While reading the news this morning, I read about a tragic Sandstone Township Automobile Injury Accident. According to Michigan State Police, a 22-year-old man was allegedly riding on the tailgate of a 2008 Chevrolet pick-up truck  on Gardner Road near County Farm Road. The victim, whose identity has not been released, allegedly fell out of the truck and struck his head.

The man was airlifted to the University of Michigan Medical Center with serious injuries to the head. His condition is unknown at this time. State police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the accident and is under investigation to determine if criminal charges should be filed  against the driver and other passengers of the truck.

I am deeply sorry to hear about this accident and my most heart-felt wishes go out to the victim for a speedy and complete recovery.

Michigan car accident victims have a number of legal rights.  For this type of auto accident, the injured passenger can submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits.  No-Fault benefits will cover his medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident.  The injured passenger can claim these benefits even if he did not have an automobile insurance policy.

In addition, the injured victim may be able to file a lawsuit against other persons who may be determined to be at fault in the auto accident. The insurance company for the driver and owner of the pick-up truck must still cover any injuries. In this lawsuit, the victim can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.  Another possible claim would be a potential Michigan dram shop case against the seller or furnisher of the  alcohol before the accident.

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist the victim with this type of claim.  Accident victims should not speak with the insurance adjuster for the negligent driver before consulting with an attorney.

If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan car accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook” by clicking on the book link.  We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Michigan car accident cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan car accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly..

Our Ann Arbor medical malpractice lawyers handle medical negligence cases against doctors, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes in the Arbor  area and throughout Washtenaw County.  According to the American Medical Association, every year in the United States more than 80,000 people die because of medical malpractice.   Many of these deaths give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit and a wrongful death lawsuit.

 What is medical malpractice?

 Basically, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional or health care institution is negligent and causes harm or damage to their patient.  This includes doctors, nurses, clinics and hospitals.

 Medical negligence can arise from something that was done (a negligent act) or something that was not done (an omission).  For example, if a surgeon cuts the wrong artery during a surgery, this might be considered a negligent act.  Likewise, if a doctor fails to order necessary x-rays or lab testing, this is also negligence but is considered to be an omission.

 What are the different types of medical malpractice?

 There are many types of medical malpractice for both negligent acts and or omissions.  The most common types are:

•  Birth injuries
• Surgical errors
• Operating room mistakes
• Anesthesia mistakes
• Radiology errors & misread x-rays
• Nursing negligence
• Patient Falls
• Medication mistakes
• Hospital infections
• Misdiagnosis

 What are the rights of victims of medical malpractice?

 Medical malpractice laws are designed to protect patients’ rights to seek compensation if they are injured as a result of medical malpractice. Under Michigan law, you can seek compensation for any injury caused by medical malpractice.  However, these cases generally take a lot of time and money to litigate and try, so it is usually unrealistic to seek damages, or sue for any injury or damage that is minor or heals quickly.  Medical malpractice that causes death to the patient gives rise to a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

How much time to I have to file a Michigan medical malpractice case?

 Generally in Michigan, you have 2 years to make a medical malpractice claim from the time the negligent act or omission; but there are many variables with this particular Statute of Limitations.  It is essential to contact a lawyer immediately so that you do not miss any important deadlines that can destroy your case.

 When should I contact a medical malpractice lawyer?

 If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, it is important to consult with an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine if you have a claim that under Michigan law.  The sooner you contact the lawyer, the better so that an investigation can be started immediately and to protect your claims under the Statute of Limitations.

 For more information, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook” and call us at (800) 606-1717.

The Summer months are a busy time of year for dog bite injuries and the most likely victims are children.  This is true, especially in cities like Ann Arbor, where children are outdoors and parks and riding their bikes and dogs are frequently unleashed and roaming the streets. 

The injuries from dog bites and attacks are often serious and include 44,000 cases of facial injuries each year.  Dog attacks account for approximately one percent of all emergency room visits a year in the United States and the warm months account for a majority of those visits.

Researchers and animal behavioral  specialists offer parents some precautions to prevent dog bites and attacks on children.  These include:

•NEVER leave a baby or young child alone with a pet.
•Start teaching young children to be careful around pets.
•Wait until children are older than 4 years of age before getting a dog.
•Select your family pet carefully and be sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date.
•Leave animals alone when they are eating or caring for puppies.
•Keep pets on a leash when in public.
•Avoid sick animals and animals that you don’t know.
•Do not try to separate fighting animals.
•If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm; do not scream or turn and run.
•If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck.

 First and foremost, it is essential to get prompt medical attention after a dog bite.  Many times, the severity of the injury can be minimized with good, competent medical care.  Bites to a child’s face can lead to disfiguring scars and a plastic surgeon can address those issues right away.

Victims of dog bite attacks do have legal rights.  For more information on Michigan dog bite laws and lawsuits, order our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Handbook.”  You can also call us at (800) 606-1717 to discuss your case.

I just came across a tragic news story regarding a Lenawee County drunk driving accident that took the life of a fifty-one year old woman.  According to the report, Judith Ekquist of Clinton Township, was standing in her son’s driveway when a vehicle driven by Anthony Kolbus of Tecumseh left the roadway and struck them both.  Ms. Ekquist suffered fatal injuries and her son was also injured.

What was planned to be an innocent summer walk turned into a tragedy because of a drunk driver. My thoughts and condolences go out to this family.  I certainly hope that her son has a quick and speedy recovery.  Mr. Kolbus was arraigned on criminal charges and is awaiting his preliminary examination.  He is apparently free on bond until the next proceeding, which is probably most disturbing to the family.  The issue of bond can be addressed by the court at a later time.

In addition to the criminal charges, there are also civil claims that can be brought by the accident victims and their families.  The victims are entitled to receive Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and other benefits.  These claims are typically made against their own auto insurance policy.  For a complete explanation of these benefits, read our book “The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook.”

Further, the family can make civil claims against the drunk driver and possibly the person or establishment that served him alcohol prior to the accident.  This could give rise to a Wrongful Death lawsuit.  There are strict deadlines for these claims so it is essential to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.