Walks To School Improving In Detroit, Michigan

In 2011, Detroit Public Schools (DPS) launched it's Safe Routes to School initiative. According to the Detroit Free Press, the program singled out the neighborhoods around three high school campuses in the Metro Detroit area, Cody, Osborn, and Denby for child safety concerns. In these areas, the frequency of police patrols was increased, as well as volunteer patrols and blight removal. In the past four years, Detroit Public Schools has expanded their initiative across the city, now covering both DPS schools and those run by the Education Achievement Authority, in order to help further prevent crime and car accidents involving children. The district is divided into 33 school hub zones, and each district now has a Detroit police officer assigned to it in an effort to curb the amount of auto accidents involving minors.

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The school zones safety is improving, but dangers are still present. On the properties of Denby, Osborn, and Cody, arrests and juvenile detentions fell between 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. At Denby, arrests fell by 24%, from 29 to 22, arrests at Osborn fell 8%, from 23 to 21, and arrests at Cody decreased by 69%, from 26 to eight. In addition to DPS, officers from other jurisdictions are helping out, including 12 Michigan State Police troopers, reserve deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff's department, and officers from the Wayne State University Police Department.

In the past, Detroit, Michigan has been known for higher than average crime levels, specifically a higher than average level of  murders, robberies, carjackings, and and a variety of personal injury accidents. In 2013, according to City Data, Detroit had 316 murders, 4,774 robberies, 8,796 assaults, and 11,754 burglaries. In addition to this, there is also a possibility for car accidents to occur while students are on there way to school. In the state of Michigan alone, in 2014, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 298,699 motor vehicle crashes in total, which resulted in 876 fatalities and 71,378 injuries.


In you or someone you know has suffered an injury on their route to school, or any other type of personal injury, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of injury cases. Our accident lawyers will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

New Case Law Permitting More Lawsuits To Go To A Jury

  A recent decision by the California Third Appellate District Court of Appeals might have an impact on Michigan personal injury lawsuits.  Insurance companies, large corporations, and other defendants oftentimes try to take away an accident victim's day in court.  Defendants will file motions for summary disposition, motions for summary judgment, or even a motion to dismiss in order to have the Judge rule on the case instead of letting a jury decide.

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The Jimenez et. al. v. 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc.  case [click for full Opinion] provides more legal support for the notion that cases involving detailed facts should be able to be able to reach a jury.  The Jimenez case involved a woman who was using a treadmill at a local gym when she fell backwards off the machine.  She hit her head on the exposed steel of another exercise machine placed just under four feet behind the treadmill.  The victim's attorney argued to the trial court and the appellate court that there should have been at least a six foot safety zone behind a treadmill and that the gym owed the victim a duty to have a safe gym and to leave at least six feet of open space behind the treadmill to prevent this exact type of injury from occurring. 

The gym defended itself claiming that the injury was not their responsibility because the woman signed a release when she signed up for the gym even though the release was in English and the woman only spoke Spanish.

California's Third Appellate District Court of Appeals had this to say:

In our view, based on the evidence plaintiffs presented, a jury could reasonably
find that: (1) it is standard practice in the industry to provide a minimum six-foot safety
zone behind treadmills, based on the owner’s manual, assembly guide, and Waldon’s
declaration as an expert; (2) 24 Hour did not provide this minimum six-foot safety zone,
as declared by Neuman; and (3) the failure to provide the minimum safety zone was an
extreme departure from the ordinary standard of conduct, as implied in Waldon’s
declaration. Accordingly, plaintiffs created a triable issue of fact as to whether the failure
to provide the minimum six-foot safety zone constituted an extreme departure from the
ordinary standard of conduct. 

The Appellate Court continued:

A jury may very well conclude that Etelvina was not injured in the manner alleged, that there was no industry standard on treadmill safety clearances, and that 24 Hour’s conduct did not rise to the level of gross negligence, but we are unwilling to reach these conclusions as a matter of law based on the record before us. 

Essentially, the Court is explaining that lawsuits which have a number of complicated facts should go to a jury to be heard instead of the trial court judge deciding the case on his or her own.  This legal precedent may trickle into the Michigan courts soon as Defendant's in personal injury lawsuits continue to file motions to dismiss the cases of accident victims.


If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Our injury lawyers can explain your rights under Michigan law and discuss what benefits you may be entitled to depending on the particular nature of your accident, including, in many cases, pain and suffering compensation. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.  

Hackers Swipe Data From Health System

Recently, in nearby South Bend, Indiana, a two-hospital health system was the victim of a major phishing attack.  It notified 220,000 of its patients and employees that their protected health care information, as well as their social security numbers, has been compromised due to a phishing attack. Cyberattackers were able to illegally swipe data for over a year without being noticed. According to Hospital Business News, officials at Beacon Health System in Indiana, posted a breach notification on its website on May 22, 2015, explaining a phishing attack that started back in November 2013. The medical provider explained that unauthorized individuals gained access to Beacon employees' email accounts. These hackers had full access to these files from November 2013 to January 2015.

Medical Accident Lawyer

The cyberattackers were able to hack into the personal and protected health information of both employees and patients of the hospital system. Hackers illegally obtained a great deal of important and confidential information including patient names, ID numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, medical diagnoses, treatment data, drivers' license information, and other medical-related information. Hospital officials did not begin investigating the phishing attack until March 25, 2015, according to a company statement. Affected patients from the attack have been issued a year of credit monitoring services by the health system.

In the recent past, phishing attacks have become more and more common. According to Get Cyber Safe, 156 million phishing emails are sent out each day. However, out of these emails sent, most of them are sent to spam and only around 10% make it through. Out of the emails that make it through to inboxes, half of them are opened, and on average, 80,000 people fall for a scam every day and share their personal information.


If you're involved in any type of accident, chances our that you have given your personal health care information to hospitals around you. Phishing attacks are becoming more popular and you should be careful and smart about who holds your personal information. If you've been involved in any type of personal injury accident, contact an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of injury cases. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM

Boating Safety Over The Fourth Of July

Over the Fourth Of July Weekend, it is important to be safe and cautious when driving or riding in boats, especially in the state of Michigan, as it over 11,000 lakes. Each year, fireworks are set of on lakes and many vessels enter the waters in order to get a good view. Despite getting a better view of the fireworks, when the waters become more crowded, they also become significantly more dangerous. In order to prevent personal injuries and accidents, it is important to follow the correct safety precautions.

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Boating can be dangerous and lead to accidents resulting in serious injuries.  If safety isn't your number one priority, accidents can occur. According to the US Coast Guard, in 2013, the Coast Guard counted 4,062 accidents that involved 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.  A significant number of these boating accidents resulting in injuries occurred over the July 4th weekend.

Most of the drivers out on the water aren't required to have a boater safety license. In Michigan, if you're born in or before 1978, you are not required to take a safety course to drive a boat, making many people on the water uneducated about the laws. Out of the 4,062 accidents counted by the Coast Guard in 2013, 80% of them involved individuals that had not taken a safety course.

Recently, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, family members had to cope with the loss of their 24-year-old son, named Matthew Boomstra. According to Wood TV, Matthew was boating with three other men on Lake Michigan, when they hit the outside wall of a channel. Boomstra was the only passengers killed, but the other three were hospitalized for their injuries. 


If you were involved in a boating accident over the Fourth of July weekend, or any other type of accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of personal injury cases and are ready to help you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM

Michigan Police Look Out For Residents Over Fourth Of July

The Michigan State Police have said that residents should be on the lookout for suspicious behavior over the Fourth of July weekend. According to Click On Detroit, the Michigan State Police said in a news release on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, that there are no known terrorist threats to Michigan at this point in time. Despite their being no threats, the Police have warned residents to remain vigilant. Michigan Police have further advised this warning is due to recent incidents in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia. Michigan State Police have communicated that residents should note and report any suspicious activity, including unattended objects that seem out of place, or people who leave quickly when seen or approached.

Firework Injury Attorney

In addition to looking out for suspicious behavior, Michigan residents, as well as residents across the whole country, should be extremely careful when handling fireworks. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, cause accidents, and many cases lead to personal injuries or even death. On Tuesday, July 1, 2015, we published an article about a 47-year-old man from Walled Lake, Michigan. The 47 year old Michigan victim was under the influence of alcohol handling fireworks and didn't realize that it was lit. He was holding the firework next to his face as it exploded and he his injuries were so severe from the accident that he passed away. 

There are strict firework laws for a reason. Michigan only allows fireworks to be set off the day before, the day of, and the day after the 4th of July. According to the National Firework Protection Agency, each July 4th, thousand of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. In 2013, U.S. Hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for firework related injuries. 55% of these injuries were extremities and 38% of the injuries were to the head.


If you've been injured in a firework related incident, or any type of personal injury accident, call one of our lawyers at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys handle all types of injury and accident cases. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.  

Ford and Chrysler Car Sales Rise, GM Falls

Car Accident Attorney

On Wednesday, July 1, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford Motor Company announced sales increases in June. General Motors on the other hand, posted a 3 percent decline as it reduced fleet and rental sales. According to the Detroit News, Fiat Chrysler jumped up 8 percent and Ford reported a 1.6 percent sales increase. This was Fiat Chrysler's best June sale results since 2006. Ford also reached a landmark as their SUV sales were the best they've been in June for more than a decade.

In the first six months of 2015, Ford, GM, and Chrysler have all increased their new auto sales.  Specifically. GM's sales are up 3.4 percent, Ford's sales are up 1.9 percent, and Chrysler's sales are up 6 percent. Ford sold 225, 647 new vehicles last month. Customers were interested in the company's new offerings, such as the higher-profit vehicles including trucks and SUVs. Sales from Lincoln also help tremendously, as sales rose 14.5 percent. GM sold more than Ford with 259,353 vehicles.

According to General Motors' VP, Kurt McNeil, “[w]e just wrapped up the U.S. auto industry’s best six months in a decade, driven by strong demand for pickups and crossovers.“  He continued. "[p]eople feel good about their jobs and the direction the economy as a whole is taking, so the second half of the year should be strong, too, and that’s especially good news for Chevrolet and GMC, brands that have very broad truck and crossover portfolios.” 


With car sales going up for all of these Detroit-based companies this year, that means more cars are going to be on the road, which may lead to more car accidents on the crumbling Michigan roads. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact one of our attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to legal problems, whether it be a car, motorcycle, or bus accident, we are here to help. Our accident lawyers are experienced in handling all types of auto accident cases. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Man On Bicycle Shot In Detroit

Bicycle Injury Lawyer

Early in the morning at around 4 am, on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, a man was shot and killed while riding a bicycle on Detroit's west side, near Fenkell Avenue and Tuller Street. According to the Detroit News, witnesses told the police that the victim, who was 55, was riding his bike when a black SUV pulled up next to him. One man exited the motor vehicle and shot the victim. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead upon his arrival.

Police said that the gunman was 20 to 30 years old, around 6 feet fall, and at the time was wearing a white T-shirt and a black hat. The victim's identity has not been released and the shooting is still currently under investigation. According to WXYZ Detroit, police said that the victim was also robbed.

At times, the city of Detroit, Michigan can be extremely dangerous with crimes such as murders, robberies, carjackings, and many more. As reported by City Data, in 2012, in Detroit, Michigan, there were 386 murders, 441 rapes, 4,843 robberies, 9,341 assaults, and 13,488 burglaries. There are also an extreme amount of car accidents that occur in Detroit, and the state of Michigan as a whole. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2014, there were 876 fatalities from car accidents, 71,378 people injured in crashes, and in total, 298,699 motor vehicle crashes.


There is always a possibility of being involved in an accident, whether it involves a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. If you have suffered an injury in an accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Michigan State Police Trooper Injured on Southfield Freeway

On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, a Michigan State Police trooper suffered minor injuries as he got involved in a scuffle with a driver on the Southfield Freeway. According to Click On Detroit, a driver of an SUV was seen traveling 90 mph in the northbound lanes of the Southfield Freeway near Warren Avenue. In most cases, driving at this speed could potentially cause a car accident. The police officer caught up to the SUV and pulled him over. When the SUV was pulled over on the side of the road, the driver jumped over a seat and into the back of the SUV. He then tried to get out of the car in order to flee the scene.

Freeway Accident Attorney

The Michigan State Police Trooper then tried to arrest the driver, but the driver swung a punch at the trooper. During the incident, both the driver and the officer fell to the ground. At the time, a retired police officer was in the area and noticed what was going on. He then got involved and helped contain the driver. The driver is now being held in the Monroe County Jail. Police also said that the driver was not the only passenger in the motor vehicle at the time. There was a woman in the passenger seat. However, she was not involved in the incident.

Along with incidents like these, car accidents can also occur on freeways. Car accidents can occur at any given time, whether you are on a freeway, highway, or even a small road. According to the Association For Safe International Road Travel, over 37,000 people die in road crashes per year. In addition to this statistics, 2.35 million people are injured or disabled from an accident. Over 1,600 children under the age of 15 die each year.


If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of accidents. Our accident lawyers are waiting for you to call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Music Can Ease Your Pain After Surgery

In the recent past, music has been known for soothing emotional pain. However, according to a recent study of children and teenagers who had major surgery, music can also ease physical pain. This study was conducted by Sunitha Suresh and her father, Santhanam Suresh, who is currently a professor of anesthesiology at Northwestern University. This study finds that children who choose their own music to listen to after surgery experience less pain.

music accident lawyer

According to NPR, The study was inspired by a personal experience from a college student named Sunitha Suresh. Her grandmother had major surgery after her family wasn't able to visit her too often, as the visiting hours were restricted. Her family decided to make an iPod playlist for her with all of her favorite south Indian classical music. Suresh noticed that the music relaxed her grandmother and that it made her less anxious. She was curious to find out if she also felt less pain. Due to this, her and her father decided to collaborate on a study.

Suresh and her father conducted a small study involving 60 patients, all between the ages of 9 and 14. All of these patients recently had a major surgery and had to stay in the hospital for at least a couple days. They found that children who listened to either a book or music, reduced their pain by one point on a 10-point scale. These findings suggest that patients should listen to music after surgery in order to take their mind off of the pain. It also suggests that doctors may be able to use less pain medication, as children tend to not tolerate medicine as well as adults.


If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Crashes can lead to pain and suffering which can require major surgeries like the patients' in the study. Our experienced accident attorneys will deal with insurance companies, ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to and, help you ultimately focus on recovering from your injuries. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Firework Kills 47-Year-Old Man in Walled Lake, Michigan

On Sunday, June 28th, 2015, a 47-year-old man died when a large mortar firework shell he was holding next to his face exploded. A mortar shell firework is usually around the same size of a softball. In most cases, they're put together and inserted into a tube from which they're launched. Many mortar fireworks were banned in Michigan until 2012, when the restrictions were loosened due to public pressure to allow larger and more dangerous fireworks.

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The incident occurred at a residential home on Quinif Drive in Walled Lake, Michigan at around 9:14 am. According to CBS Detroit, Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said that, when the first responders arrived the man was unconscious and unresponsive, not berating, and suffering from a severe trauma on the back of his head. Alcohol was a factor in this accident, and the man may have not noticed the firework was lit. Shakinas said that there were other people around at the time, but the man's children did not witness the incident. Michigan law only allows fireworks to be set off the day before, the day after, and the day of the fourth of July. However, no one was cited in this case.

“Hands down, the worst I've ever seen. I've seen (fireworks) accidents, but never causing a fatality. He was pronounced dead at the scene.” - Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas.

Alcohol can cause all types of personal injury accidents including firework accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and many more. According to the CDC, in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the United States. This means that on average, every day, almost 30 people in the U.S. die in these types of crashes.


Alcohol can lead to many accidents and personal injuries, as well as fatalities. If you have been injured in an accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers will be able to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.