after Hit and Run on CMU Campus

April 14, 2010

For most universities and colleges across the country, campus traffic is comprised largely of pedestrians and bicyclists as many are away from home for the first time or without a car. Although this is the most efficient mode of transportation, an increase in non-motorized traffic creates a greater chance of an accident happening. Practicing near several university campuses around the State of Michigan, an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer will see many tragic examples of students sustaining personal injury after being struck by a motor vehicle. In recent news, an example occurred on the Central Michigan University campus where an intoxicated driver struck student pedestrian, and then fled the scene.

According to a press release from Mount Pleasant Police, in the early morning hours of April 11th, Matthew Green, 20, was heading eastbound on Bellows, pushing his girlfriend’s vehicle with his relative. In an instant, the Green’s vehicle was sideswiped by another, driven by CMU junior Charles Scicluna, 21. According to Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda, the Michigan pedestrian accident was particularly gruesome. “After he was hit, the same car that had hit him, he ended up being pinned underneath, and that’s how he ended up being dragged.” As a result of the Michigan car accident, Green sustained severe personal injuries in the incident, and emergency crews rushed him to Central Michigan University Hospital, and took by helicopter to Grand Rapids where his is listed in critical condition.

Scicluna immediately fled the scene of the Michigan car crash, only to turn himself in to Mount Pleasant Police the next day. Because investigators have reason to believe that the CMU student was driving while intoxicated at the time of the Michigan hit and run accident, it is likely he will also be charged with a DUI besides reckless driving and failure to stop at an accident.

The devastating example of Matthew Green highlights how important pedestrian safety is, particularly on college campuses. It is important to walk always within the crossways, especially at night when it is difficult for motorists to see pedestrians. However, motorists must be responsible and on the look out always for foot and bicycle traffic. If drivers fail to do so, the chances of an accident occurring are greatly increased. Because of the extreme personal injury can be inflicted, a victim and their family will likely have many questions regarding the case. Therefore, it is vital to seek the legal advice and legal representation from a hard-working and trustworthy Michigan hit and run lawyer. Acting quickly can help make sure you receive the best outcome for your personal injury claim.

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Recreational Accident – Lone Boat Accident Survivor Recalls Fatal Crash

March 4, 2010

During the legal career of a Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is possible to represent clients who have sustained severe personal injury or died as the result of a boating accident. Recreational accidents are some of the most upsetting, as the activity that caused personal injury is supposed to be an enjoyable one. Such is the case of the boating accident that claimed the lives of three professional football players, leaving only one survivor, Nick Schuyler. A year later, Schuyler remembers the tragic accident, discussing the recreational accident on various news shows.

The athletes were on a fishing trip off the Gulf of Mexico when their boat capsized leaving them all struggling to keep ahold of the flipped boat. It took the U.S. Coast Guard approximately forty hours to reach the scene of the recreational accident, and when they arrived, Schuyler was clinging to the motor of the capsized boat. The bodies of the men with him, Detroit Lions free-agent Corey Smith and football players Marquis Cooper and Will Bleakley, were never found.

According to Schuyler, the hardest part of the recreational accident was the first night in the water, when the hypothermia started to kick in. “People’s motor functions were starting to shut down, particularly Marquis and Corey first,” he stated in an interview. “Lot of slurring and swearing… Once again, it was hypothermia, I’ve never seen them act like that.” Schuyler explained that Cooper was the first to pass away while Smith went next cursing and threatening to attack the group as a result of the hypothermia effects. Twelve hours later, Bleakley was also dead. Even though he was the only survivor, he certainly is suffering from the consequences. “Watching three guys die in my arms (death) obviously was in the front of my mind.”

As seen by the aforementioned example, recreational accidents can cause severe personal injury or death, regardless of celebrity status. Such a case highlights the importance of paying the utmost attention to weather reports when on the water, as well as one’s surroundings. Taking these safety precautions can help prevent a boating accident from occurring. If your or a loved one have sustained personal injury in a recreational accident, it is important to seek the legal advice and legal representation of a hard-working Detroit personal injury attorney. Doing so immediately can help ensure the best outcome for your personal injury claim.

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MI Medical Malpractice – Unnecessary Brain Surgery Results in Med Mal Suit Against Michigan Hospital

February 28, 2010

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, a Detroit personal injury lawyer is likely to represent a number of people who have sustained severe personal injury or died because of the negligence of a physician, surgeon, or nurse. This type of accident can be particularly tragic, as it is caused by the people who have been entrusted with our medical care. Many of the cases handled are similar to the medical malpractice lawsuit currently being prompted against two doctors from Oakwood Hospital who are being charged after a failed neurological surgery.

Deborah Blankenship, 49, of Dearborn sought medical attention from Oakwood Hospital with complaints of intense and reoccurring headaches. It was determined by radiologist Dr. Hasnain Haider-Shah that Blankenship had a massive leak going from an artery to her brain. After locating the leak, Dr. Haider-Shah attempted to block the bleeding by using a catheter to push tiny coils through the artery to site of the leak. However, this attempt failed and Blakenship was transferred to another operating room for an emergency procedure. Neurologist Dr. Robert Johnson performed the craniotomy and proceeded to cut open the right side of her skull. However, he neglected to ask Dr. Haider Shah which side of her brain the leakage was on prior to beginning the emergency surgical procedure. Unfortunately, as the result of this medical malpractice or medical negligence, Blankenship sustained severe brain damage and died on December 8th, 2009.

The Michigan medical malpractice lawyer representing the family of Blankenship has stated, “Wrong site operations should never occur… There are so many check and balances and protocols that doctors and hospitals are responsible to adhere to, that it is hard to imagine how this could have happened.” At this time, the amount of damages sought from Oakwood Hospital in the medical malpractice lawsuit is unknown.

As seen by the example of Deborah Blakenship, being victim of medical malpractice can have devastating and life-altering consequences resulting in severe personal injury or death. It is important to seek proper counsel for answers to all of the questions an injured personal will undoubtedly have regarding their case. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit personal injury attorney immediately.

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MI Drunk Driving – Busted for DUI, Michigan Principal Resigns from Position

February 28, 2010

Numerous times during the legal career of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is likely to represent a number of individuals who have sustained severe personal injury or died as the result of a drunk driving accident. These accidents are possibly some of the most tragic, as they can be prevented. People who serve as role models because of their occupation, such as former Pinewood Elementary School principal, Cynthia Liu, 51, are under an even more intense microscope as their actions are reflected upon the organization they represent.

In the case of Liu, she was driving at excessive speeds when Michigan law enforcement officials attempted to pull her over on September 27th, 2009. In an attempt to evade police, Liu exceeded one hundred miles per hour and was driving erratically. When police officers were finally able to force Liu to stop her vehicle, they immediately noticed that she was showing signs of intoxication. After administering a breathalyzer test, the results displayed that Liu’s blood alcohol content at 0.27–over three times the legal limit in the State of Michigan.  

After being busted for driving while intoxicated, Liu struck a plea deal slapping her with misdemeanor drunk driving charges. She was also charged for having an open container of alcohol in her car. However, as a result of her involvement in the drunk driving incident, Liu has sent in her resignation to the school district. The interim principal serving in Lui’s absence, Donna Bergeon, will be named permanent principal of Pinewood elementary school.

As seen by the example of Cynthia Liu, driving while intoxicated can have severe and life-changing consequences for all those involved. It is likely that after her DUI bust Liu will face the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. Additionally, although she fortunately did not injure anyone (including herself) while driving drunk, she was forced to resign from her job as a result. Even though no one was injured, Liu still served as a threat to the safety of everyone on the road by driving under the influence. Cases like this remind everyone of the necessity of designating a sober driver to ensure that all arrive home safely.

If you or a loved one has been sustained severe personal injury or died as the result of a drunk driving accident, it is essential to seek the legal advice and legal representation of an aggressive and trustworthy Detroit personal injury attorney immediately.

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Car Accident – Hit-and-Run Accident Reconstruction to Help Build Strong Case

February 19, 2010

Throughout the career of a hard-working Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is common to represent a number of individuals who have sustained severe personal injury or died as a result of car accidents. All cases handled are tragic, just like the example the hit-and-run accident  three months ago that resulted in the fatality of a six year-old girl.

On November 12th, 2009 Lisa Xavier was driving with her parents on the way to her violin lesson traveling in a Toyota Camry. While driving, a Ford Mustang ran a red light and smashed directly into the family’s vehicle. As a direct result of the injuries sustained in the car accident, Lisa died the next day. Her mother survived  but sustained a broken neck, as well as a disc injury and a ruptured artery.

At the time of the car accident, the driver of the Mustang was engaged in an auto race with another driver. After impact, he got out of his vehicle and abandoned it before leaving in the car of his fellow racer. Police have been unable to track down the suspects of interest, and therefore the investigation still continues.

In order to reconstruct the accident scene, half a dozen police officers spent a countless amount of hours working with lasers and other tools in order to make the most precise measurements of the location. According to law enforcement officials, this is being done to ensure the strongest case possible when suspects are brought into custody. “It’s just helping to make our case a little stronger when we do find suspects,” commented police officer Sgt. Matthew Ortega.

The results of car accidents can be devastating, as seen by the tragic example of Lisa Xavier–severe personal injury or death can occur as the result of a driver’s negligence to obey traffic signals, pay attention to the road, or follow the law. Sustaining such intense injuries can leave a person wondering what to do next. For the answers to all of the questions you undoubtedly have, it is essential to contact an experienced Detroit personal injury attorney for legal representation immediately.

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Don’t Text and Drive!

October 4, 2009

What can be almost as graphic as a car accident?    A television commercial portraying an accident.

Last month, one of the most popular videos posted on YouTube was a public service announcement produced in Wales showing what can happen when teens text while driving.

As a personal injury attorney,  I have become accustomed to having to look at graphic photos of accidents.  And when I say accustomed, I do not, by any measure, mean desensitized. Graphic photos and video, if available, can be necessary to righting wrongs on behalf of innocent victims.

So despite my years of looking at this kind of stuff, I was not prepared for this PSA.  It was a frightening, bloody portrayal of how simply sending a text can cause lives to be lost and others to be ruined.  It is perhaps better than any law, any speech or any admonition from parents asking teens (and might I add adults) to refrain (that is not a strong enough word) from texting while driving.

With more and more people purchasing Blackberrys, Iphones and other personal devices, our roads are becoming increasingly more dangerous. Crackberries are out in full force. The term “crackberry” used to be a comical name.  It’s a term used to label people who have an addiction to their cell phones, people who can’t put down their devices because they have a need to constantly text, bbm, read and send emails, check Facebook or perform other tasks on these devices.  Unfortunately, this addiction is taking drivers’ eyes off the roads and squarely in their palms.

According to US News and World Report, an estimated 20% of all drivers are sending or receiving texts while driving. Not surprisingly, the number goes as high as 66% when solely looking at those drivers in the 18-24 year-old range.

I have personally witnessed the ongoing pain and suffering of innocent victims and their families and friends as a result of these kinds of senseless tragedies.  There is no text or email worth the risk the driver puts all of us in that cannot wait until you arrive at your destination. If you think otherwise, please call my office and schedule an appointment to meet one of my many clients who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of this frightening habit. Whether confined in a wheel chair for the rest of his life, or with a head injury that requires her to need 24-hour supervision, they and their families will tell you there is nothing that cannot wait.

And so, when I ask you to copy this link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5NIE3osZEs

and watch this video, I do so only because it may result in one less needless tragedy.

Currently 17 states and the Distict of Columbia have laws on the books prohibiting texting while driving.  Michigan is not one of them.

If this film moves you to do more than show it to your children, write to your Michigan state representatives; find their addresses by using this link:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%281qanow2lyjfx2fulg1lbre45%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=SponsorSearch

Parents, please educate yourselves and your children!

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What’s it gonna cost me?

September 30, 2009

One of the first questions attorneys are asked, when a potential client brings us a case is, “What’s it gonna cost me?”  In other words, what are our fees?

You may often hear from personal injury lawyers that there is “no fee unless we win.” At Abrahams Law, that is certainly how it works.

On personal injury cases, we typically represent our clients on what’s called “a contingency basis.”   This agreement protects the client from having to pay large retainers and receive monthly bills for hours worked on their case.  With a contingency agreement, Abrahams Law does not ask for any money up front as a retainer, nor do we keep track of our time in order to send monthly bills.  No out-of-pocket money for legal fees are requested from the client, which allows those who may not otherwise be able to afford access to our legal system to have their day in court.

Our fees are “contingent” upon getting you the client, money. When we settle or receive an award, we take a 1/3 fee in Michigan cases.  If for some unfortunate reason we do not get any settlement or award for our client, there is no fee.

Once we receive money for our clients, disbursement is simple.

Since Abrahams Law advances the various costs associated with personal injury claims and cases, we first reimburse our office for those costs.

We then take a one-third fee of the net recovery after costs. You, the client, receives the remaining two-thirds.  In most personal injury cases, if the compensation is for pain and suffering, the client’s share is not taxable.  Of course, we will advise the client at the appropriate time whether or not they need to consult with a tax professional.  This process is controlled by state law.

** As for costs, unlike many firms, Abrahams Law will never charge the client for basic costs such as postage, local or long distance phone calls, office supplies or standard photocopying.

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