Neg Law E-News

Volume 10 #4

Summer 2019

Message from the Chair

Robert M. Raitt

Michigan Auto Law

I have been honored to serve as the Chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Negligence Section over the past year. This group of attorneys is in the best position to effect change to our laws while promoting the section’s mission of protecting the right to jury trial. We have always been active through our Amicus committee in the Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court, and our members are regular guests in Lansing to educate the Legislature on areas of the law that are important to our clients...

Government Affairs Update

Todd Tennis

Capitol Services

Six Months and 46 Years

Michigan’s No-Fault Auto Insurance law was initially enacted in 1973. For the last 46 years drivers in Michigan have had mandatory unlimited lifetime medical coverage under Michigan law. Less than six months into her first term, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to make that coverage optional. This is a feat that former Governor John Engler – despite repeated attempts – could not accomplish in 12 years in office...

Young Lawyers Section Update

Sharpening Each Other: Finding and Being Mentors in the Negligence Section

Emily G. Thomas

Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace

What the heck am I doing? What should I do next? Did I make the right decision? These are the thoughts of every new lawyer. In full confession, seasoned professionals sometimes ask these questions, too. I have yet to meet any newly barred attorney that approaches their law practice with total knowledge and confidence in what they are doing. Further, such a confident new lawyer that fails to ask these questions is missing out, failing to appreciate the importance of learning and continuously improving their practice...

No-Fault Reform Summary

George T. Sinas

Sinas Dramis Law Firm

Stephen H. Sinas

Sinas Dramis Law Firm

Thomas G. Sinas

Sinas Dramis Law Firm

On May 25, 2019, the Michigan Legislature passed vast and sweeping changes to the Michigan No-Fault Insurance Law and the Michigan Insurance Code. Governor Whitmer signed these changes into law on May 30, 2019. This legislation is known as SB1. On June 4, 2019, the Michigan House and Senate passed the “trailer bill,” HB 4397, which included some revisions and clarifications to SB1. Both bills included language giving the legislation immediate effect...

Looking Down the Road at Changes to the Michigan No-Fault Act

Matthew LaBeau

Matthew focuses his practice on defense litigation in first party No-Fault claims, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, automobile negligence, premises liability, general liability, and contractual disputes. Matthew has extensive experience in defending catastrophic No-Fault claims, including claims for attendant care, home modifications, and vehicle modifications, as well as consulting insurers regarding catastrophic claims prior to litigation. Matthew has vast experience in all aspects of the litigation process from the discovery process through trial and routinely achieves successful results for his clients.

It will likely take several years before the impact on premiums, claims, and litigation is fully determined. Certain provisions take effect immediately, others such as the choice of allowable expenses and provisions related to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) will take effect on July 1, 2020, and other regulatory changes even later. There are a few predictions that can be made at this time, however...

Is There a Future for Case Evaluation in Negligence Litigation?

Robert F. Riley

Riley & Hurley PC

Reprinted with permission from the June 2018 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal

Lawyers regularly engaged in the practice of tort or negligence law have become increasingly animated in their commentary about case evaluation and its usefulness in reviewing personal injury lawsuits and achieving settlements. These remarks take many forms, but when combined, suggest the need for fundamental reconsideration of the case evaluation process...

New Council Members Effective October 1, 2019

Deborah A. Lujan

Collins Einhorn Farrell PC

Read More Here

Michigan Lawyers Weekly wants to hear about your verdicts and settlements:

Please submit recent civil cases (within the past six months) where you prevailed - whether in a jury verdict or a settlement -- so MLW may publish them.

Questions about Lawyers Weekly's Verdicts and Settlements policy may be directed to the editor at (800) 678-5297 or editor@mi.lawyersweekly.com.

Negligence Law Section

Young Lawyers

Social Event

held on April 11, 2019

The YLS Social Event was an incredibly successful event!

The evening included Ping Pong, a wonderful

atmosphere, and delicious food.

The YLS Social Event was held in Detroit at the Punch Bowl Social

on April 11, 2019.

Thanks again to our sponsors!

Collins, Einhorn and Farrell PC

Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Michigan Auto Law

Secrest Wardle

Special Offer from the MAJ and MDTC

The Michigan Association for Justice in cooperation with The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel offer their membership and the public this first opportunity to purchase:

Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law in Michigan (TextBook)

2011 Edition includes 2015 supplement

The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)

The SBM Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) currently receives more than 500 calls each week from people looking for lawyers. Many of these are unable to find a match because there are not enough attorneys in some geographic areas or in some practice areas. For more than a year we have been revising and improving the LRS. The result is a system that produces better matches for attorneys and consumers alike. We are ready to begin a significant marketing initiative to consumers and we need more lawyers to participate as panel members.

Here are few examples of concrete improvements: Better matches mean a higher likelihood of securing paying clients than ever before. The new online platform now automates much of the tracking and reporting that attorneys had to do in the past. In addition to traditional cases, LRS has added Modest Means panels for family law and bankruptcy, and opportunities for attorneys to market Limited Scope practice.

Thank you very much. We are excited about these new opportunities for your section members to expand their practices and to enhance access to quality legal services throughout Michigan.

Click here to learn more about LRS

Click here to learn more about joining one or more of our LRS panels

Click here to learn more about Limited Scope practice