While the majority of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Michigan seem to occur in the winter, the summer months also see their share.  In the winter months, defective furnaces and water heaters are the most common source of this poisoning.  In the summer months, carbon monoxide poisoning injuries are often seen in campers and even in swimmers who have been around the motor of boats.  In all cases, carbon monoxide can cause death or significant injuries.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas-a by-product of incomplete combustion that interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. As a result, it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide interferes with the distribution of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. Depending on the amount inhaled, this gas can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular conditions, and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, and dizziness. Very high levels can cause death. The symptoms are sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning.

Victims of carbon monoxide poisoning often have the legal right to compensation.  In many cases, the injury is the result the negligence of another person or business.  In those cases, the victim can seek legal compensation through the court system.  Poisonings that result in death can lead to a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

A bicyclist was involved in a Monroe County Hit and Run Bicycle Accident in Lasalle Township in Monroe County on Thursday, June 16th. According to police, the bicyclist was riding on S. TelegraphRoad (M-24) near Otter Creek Road when he was allegedly hit twice by different cars. The car that struck him first left the scene of the accident. The second car was able to partially miss him. The bicyclist suffered minor injuries to the arm. Police continue to investigate the accident.

I am sorry to hear about this accident but I am grateful that no serious harm befell the bicyclist.

Fortunately, it does not appear that he was injured. If he was injured, however, Michigan car accident victims have a number of legal rights. He would be able to submit a claim for Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits.  No-Fault benefits would cover his medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and other benefits related to injuries suffered in the accident. 

In addition, the injury victims could be able to file a lawsuit against the persons determined to be at fault in the auto accident.  The insurance company for the drivers must still cover any injuries. In this lawsuit, he could claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.  The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case. 

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist victims 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.

I read in the paper today that a teenager was seriously injured in a Spring Arbor Pick-up Truck Accident in Jackson County.  According to Jackson County Sheriff, the truck in which he rode allegedly crashed into a tree when the teen driver of the pick-up truck swerved to miss a dog and lost control of the truck. The seriously injured teen was one of  4 occupants in the pick-up truck that crashed on Mccain Road near Parma Road in Spring Arbor Township. 

Three of the occupants suffered minor cuts and bruises. The seriously injured teen was airlifted to the University of Michigan Medical Center with serious and possibly life threatening injuries. There is no word on his condition.

I  am very sorry to hear about this auto accident and wish the injured teen the fullest and speediest recovery possible.  I hope that she comes out of this with no permanent harm.

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

An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can assist the victim with this type of claim.  Auto 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.

We represent individuals injured in Ann Arbor area car accidents.  These include cases for auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, moped accidents, pedestrian accidents, bus accidents, and hit and run accidents.  We also handle cases throughout Washtenaw County. 

For virtually all car accidents in Ann Arbor, a police report (UD-10 report) is completed by the investigating police department.  This is true for both injury accident cases and property damage cases.  For each of these cases, it is necessary to obtain a copy of the traffic crash report to file an insurance claim.

 Ann Arbor Car Accident Police Reports

These reports are available to you by through the investigating police agency.  For reports completed by City of Ann Arbor Police, you can obtain the report at the below address.  There is usually a small fee for the report.   

Ann Arbor Police Department

100 N. Fifth Ave.

Ann Arbor, MI 48107

(734)-994-2871

 If your accident was investigated by the Michigan State Police, you need to request the report directly from that agency.  You can download the Michigan State Police form here that you must complete and submit to obtain the Michigan State Police report. 

FREE CAR ACCIDENT BOOK

 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. 

quickly.

I saw in the news yesterday a horrific story about an Oakland County Car Accident Fatality on I-696 in Farmington Hills.  According to Michigan State Police, Lingjie Mark, an Ann Arbor resident, was killed Saturday when three cars allegedly collided with each other in the eastbound lanes of I-696 near Inkster Road, closing the freeway for six hours.  Injuries and medical conditions of the other drivers and passengers have not been released yet.

 The accident is still under investigation.  State Police are asking any witnesses with information on the fatal accident to contact the Metro North Station in Oak Park at 248-584-5757. If you witnessed anything, please call and help the police in their investigation of this horriffic accident.

I  am very sorry to hear about this tragic auto accident and wish the surviving drivers and passengers the fullest and speediest recovery possible.  My condolences to the Mark family for their tragic loss.

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.

Choosing the right Ann Arbor personal injury lawyer for your case is the most important decision you will make.  It is the difference between winning a large settlement and receiving no settlement at all. Our award winning lawyers will represent you with the highest degree of integrity and compassion, as we have for clients just like you, for almost fifty years.

Be Smart! Don’t make the same mistake that most people make by picking a lawyer from a billboard or a TV commercial. We get calls from the unsatisfied clients of those lawyers every single day asking to switch their case over to our law firm. Many times, it is too late to fix their errors. The best lawyers spend their time in the courtroom, not in the television studio.

We specialize in all serious Ann Arbor auto accident, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. Our lawyers achieve extraordinary results and treat our clients with both dignity and respect. You will be treated the exact same way.

We do not charge any legal fees whatsoever until you receive a settlement and we pay all costs and litigation expenses.  If we are unable to recover a settlement, you owe us nothing.

Call us now for your free No-Obligation Case Review to discuss your case.  We are friendly and eager to answer all of your questions and concerns.   We are available to speak with you after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends if it best suits your schedule and can also arrange a personal visit and a location convenient for you.  Call now at (800) 606-1717 to get started on your case.