http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/ Buckfire & Buckfire Blog en-us 2012 Buckfire & Buckfire, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/ Thu, 17 May 2012 04:45:28 GMT http://www.buckfirelaw.com/images/logoprint.gif http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/ Michigan no-fault insurance lawyers recently filed a Michigan No-Fault lawsuit for a client in the Wayne County Circuit Court against Progressive Insurance Company.  The case arises out of a single car accident that occurred in the City of Ypsilanti.  Our client was a passenger in a vehicle that had poorly maintained brakes and the driver lost control, striking a building. 

Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a herniated disc in her neck.  She has been treating conservatively for her neck injury with physical therapy.  For her traumatic brain injury, she is receiving cognitive therapy and treating with a psychologist.  All of this treatment is related to injuries suffered in the car accident,.

A Michigan No-Fault claim was established with Progressive Michigan Insurance Company.  Progressive Insurance paid benefits for a period of time, but then sent our client to a so called “independent medical examination” (IME).  The exams, or course,  are not independent and the doctors regularly work for the insurance companies.  The opinions of these doctors rarely favors the injured party.

The insurance company doctor evaluated our client and wrote a letter to the insurance adjuster.  Based upon that insurance company’s doctor’s opinion, the insurance adjuster decided to terminate the client’s benefits.  The lawsuit asserts claims for the unpaid benefits as well as for the attorney’s fees incurred for the filing of the lawsuit.  No trial date has been set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dlawyer%2Dsues%2Dprogressive%2Dinsurance%2Dfor%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dbenefits%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-81759 Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a 56 year old women who was injured while riding as a passenger on her husband's motorcycle. An uninsured driver turned left in front of the motorcycle causing the motorcycle crash. The crash resulted in a knee injury. She underwent surgery on her knee.  In addition to the orthopedic injuries, the knee surgery resulted in a serious permanent disfigurement.
The public often thinks that bikers are responsbile for motorcycle accidents, however statistics show that most motorcycle crash injuries in Michigan are caused by the negligence of another driver. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• More than half of motorcycle crashes happen when the vehicle turns left
• 75% of all motorcycle accidents happen when a vehicle fails to see the motorcycle before the collision
• Speeding by the vehicle driver and/or motorcycle rider

An injured passenger or driver who is injured in a Michigan motorcycle accident due to another drivers negligence can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. Even if the negligent driver that caused the motorcycle accident did not have liability insurance coverage, the injured person may still have a case. This is when a person can make an uninsured motorists claim. Uninsured motorist benefits are contractual benefits a person is entitled to if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident where the at fault party is uninsured.

We filed a lawsuit against our clients’ insurance company for uninsured motorist benefits.  The suit was filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan.  No trial date has been set for the case.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dmotorcycle%2Daccident%2Dlawyer%2Dfiles%2Dlawsuit%2Dfor%2Dpassenger%2Dinjured%2Don%2Dmotorcycle%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-81299 Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Michigan medical negligence lawyers recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit  against a Wayne County hospital.  The lawsuit involves a patient who presented to the emergency department for a sports related injury.  He was heavily sedated and then taken to the radiology department for x-rays to be taken.  The radiology technician had him sit on a backless, moveable doctor’s stool while he was waiting for his x-ray.  The patient who was dizzy and heavily medicated and was left alone in the room.  He fell off of the stool and struck his head on the floor.

Due to the fall, the client suffered a significant injury to the head.  Photographs taken in the hospital after the incident demonstrate the severity of the impact caused by the fall.  He suffered a large laceration, a concussion, and a traumatic brain injury.

According to the Center for Disease Control data on traumatic brain injuries (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsTBI_BrainInjury/ ) falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States.  Over 35% of all brain injuries are caused by falls. In particularly, falls result in 523,043 TBI-related emergency department visits and 62,334 hospitalizations.

Our medical malpractice lawyers will be pursuing this case in an effort to recover both the pain and suffering that the patient has gone through as a result of the alleged negligence, as well as,  lost wages, and the out-of-pocket expenses the patient endured as a result of such injuries.  No trial date has been set by the court.

 
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dmedical%2Dnegligence%2Dlawsuit%2Dfiled%2Dfor%2Dfall%2Din%2Dhospital%2Dtraumatic%2Dbrain%2Dinjury%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-81017 Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a passenger injured in a motorcycle accident.  The passenger was from Ontario, Canada and was a passenger on a bike traveling eastbound on M-46 in Buena Vista Township, near Saginaw, Michigan.  A negligent driver unlawfully merged into their lane and struck the motorcycle, cause the crash.

Approximately 75 percent of accidents is a motorcycle hit by car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2007, there were more than 5,150 fatalities from U.S. motorcycle accidents in 2007 ( a seven percent increase over 2006). In Michigan alone, 120 motorcyclists were killed in an accident in 2007.

Motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to be involved in a deadly accident than people driving a car, even though motorcyclists only make up three percent of registered vehicles. In fact when motorcycle accidents happen with a vehicle, the driver often violates the motorcyclists’ right of way and causes the crash in 2/3 of the cases.

The woman passenger suffered a serious injury to her shoulder which required surgery.  The lawsuit seeks compensation for her pain and suffering and the disability caused by the accident.  The lawsuit was filed in the Oakland County Circuit Court.  No trial date has been set.

Motorcycle passengers are very often the innocent victims of motorcycle accidents.  The injuries that they sustain are often serious, and even catastrophic, and result in permanent injury and disability.  Bikers and their passengers need the best possible legal representation guarantee that their legal rights will be fully protected and so that they will receive the best possible compensation for their injuries.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers have earned the highest possible rating for skill and integrity in the legal profession.  We have earned top settlements for bikers injured in a motorcycle crash.  To get started on your motorcycle accident case in Michigan, contact us today.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dmotorcycle%2Daccident%2Dlawyer%2Dlawsuit%2Dfor%2Dsaginaw%2Dinjury%2Daccident%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-81033 Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT The RI nursing home abuse lawyers at d'Oliveira & Associates want you to know about nursing home abuse.

Nursing home abuse in Rhode Island, as well as in other states, is a growing concern with the continued rise of reported incidents every year.  Studies conducted by private and public sectors show that for every reported incident of elderly abuse, violence or neglect; five” go unreported to the authorities.  This confirms and solidifies the “iceberg theory” of the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study.  According to this theory, reports received are the most visible types of abuse and neglect and these only make up the tip of the iceberg.  There are still unreported and even unidentified incidents.  Some of these abuses are very difficult to identify because of the social isolation of the elderly.

All these studies raise issues of policy development in order to address the problems of violence and neglect.  Rhode Island (RI) recognizes its obligation to protect the health, safety and welfare of its elderly citizens by enacting state laws aimed at promoting their rights.  The Elderly Violence Prevention Act considers violence against the elderly a serious crime against society.  RI has also created the Citizens' Commission for the Safety and Care of the Elderly to act as a liaison between the different departments and the elderly groups.  Rhode Island also created the Elderly Affairs Department whose main task is to investigate reports on abuse, among others. 

The policymakers, the bodies created for the protection of the elderly and the nursing homes are not the only entities with the duty to address this problem.  You, as a member of the society, and we, as legal representatives, are called to join the collective effort to alleviate the standard of living and stop the abuse and neglect of our loved ones in these nursing homes.

If someone you know has been a victim of nursing home abuse, please contact a Rhode Island nursing home attorney at the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 for a free legal consultation.

d'Oliveira & Associates: 250 EDDIE DOWLING HWY. WOONSOCKET, R.I. 02896 (401) 762-4006
 
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/nursing%2Dhome%2Dabuse%2Din%2Drhode%2Disland%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80868 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT
NHTSA estimates that seatbelts and frontal airbags used together reduces the risk of death in a head-on collision by 11 percent over just by using a seatbelt alone.

When improperly used, an airbag can inflict injuries such as broken bones, burns, abrasions, and even death. However, the benefit of airbags outweigh the risk of possible injury. With this in mind, there are some precautions you can take to avoid injury to yourself or passengers from a deployed airbag.

First and foremost, the driver and all passengers should be properly restrained by use of the lap and shoulder belt and/or child restraint system based on the child’s size and age.

Shorter drivers are prone to more airbag injuries to their arms, chest, and head because in most cases there is simply not enough space to allow the airbag to deploy without striking the body. It is recommended that you position your seat so that your chest is at least 10 inches from the center of the steering wheel. If you cannot adjust your seat that far back and be able to safely control the vehicle, you may want to consider installing pedal extenders.

Children under the age of 12 years should always ride in the rear seat of the car. An infant in a rear facing seat should never ride in the front seat. Frontal airbags deploy with such force that a small child can be seriously injured or even killed if in the front seat.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to review your case to assist you with getting the compensation you are entitled to recover your medical expenses and loss of wages.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/airbags%2Dcan%2Dcause%2Dinjury%2Dif%2Dnot%2Dused%2Dproperly%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80871 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our car accident lawyers in Michigan recently settled an auto accident injury lawsuit for $100,000.  Our client was injured in a two vehicle car crash in Michigan.  He was driving his own car at the time of the rear-end  accident.

Prior to the accident, the injured client was a transmission mechanic with no prior back or neck injury.  He was earning approximately $30,000 per year.  Due to the injuries suffered in the accident, he is unable to return to work and has been awarded social security disability benefits.

The defendant driver was insured for liability coverage by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.  The insurance company refused to pay for the personal injury claim and we filed a lawsuit in the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan.  Attorney George Burke in our office then demanded that the insurance company pay the policy limits of $100,000 to our client to settle the case.  After taking depositions and conducting other discovery, we were able to establish that the defendant was in fact responsible for causing the accident.  The insurance company then agreed to settle the case for $100,000.



]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/car%2Daccident%2Dlawsuit%2Din%2Dmichigan%2Dsettles%2Dfor%2D100%2D000%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80875 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT In February 2009 our client was involved in a one Michigan car accident on I-75 and he was at fault for that accident.  He sustained a disc herniation in neck that required surgery as a result of the 2009 accident.  He had returned to work part-time in November 2010. In December 2010 he was involved in a 2^nd motor vehicle accident that was the fault of the other driver. As a result of the second accident, our client sustained a new injury to his neck and an MRI revealed another disc herniation @ C5-C6. The client had a 2^nd neck surgery. Under Michigan law injuries from a motor vehicle accident must be objectively manifested.  In other words, there must be a diagnostic test like an MRI that objectively reveals the client’s injuries.
 
Progressive Insurance Company insured the at fault driver for the December 2010 accident. After months of litigation, Progressive offered the full amount of its’ insured’s policy which was $50,000.00.  Fortunately our client had purchased underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage with his own insurance company, AAA of Michigan, with limits of $100,000.00.  This allows our client to pursue his own insurance company for the difference of what he collected from Progressive and his own policy limits.  In other words he may be able to collect an additional $50,000.00 from AAA of Michigan.  UIM policy’s almost always require that (1) that the injured victim exhaust the full amount of the policy limits and (2) that you obtain permission from your own insurance company before settling the case.  Buckfire & Buckfire obtain permission from AAA and the case for our client’s UIM benefits has been placed into binding arbitration which is required under the insurance contract.
 
This case emphasizes several important points.  First, you must hire a law firm that knows and understands all aspects of the law, including insurance contracts. Recently we were contacted by an injured victim who had underinsured motorist benefits and her prior attorney failed to follow ALL the appropriate steps with regards to her UIM benefits and as a result he voided $80,000.00 in potential coverage.  We referred that case to a legal malpractice attorney.  Second, even if you are already partially disabled, you can recover your damages if you have an increased disability from a subsequent motor vehicle accident.  The MRI following the second motor vehicle accident objectively showed a new injury.  Lastly, this case shows the importance of underinsured motorist benefits.  The client was fortunate enough to have purchase limits that exceeded the at fault parties liability limits and now has  a chance to obtain additional money for his damages.  Buckfire & Buckfire recommends that everyone purchase as much underinsured motorist benefits as they can afford.





]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/settlement%2Din%2Dmichigan%2Dunderinsurance%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dlawsuit%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80878 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our no-fault insurance lawyers recently settled a lawsuit for client who became quadriplegic in a 2001 Michigan auto accident.  The spinal cord injury survivor was a minor at the time of the accident.  As he had gotten older, it became necessary for him to use the master bathroom in the house but this needed to be modified to accommodate his handicap.  A claim was submitted to the no-fault insurance company to pay for the home modification but it was ignored by the adjuster.

Under Michigan law, an insurance company is required to provide home modifications to a car accident injury victim to accommodate the special needs of the injured person for accident related injuries.   This benefit is frequently paid in cases involving spinal cord injuries and amputation injuries.  Modifications often include handicapped ramps, bathroom modifications, and even additions to existing homes.
 
Based upon the insurance company’s refusal to pay for the home modifications, we filed a lawsuit in the Wayne County Circuit Court.  After engaging in discovery and taking depositions, the insurance company agreed to pay $50,000 for the bathroom modifications.  This was $7,000 more than the actual cost of the bathroom to cover attorney’s fees and expenses related to the filing of the lawsuit.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dno%2Dfault%2Dinsurance%2Dsettlement%2Dfor%2Dhome%2Dmodification%2Dexpense%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80880 Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Michigan No-Fault Insurance lawyers recently filed a lawsuit against Citizens Insurance Company on behalf of a client injured in a 1997 car accident.

The client suffered a broken pelvis, a ruptured spleen, a broken left leg and knee, a broken left ankle, a broken right femur (leg), a crushed right ankle, as well as a closed head injury.  Since 1997, the client has been cared for by her family due to the catastrophic injuries suffered in the car accident.

Citizens Insurance Company of America is the insurance carrier responsible for paying no-fault insurance benefits for accident related injuries.  The insurance company has refused to pay and underpaid many benefits required under Michigan law.  Specifically, Citizens Insurance has failed to pay for vehicle modifications to accommodate her special travel needs.  The insurance company is also refusing to pay for 24 your family provided attendant care services, despite the medical need for those services.

The lawsuit was filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court and seeks payment for the unpaid Michigan no-fault insurance benefits.  It also seeks attorney’s fees and statutory interest provided by the Michigan No-Fault Insurance Act.  No trial date has been set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/no%2Dfault%2Dinsurance%2Dlawsuit%2Dfiled%2Dagainst%2Dcitizens%2Dinsurance%2Dfor%2Dattendant%2Dcare%2Dbenefits%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80822 Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our Detroit car accident lawyers recently filed a lawsuit for a client who was injured in a rear-end auto accident.  The accident occurred on I-75 freeway near Seven Mile Road in the City of Detroit.  The client was a driver of a vehicle that was by rear-ended by a negligent driver in a construction zone.  Our client is from Ontario, Canada and was travelling through the City of Detroit at the time of the accident.

Under Michigan law the driver that struck our client’s vehicle is presumed negligent because he rear-ended the vehicle.  All drivers in Michigan must keep an “assured clear distance” while driving, which means that you must keep a safe distance behind the motor vehicle in front of you, taking into account the road conditions, traffic conditions, weather and in this case the construction zone.  The failure to do this is a violation of a Michigan statute and a basis for holding the negligent driver liable for the accident.

The accident victim suffered multiple serious injuries in the accident.  These include a aggravation of a pre-existing condition to his neck.  He subsequently underwent surgery for this condition.

The lawsuit was filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan.  The suit seeks damages for both economic and non-economic damages caused by the negligent driver in the accident.  No trial date has been set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/i%2D75%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dlawsuit%2Dfiled%2Dby%2Ddetroit%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dlawyer%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80824 Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT truck accident in Massachusetts due to someone else’s reckless driving, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your pain and accident-related expenses. You may not know this, but Massachusetts truck accident victims may recover money damages related to the accident, including: 

• medical and/or funeral expenses,
• loss of income,
• loss of consortium,
• emotional pain,
• damages to the vehicle, and
• other expenses.

Truck Accidents Involving Rollovers Are Especially Dangerous

Any collision with a truck is hazardous, but when the collision involves a truck rollover, the injuries sustained can be severe and in some cases, deadly.

Because of the sheer size and weight of the truck, the force of the collision between a passenger vehicle and a truck can cause tremendous damage to the passenger car and to anyone inside it. The danger to the car occupants is even worse if the truck is hauling hazardous materials.

There Are an Estimated 1,100 Truck Accidents in Massachusetts Each Year

Truck accidents are fairly common, which means that there are many truck crash victims, some of whom are not aware of their rights to compensation. If the victim was injured in an accident that happened due to no fault of their own, they need to contact an experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney to examine the particulars of their accident and determine if they have a case.
Remember, you are not in this alone.

The Boston personal injury lawyer, Tom Kiley, has been representing traffic accident victims for over 30 years and has recovered millions of dollars for his clients in settlements and verdicts.

Call the Kiley Law Group today for a FREE Consultation: (888) 208-1695.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/getting%2Dcompensation%2Dfor%2Dyour%2Dmassachusetts%2Dtruck%2Daccident%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80671 Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT Detroit car accident lawyers recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a gentleman from Chicago who was driving his car in the City of Detroit.  The defendant drive attempted to turn right but lost control of his car because he was travelling at a high rate of speed.  The defendant’s car violently crashed into our client’s vehicle. The car was totaled and our client suffered serious injuries to his neck and spine.

Our client suffered serious injuries, including a herniated disc in his neck that has caused nerve damage.  He initially underwent epidural injections and physical therapy for his injuries.  When conservative treatments failed, he underwent a surgery on his cervical spine.  He is disabled from his work in the construction demolition business as a result of the injuries he suffered in the car accident.   We filed a lawsuit against both the negligent driver and the owner of the car.  The injury claims against the negligent driver and owner are for pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic injuries.  The insurance company for the driver and vehicle owner are expected to pay a substantial settlement for this accident.  A trial date has not been set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/detroit%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dlawyer%2Dfiles%2Dauto%2Daccident%2Dinjury%2Dlawsuit%2Dherniated%2Ddisc%2Dwith%2Dcervical%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80594 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT st Party Michigan No-Fault lawsuit against State Farm for a client in the Wayne County Circuit Court.  The case arises out of a motorcycle versus motor vehicle accident that occurred in Texas Township.  The client was the operator of a motorcycle that struck a motor vehicle that was insured with State Farm. Even though the motorcyclist was at fault for the accident, the insurance carrier for the motor vehicle is legally responsible for the motorcyclist’s’ Michigan No-Fault benefits. Unfortunately State Farm has refused to pay all the benefits. The client suffered severe upper and lower extremity injuries.

Motorcyclists account for 10.5 percent of all car accidents. According to reports done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 62,000 motorcyclists died due to a car accident between the years of 1975 and 2005. Motorcycles represent only 3 percent of all registered vehicles; however, the number of deaths and injuries due to a motorcyclist hit by car is high.

Victims of motorcyclists hit on motorcycle by car in Michigan can often file a claim for Michigan no-fault insurance benefits, just like our client. In order to receive insurance benefits, the bicycle must be insured with liability coverage. It is not required that the bike have no-fault insurance benefits. Depending on if the motor vehicle was at fault in the motorcycle-car accident, the injured motorcyclist may also have means for a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver for the injuries caused due to the motorcycle accident. If the motorcyclist was killed after being hit on motorcycle by car, the family of the deceased may also have means for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Michigan car accident while riding a motorcycle, call our office now at (800) 606-1717 to discuss your case with one of our experienced Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers. We will start working on your case immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to ensure that you too will receive the Michigan no-fault benefits you are entitled to.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/motorcycle%2Daccident%2Dlawyer%2Dfiles%2Dmichigan%2Dno%2Dfault%2Dinsurance%2Dlawsuit%2Dagainst%2Dstate%2Dfarm%2Dinsuranc%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-80225 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our car accident in Michigan lawyers recently filed a Michigan No-Fault lawsuit for a client in the Wayne County Circuit Court against Grange Insurance Company.  The case arises out of a multivehicle accident that occurred on the Davison Highway in the city of Detroit.  The client was a driver involved in the accident and sustained new injuries, as well as, an aggravation to old injuries.  The client had auto insurance coverage with Grange Insurance Company for no-fault insurance benefits.

Grange Insurance denied the accident victim’s Michigan No-Fault benefits based upon its contention that the client’s injuries did not arise out of the car accident and that the treatment was not auto accident related. Prior to the accident the client was actively treating for lower back pain, which was aggravated in the accident; but the client also injured her upper back and neck, which was a new injury.  The client is a registered nurse and was actively working prior to the accident, but as a result of the injuries from the accident, has been unable to return to work. 

The lawsuit claims that Grange Insurance Companies denial was unreasonable as Grange failed to acknowledge the aggravation to the client’s pre-existing condition, as well as, her new injuries.  The suit seeks all unpaid benefits as well as attorney’s fees and interest incurred due to the filing of the lawsuit.  No trial date has been set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dno%2Dfault%2Dinsurance%2Dbenefits%2Dlawsuit%2Dagainst%2Dgrange%2Dinsurance%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79943 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our Michigan nursing home lawyers recently filed a lawsuit  against a Mount Pleasant skilled nursing facility  for failing on behalf of a resident who suffered serious injuries due to a fall at the nursing home.  The eighty-seven year old resident was a fall risk based upon a previous fall and then fell a second time in the hallway.  He landed and suffered a fractured hip which required a major surgery by an orthopedic surgeon.

The nursing home neglect lawsuit alleges that the nursing was negligent for failing to implement a fall prevention plan for the resident based upon his previous fall and other medical conditions.  He had fallen at the same facility just nine days earlier.  He was not properly assisted with walking at the time of the incident.

According to the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.org, falls among the elderly are a substantial health concern in the United States. Hip fractures are serious fall injuries that often result in long-term functional impairment, nursing home admission and increased mortality. The statistics certainly bear out this issue, especially with respect to hip fractures.

•In 2007, there were 281,000 hospital admissions for hip fractures among people age 65 and older.2
•Over 90% of hip fractures are caused by falling, most often by falling sideways onto the hip.
•In 1990, researchers estimated that by the year 2040, the number of hip fractures would exceed 500,000.5  However, since 2000, the annual number of hip fractures has remained relatively constant.
•From 1990 to 2006, hip fracture rates declined significantly in men age 85 and older and in women age 75 and older.6 It is not known what factors are contributing to this trend.
•In 1991, Medicare costs for hip fractures were estimated to be $2.9 billion.  That number has most definitely increased substantially in the last twenty-one years.

The present lawsuit requests damages for the pain and suffering caused by the fall, the surgery, and the subsequent period of recovery.  Damages are also sought for medical bills and other expenses arising out of the fall.  No trial date has been set by the court.




]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/broken%2Dhip%2Dlawsuit%2Dfiled%2Dagainst%2Dnursing%2Dhome%2Din%2Dmichigan%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79954 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT All too often, car and truck owners buy what they believe to be “full coverage” for their car and truck, only to learn later on that they were not sold the essential coverage necessary to protect themselves or their family members in the event of a serious accident. Because injuries suffered in auto accidents may be catastrophic, it is necessary to review your auto insurance coverage immediately to learn if you are properly protected in the event of an accident.

Our Michigan car accident lawyers offer a free Michigan Auto Insurance Report that teaches you how to purchase the proper insurance coverage. The report discusses the required insurance and the optional insurance coverage a motorist can purchase. Although the coverage is considered “optional,” it should be considered mandatory for every car and truck owner in Michigan. These “optional” insurance coverage protects you, your family members, and passengers in your vehicle in the event of a serious auto accident.  Without these types of coverage, you and family members may be left uncovered and uncompensated for your injuries.

Under Michigan law, your insurance agent does not have to tell you about the insurance coverage available for your car or truck. Simply asking for “full coverage” does not mean that you are fully covered.  It is your responsibility to ask for and purchase the insurance coverage options.   If you have not already done so, you should download this essential report today at www.FreeCarInsuranceReport.com.

Victims of auto accidents do have legal rights. Individuals injured in a Michigan auto accident should contact the car accident lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. to discuss their case. Call our office now at (800) 606-1717.

]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/michigan%2Dcar%2Daccident%2Dlawyers%2Dask%2Ddoes%2Dyour%2Dautomobile%2Dinsurance%2Dpolicy%2Dinclude%2Dfull%2Dcoverage%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79626 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Our auto accident attorneys recently filed a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of a Farmington Hills man who was injured in an automobile accident in Oak Park, Michigan.  The negligent driver rear ended his car when he slowed down in heavy traffic.  His vehicle suffered significant damage in the accident.  Then negligent driver was issued a traffic citation by the police.

Our client suffered serious injuries to his neck and back which will require surgery in the near future.  He has been disabled as a result of the accident and his disability will continue even after his upcoming surgery.  His No-Fault Insurance benefits have been paid by AAA, his own auto insurance company.  This includes benefits for lost wages, medical expenses, attendant care services, and replacement services.

The negligent driver did not have an auto insurance policy on the car to make a claim against for the injuries suffered in the accident.  Fortunately, our client had uninsured motorists coverage through AAA  on his own vehicle.  Because he had this coverage, we filed an uninsured motorists benefits lawsuit against AAA insurance.  There has been no trial date set by the court.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/uninsured%2Dmotorists%2Dlawsuit%2Dfiled%2Dagainst%2Daaa%2Dfor%2Dmichigan%2Dauto%2Daccident%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79631 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT Swimming may be a fun, active, and healthy sport but it also can be very dangerous if your child does not know how to swim properly or there is no supervision. In fact, swimming pool accidents are more common than one may think.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), close to 350 children, ages five and under, have drowned in residential swimming pools each year and on average, 3,600 children go to the emergency room after near-drowning incidents a year.

Living in Michigan poses a higher threat than most states for the potential of tragedies in water. This is because of our numerous swimming pools, ponds, and lakes in our Great Lakes State. In fact, in Michigan, drowning is the number two reason for the unintentional death of children fourteen and under.

Always remember to NEVER ever leave a child unattended while in water, even if it is for a second. Always have some sort of adult supervision, and never put another child in charge of another. In fact, taking a swim with them is a great way to keep an eye on them and cool yourself off in the hot summer weather.

Other possible ways to protect your child is to have them wear a bright bathing suit and make sure to lock the gates to the pool when you are not using it.

One of the best ways to keep children safe in the water is by enrolling them in swimming lessons. In addition to private classes, many non-profit organizations, such as your local YMCA, routinely offer swim lessons to the public.

Our Michigan child injury lawyers would like to give special thanks to Chris McCuiston, owner of Goldfish Swim School (www.goldfishswimschool.com) in Birmingham & Novi for providing these great tips. The Buckfire children are all students of this great swim school.

If your child suffers injuries due to a swimming pool accident, call our office immediately at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our experienced Michigan child injury lawyers. We will start working on your case immediately gathering all the evidence and witness statements to win and settle your case.
]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/swimming%2Dsafety%2Dtips%2Dto%2Dprevent%2Dswimming%2Dpool%2Daccident%2Dinjuries%2Dand%2Ddrowning%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79501 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT The summer will be here soon, and before you know it it will be that time of the year to celebrate our nations’ independence with family and friends. However, many dangers lie in the use of fireworks. Injuries in a fireworks accident are not uncommon. In fact in 2008 alone there was an estimated amount of 7,000 injuries due to fireworks.

To eliminate injuries and educate the public on safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks, our Michigan personal injury accident lawyers want to share with you some safety tips for the Fourth of July season. Provided by The National Council on Fireworks Safety.

1) Use fireworks outdoors only
2) Only persons over the age of 12 should handle sparklers of any type.
3) Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket)
4) Only use fireworks as intended– don't’ try to alter or combine them.
5) Never relight a “dud” firework –wait 20 minutes and then soak in a pail of water.
6) Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
7) Obey local laws—do not use illegal fireworks or explosives.

Following these tips will help you and your family safely celebrate the 4th of July.

If you or a family member suffer serious injuries after a Michigan fireworks accident due to the negligence of another person or a defective firework, call our office to discuss your case. Call (800) 606-1717 to speak with one our experienced Michigan personal injury accident lawyers now.

]]> http://www.buckfirelaw.com/blog/firework%2Daccidents%2Dmichigan%2Dpersonal%2Dinjury%2Dlawyer%2Ecfm www.buckfirelaw.com-79505 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT