WPC z 4n$/ĜߡƇn0Q2My0 œv q$wVJꪖ-jgxD>0_)(i@kL>lejExs+G (_24   &hp x&23  ..  /% ` hp x/  *;+G (_23  ` #hhp x#23  ..  /% ` hp x/  *8+G (_22    p x 23  ..  /% ` hp x/  *5+G (_21   p x23  ..  /% ` hp x/  *2+G (_20  h pp x23  ..  /% ` hp x/  */+G (_19     x23  ..  /% ` hp x/  *,+G (_18      x23  ..  /% ` hp x/  * (_1723  Ԁ*AG (_16   ) hp x)23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  *>G (_15   &hp x&23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  *;G (_14  ` #hhp x#23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  *8G (_13    p x 23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/    X   *5G (_12   p x23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  *2G (_11  h pp x23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  */G (_10     x23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  (,G &_9      x23  Ԁ  /% ` hp x/  ( &_823  (AG &_7   ) hp x)23   /% ` hp x/  (>G &_6   &hp x&23   /% ` hp x/  (;G &_5  ` #hhp x#23   /% ` hp x/  (8G &_4    p x 23   /% ` hp x/  (5G &_3   p x23   /% ` hp x/  (2G &_2  h pp x23   /% ` hp x/  (/G &_1     x23   /% ` hp x/  &,G $_      x23   /% ` hp x/  <:Default Para<:footnote ref$359=AEIMQ111111111(('S$..    *`0Baskerville Old Face3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)0i)_ XLXXX   O @ XXLREPRESENTATIVECASESHANDLEDBYMEMBERS  OF b  @ THOMPSON,O'NEIL&VANDERVEEN,P.C.  t #U #5   `     U#XLXa#  Thesecasesarerepresentativesamplesofthecasespreparedandsuccessfully  n concludedbythelawyersinourfirm.Together,wehavetriedtoaverdict,arbitrated,  V mediatedorotherwisesettledinagrossamountcaseshavingacumulativevaluein  > excessof48milliondollars.Eachofourattorneyshandleabouttwentycaseseach  &  year,soasyoucansee,thesecasesrepresentonlyasampleofwhatwehavebeen   abletoachieveonbehalfofourclients.   #XXXXXLʎ#U XXX   `     h   #XXX UE# ^ XXXAUTONEGLIGENCE#XXX  ^#Ԁ >  XLXXXXThisisourprimaryareaofexpertiseandwehavehandledmorethan1000autorelated d claims.Thefollowingisasample: L  4  W XXLBabcock  v.  RoadAuthority   #XLX W#W XXLThefirmassistedthisfamilyininvestigatingandreachingaprivate,confidential  settlementarisingoutofthedeathoftheirsonandbrotherwhenhewasstruckby  atruckplowingsnow.#XLX W#   7XXLW 7Bruski  v.  CherrylandRuralElectricalCoop ; GrandTraverseCircuitCourt   Ourclients#7 W #W 7carwasstruck,duringarainstorm,byavantravelingwithoutlights.  Helosthislegwhenhewasstruckbyanothercarwhileexitinghisvehicle.The  firmsecuredhimthefullinsurancepolicylimitsfromthedriverofthevan,andina  contestedtrial,averdictfor$875,000.00innoneconomicdamagesfrom | Cherrylandanditsdriver,despitethefactthattheinvestigatingpoliceofficerhad t  originallyconcludedthattheseconddriverwasnotnegligent.#7 W# XLX7.XSXXXL l!  #XLXX.XSv ##7XXLW #W 7 Burgess  v.  Girlfriendandothers;OttawaCounty \#  #7 W #W 7Werepresentedthisyoungmaninprotractedlitigationafterhesufferedsevere Z$ headandorthopaedicinjuriesinanintersectioncollision.Theinsurersforboth R%  driversinsistedthatonlytheotherwasatfaultandhiredseveralindependent J&!! doctorstosupporttheirclaimthathehadrecoveredcompletely.Overseveral B'"" yearsoflitigationweachievedasubstantialrecoveryfromtheatfaultsinsurers :(## andalsosecuredcompletetuitionandexpensecoverageforhimtoreturnto 2)$$ collegefromhisowninsurer. **z%% Ѐ -b((  #7 W #W 7CapativJones;  WayneCountyCircuitCourt   Ourclient,ayoungdoctor,wasseverelyinjuredwhenhercarwasstruckheadon  byanothervehicle.Afterinitiatingalawsuitthedefendantspaidherfullpolicy  limitstoresolvethistragiccase.#7 W#W 7   Drogt  v.  UnitedWaste;#7 W$#W 7AntrimCountyCircuitCourt    Wehelpedthismanrecoverforthelossofhisanticipatedlifetimeearningsafter   hewasstruckbyagarbagetruckthatranastopsign.Evaluatinghislikelyfuture   incomethroughtheuseofexpertaccountantsandbusinessconsultants,and |  discreditingtheincometestimonyoftheDefendantsconsultants,wascrucialto t   achievingafairrecovery.  l  EricEllis  v.  DMC,; #7 W#W 7 GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  b  Despitethebankruptcyofthedeliverycompany,w#7 W*#W 7ewereabletoachieveavery `  substantialsettlementforthisyoungmanwhosufferedlifetimeinjuriestohisleg X  whenatruckdeliveringlumbertoajobsiteallowedtheloadoflumbertostrike P thePlaintiff(whowaswaitingtohelpunloadit.).#7 W#W 7  H #7 W]#W 7FinoutvCavalli;ClareCountyCircuitCourt >  AyoungwomantravelingnorthonM115waskilledwhenanoncomingdriver < lostcontrolofhisvehicleandcrossedthecenterlinecausingaheadoncollision. 4 Asuccessfulsettlementwasreachedwithinsurersforthedriverandtheownerof ,| thevehiclehewasdriving,despiteclaimsthatthecollisionwascausedbydebris $t fromathirdvehicle..  l #7 W#W 7Hewittv.Crandall;  GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  b MaryHewittwascrossingUS31atFourMileRoadwhenamotoristwhorana ` redlightstruckher.Thecasewassettledaftermediationfor$500,000, X representingnoneconomicdamagesforhersubstantialinjuries.  P  Kingv.FarmBureau !@  Theplaintiffsufferedabackinjuryinamotorvehiclecollision.Afterthenegligent "> driver'sinsurancewasexhausted,weachievedanadditionalrecoveryof #6  $165,000fromhisowninsurance,throughhisunderinsuredmotoristcoverage. $. ! Bindingarbitration. %&!"  Lenhof f v . Lenhoff;EmmetCountyCircuitCourt '#$  #7 W#W 7Wewereabletohelpthewifewhosufferedaseverelyfracturedneckrecoverfair ($% compensationfromherhusbandsinsurer. ) %&  -(*  Lewis v.DoeandUnderinsuredMotoristCoverage;LeelanauCountyCircuit  Court     #7 W#W 7Weachievedasubstantialsixfiguresettlementforthisteacherwhosuffered  longtermlonginjuriesinawreckcausedbyadrunk.  Ѐ   Meredith v.  Ficaro,etal.;  LeelanauCountyCircuitCourt.    Thiscase,forseriousinjuriessufferedbyamotorcyclist,wassettledaftera   favorablemediationresult.   #7 WY# W 7PerryvJohnson;  GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  z   ThefirmwasaskedtosubstituteinascounselforthePlaintiff,aftertheoriginal x  juryverdictagainstherwasoverturnedbytheCourt.Onretrial,weachieveda p  modestverdictonherbehalf.#7 Ww # XLX7.XSXXXL h  #XLXX.XS-"##7XXL"#W 7Priest  v.  DoAllConstruction;KalkaskaCountyCircuitCourt  ^  Ayounggirlonherwaytoschoolwaskilledwhenherdriverranintotherearofa \ slowmovingbackhoetravelingonthehighwaywithinadequatelighting.The T casesettledfollowingmediation L  JaneRoe  v.  JaneDoe;BenzieCountyCircuitCourt <  #7 W"#W 7Wewereabletoachieveasettlementof$500,000.00forthisyoungwomanwho : sufferedveryseverelegfracturesinamotorvehiclecollision.#7 W$#W 7 2  Schichtelv.Bucosky;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  "r ThroughextensiveinvestigationintotheDefendant'sassets,wesecureda  p settlementattwicetheDefendant'savailableinsuranceforthisbadlyinjured h victimofanautomobilecollision. `  Smithv.UnitedVanLines;WexfordCountyCircuitCourt   P Claimagainsttruckingcompanywhosedriverandpoorlymaintainedsemitractor  N causedacollisionresultinginthedeathofthehusbandandfather.Settled. !F  Tegelv.Gaines;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  #6  Abuildersufferedcareerdisablinginjuriesinamotorvehiclecollision.Afterthe $4 ! negligentdriver'sinsurancecoveragewasexhausted,thefirmrecovered %,!" $400,000fromthebuilder'sunderinsuredmotoristcoverage.   &$"#  -(*  Vowels   Settlementforhalfmilliondollarforamanwhosufferedaheadinjuryina  highwaycollisionwheretheDefendantlostcontrolonice,despitethe  investigatingofficersacknowledgmentthattheroadwassoicy  theycouldnot  standup.TheDefendantlosthisabilitytoargue suddenemergencywhenhe  describedroadconditionsasequallybad,thusgivinghimwarning,40milesup   theroad.   #7 W%# f7BOATINGINJURIES:#7 fm,#W 7 n    EstateofDoe v.  InsurerRoe;#7 W,#W 7ChippewaCounty    Forlessthan$6,000.00inhourlyfees,w#7 WP-#W 7ewereabletonegotiatethepaymentof   thedriverslargeliabilitypolicy,arrangeafavorableannuitypurchaseand   probatethedecedentsestate.Ayoungwifehadbeenkilledinaboating   accidentintheLesCheneauxIslands,andthedriversinsurerindicateda  willingnesstonegotiateingoodfaithwithoutfilingsuit.Weadvisedthewidowto | engageusonanhourly,ratherthanacontingent,feebasis. t Ѐ#7 W-#W 7  l Odziana v.  April;  LeelanauCountyCircuitCourt  d Plaintiffwasayounggirlwhowasinjuredinaboatingincident.WhenAllstate b attemptedtosettleherinjuryclaim,theProbateCourtfeltthatthesettlementwas Z inadequateandreferredherparentstoourfirmforlegalassistance.Ultimately R theCasewassettledforasubstantiallylargersum. J #7 WH0#  XLX7.XSXXXL#.X.XS2##7.2# W 7SpicewskivKatara;AntrimCountyCircuitCourt  &v Ourclient,ayounggirl,sustaineddevastatinginjuriestoherlegwhenshewas $t struckbyamotorboatwhiletubing.Withourhelp,afterlitigationsheachieveda l settlementwhichwillpayherovertwomilliondollarsoverthecourseofherlife.    d #7 W3# f7CIVILRIGHTS,RIGHTOFPRIVACY p# #7 f4# W 7Ortquistv.DowChemicalandMidlandCounty;  U.S.DistrictCourtEastern  % !  District  &!" CivilrightsactiononbehalfofGreenpeaceprotestoragainstDefendantsfor '"# publishingafalsestatement.Settled. (#$ #7 Ws5# f7 0-(( CONSTRUCTION,INDUSTRIALORWORKSITEINJURIES#7 f6# f7   #7 fr7#W 7KlavervCronoralContractor,etal;GrandTraverseCircuitCourt  d ThefirmobtainedoneofthelargestinjuryverdictsinGrandTraverseCounty b history,onbehalfofaworkmanwhosufferedabadlyfracturedarmwhilebuilding  Z theRadioCenterbuildingonFrontStreet.Ourclientfellfourteenfeetasaresult  R ofthecontractorsnegligentfailuretomaintainasafeworkingenvironment.#7 W7# XLX7.XSXXXL  J #XLXX.XS!:##7XXL:#W 7Sizemorev.CenturyCellunet;#7 W:# f7Ԁ#7 f;#W 7OsceolaCountyCircuitCourt   @ Wrongfuldeathclaimforayoungfatherandhusbandafterthetowerhewas &v  helpingtoerectcollapsed.Successfullypursuedunderthetheoryofinherently n  dangerousactivity. f W f  #W  f<# f WDOGBITES#W  f<# f WԀAND#W  f"=# f WԀANIMALRELATEDINJURIES#W  fh=# f W r  #W  f=#Westv.Russell;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  & Recoveryinexcessof$200,000forinjuriessufferedbyanelderlywomanwhen $ shewasknockedtothegroundbyanunrestraineddog.   f W DRAMSHOPORALCOHOLRELATEDINJURIES#W  f-?# (x   Clarkv.TheCornerBar,etal;KentCountyCircuitCourt  R Plaintiffdied(accordingtothemedicalexaminerof"naturalcauses")11days P afterhewasinjuredinaheadoncollisionwithadrunkdriverwhowasserved, H afterhewasintoxicated,atthedefendantbar.Settledduringtrial,followingproof @  oftherelationshipbetweenthecollisioninjuriesandplaintiff'sdeath. 8!  Tomeiv.GoldNugget,etal;BenzieCountyCircuitCourt  (#x Plaintiffwasbadlyinjuredafterbeinghitheadonbyadrunkdriver.Settled. &$v  f WEMPLOYMENTDISCRIMINATIONANDWRONGFUL '^"! DISCHARGE#W  fB# @(#"  Doe  v.AlkenZeigler;  KalkaskaCountyCircuitCourt  j*%$ Wewereleadcounselinachievingajuryverdictforayoungmanwrongfullyfired h+&% fromhisproductionjob. `,'&  X-('  Downey  v.CharlevoixCountyRoadCommission;CharlevoixCountyCircuit    Court   ThefirmwasrequiredtoappealthiscasetotheCourtofAppeals,inorderto  overturnalocaljudgeafterheruledthataRoadCommissionemployeesfamily  hadnoremedyfordiscriminationthatultimatelyledtotheemployeessuicide.   McCallv.C&ORailroadCo .; U.S.DistrictCourtEasternDistrict    HandicappersCivilRightsactionagainstaformeremployerofarailroadengineer   whowasdischargedwhenhebecamedependentoninsulintocontrolhis   diabetes.SubstantialjuryverdictforplaintiffultimatelylostonappealintheSixth    CircuitbyapplicationofthePreemptionDoctrine. x   Peoplev.Friske;  BenzieCountyCircuitCourt  h  FemaleBenzieCountySheriff'sDeputywaschargedwiththreemisdemeanors f  andsuspendedfromemploymentbasedonchargesofmisconductthatappeared ^  tobeextremelyunfairandpoliticallymotivated.Ourfirmobtainedthedismissal V ofthesecharges,reinstatementofthedeputy,andappropriatecompensationfor N theDepartment'sinappropriateconduct.Settled. F  f WGOVERNMENTLIABILITY,EMERGENCYVEHICLES, .~ IMMUNITY#W  f J#  ` Frydrych  v.  GerrishTownship;  FederalCourtfortheEasternDistrictof    Michigan   RoscommonsHomecomingQueencandidatewaskilledwhenshewasstruckby  avolunteerrespondingtoanemergencywithoutanysiren.Afterprotracted  litigation,theTownshipofferedasettlementthatwassatisfactorytothefamily, | despitetheTownshipsimmunityfromnegligence,baseduponfederalclaims t  relatingtotheTownshipFireDepartmentslonghistoryofdeliberateindifference l! tomotoristsafety. d"  Garrisiv.MetroFireDepartment  T$  Werepresentedthefamilyofawomanandbabywhowerekilledwhenbroad J&!" sidedbyafiretruck.Detailsofthisactioncanbefoundinthearchivesofthe B'"# TraverseCityRecordEagleandonourwebsiteblog.Thecasesettledfor2.3 :(#$ milliondollars. 2)$%  -b()  O  e    Lamiev.CityofTraverseCity; , GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  e Plaintiff'syoungdaughterdrownedinWestGrandTraverseBaywhile c participatinginaCityDayCamp.GeorgeThompsonmanagedthisclaimforthe [ clientsformostofthelifeofthecase. JurynullificationverdictagainstCityfor S failuretoproperlysupervisethecampparticipants,eventhoughthejurydidnot K findanyindividualemployeestobenegligent.Thompsonsresearcharisingout C  ofthiscasewasturnedintotwo  publishedarticlesongovernmentalimmunityin ;  Michigan. 3   Rossmanv.MelroseTownship;EmmetCountyCircuitCourt  )   Avolunteerfiredepartmenttruckranaredlight,killingtheplaintiff'shusband. '  Thetownshipgaveacashsettlementbeforetrial,andthefiretruckdriver   assignedhispersonalautomobileinsurancepolicytotheplaintiff.Theplaintiff   suedthepersonalinsurerinadeclaratoryactionandrecoveredtheentireamount   ofthepolicy,withinterestandcosts.      f WINSURANCE#W  fT#   DanielsvAAA;CircuitCourt   MeganDanielssufferedatraumaticbraininjurywhenshewasstruckbyacaras  ayoungchild.Whenherfamilyapproachedourfirmwithaquestionabouther  rights,wediscoveredthatAAAhadbeengrosslyunderpaying herfamilyforthe  caretheyprovide.AfterfilingalawsuitAAApaidmorethanthreequartersofa  milliondollarsinoverduebenefits. XLX W.XSXXXL   #XLXX.XS!W##W XXLW# DeWildtv.ABCInsurer;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt   Afteracatastrophicmotorvehiclecollision,thisyoungwomansinsurerclaimed  thathercoveragehadbeencancelledfornonpayment.Shewasleftwithmore ~ than$250,000.00indebt.Afterprotractedlitigationanddiscoveryofthe  v DefendantsrecordsinOhio,wewereabletoreinstatehercoverage,including !n wageloss,completemedicalandliabilitycoverage. "f  Doev.PrudentialInsuranceCompany;FederalCourtfortheWestern $V ! DistrictofMichigan %T!"  JohnDoepracticedlawfornearlytwentyyearsinasmallpartnershipthatpaidfor &R"# disabilityinsuranceonhim.Hewashospitalizedfordepressionandultimately, 'J#$ hisphysiciansdemandedthathegiveuppracticinglaw.Theinsurancecompany (B$% discontinuedhisdisabilitypay,claimingthathehadsimplymadea lifestyle ):%& choicetoleavethepracticeoflaw.AfterafavorablerulingbytheCourtona *2&' preliminaryissue,theCompanyreinstatedhisdisabilitypolicy. +*'(  -)*  Gearv.FarmBureauandStateFarm;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt e  Aftermotheranddaughtersufferedverysevereheadinjuriesinamotorvehicle c collision,theirinsurerclaimedthattheinsurancecoverageontheirvanhadbeen [ cancelledfornonpayment.Wewereabletoshowthattheinsurerhadnot S compliedwiththepropernoticerequirementsandachievedreinstatementofthe K policy,includingsubstantialUnderinsuredMotoristBenefitsforalloccupants,and C  PIPandvehiclecollisioncoveragefortheowner.Wewereabletochargemost ;  ofthelegalfeesandexpensestoStateFarm,thecompanythatpaidPIPbenefits 3  totheoccupants,afteritsmanagementrefusedtoparticipateintheunderlying +  litigation[whichresultedinalargerepaymenttoStateFarm.] #      Newcomb  v.  CitizensInsuranceCompany; PrivateArbitration    ThePlaintiffsufferedacatastrophicallydisablingheadinjury.Afterseveralyears,   thenofaultinsurancecompanyattemptedtodiscontinuepaying24hour    attendantcareandhiredadoctortosupporttheirposition.Followingbinding   arbitration,theCompanywasorderedtopayfor24hourcare.   Olman  v.  Insurer;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt   Afterthiscouplesufferedverysevereinjuriesinamotorvehiclecollision,we  wereabletonegotiatethepaymentoftheirsubstantialUnderinsuredMotorist z Coverage,withoutsuit.Wewereabletopassontothemsubstantialfeeand r expensesavings. j  Schichtelv.StateFarmIns;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  Z ThePlaintiffwasinjuredwhenstruckbyanautomobile.AfterDefendanthad X refusedtopayforPlaintiff'slossfromselfemployment,ajuryverdictwas P renderedagainsttheInsuranceCompanyforimproperlyrefusingtopaythose H benefits. @  Schmidt  v.  LakeStatesInsuranceCo.;GrandTraverseCountyCircuit  0 Court. Afterayoungwifewaskilledinamotorvehiclecollision,herfamilys !. insurerrefusedtopaythefamilyunderitsUnderinsuredMotoristCoverage. ", Ultimately,theyhadtopayforthewifeswrongfuldeathandforthehusband #$  havingwitnessedit. $ !  Vowelsv.ProActServicesCorporation ; KalkaskaCountyCircuitCourt  q& "# Wewereabletonegotiateasubstantialrecoveryforthisheadinjuredclientafter o' #$ extensivelitigation.Thedefendantattemptedunsuccessfully,toattributethe g($% collisiontoslipperywinterroads. _)$&  ?-(*  Wilsonv.LakeStates;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  e AfterLakesStatesrefusedtomakecompletenofaultPIPpaymentstoa c severelyheadinjuredgirl,thefirmbecameinvolvedandachievedasixfigure [ judgmentfromthecourt. S  f WLEGALANDPROFESSIONALMALPRACTICE#W  fj#  ;   DeltaRecreationCorpv.Neeson,etal;DeltaCountyCircuitCourt  e  LegalmalpracticeactionagainstdefendantcounselwhorepresentedDeltainthe c   defenseofadramshopaction.Afterexcessjudgmentrendered,defense [  counselwassuedforhisfailuretoadequatelyrepresenttheinterestofhisclient, S  theinsured.Theinsurancecompanypaidthefullamountoftheexcess K  judgment.Settled. C   Inre:LelandTownship 3  Consultedwithusonanhourlybasiswithregardtotheprofessionalnegligence 1 oftheengineerswhodesignedtheirsewersystem. )  f W#W  fhn# Knappv. ProfessionalEngineers  f W;#W  fn# LeelanauCountyCircuitCourt  f W S #W  f[o#Werecoveredmostoftheoutofpocketexpenseincurredbyalocaldeveloper   whenthedevelopersconsultantdesignedaroadthatencroachedonthe } neighborsrightofway. f W u   MEDICALMALPRACTICE#W  fp# l  Doakv.GeneralSurgeon;CharlevoixCountyCircuitCourt   Mr.DoaklosthishearingafterhisdoctoradministeredGentamycinforseveral   weekswithoutmonitoringitstoxicitytohismiddleear.Thecasesettledafter ! mediation. "  Headv.Mellon;OtsegoCountyCircuitCourt  $t  Plaintiffdevelopedparalysisofhisbladderandotherfunctionsaftertreatmentby %r!! hischiropractor.ThecasesettledafteramediationawardtoPlaintiffexhausted &j"" thelimitsofthechiropractor'sinsurance. 'b##  Hendrav.JohnDoe;  HoughtonCountyCircuitCourt )R%%  Wewereabletoprovethatagallbladdersurgeryhadbeenmismanagedand *P&& achieveafairsettlementontheeveoftrial. +H''  -8))  Hicksv.CrittendonHospital;OaklandCountyCircuitCourt  e TheelderlyPlaintiffdiedofcomplicationsfollowingsurgeryforcoloncancer. c Plaintiffwasabletoshowthatpromptdetectionoftheflawinherfeedingtube [ wouldhaveresultedinasuccessfuloutcome.Thecasesettled. S  Holmesv.FamilyPracticeDoctor;BenzieCounty  C  Thiselderlywomanlosthersightcompletelyafterherdoctordiscontinuedsteroid C  treatmentsheneededtosuppressinflammationoftheopticnervecausedby ;  temporalarteritis.Settledforthedoctorspolicylimitsandasubstantiallien 3  claimedbyMedicarewassuccessfullydefeated. +    Hutchinsonv.RichmondandMedicalArtsGroup;WexfordCountyCircuit     Court    Afortyyearoldmandevelopedalifelongdisabilitywhenthebloodsupplytohis   hipsbecameinadequate,resultinginaconditionknownasasepticnecrosis.He   had,inthepast,beentreatedbyhiscompanydoctorforcontactdermatitisthat  hesufferedasaresultofchronicchemicalexposure.Weprovedthatthedoctor  hadtreatedhimimproperlywithmassivedosesofsystemicsteroids,andactually  causedthedevelopmentofthehipdisorder.Asaresult,wewereabletosecure  asettlement,aftermediation,whichwearenotatlibertytodisclose.   Knappv.BurnsClinic,etal;EmmetCountyCircuitCourt  r The8montholdplaintiffwasprofoundlybraindamagedandparalyzedalmost p completelyduringahospitalizationforcroup.Thecasewassettledwithalifelong h structuredsettlementforthechild. `  McDoev.GeneralSurgeon;WexfordCountyCircuitCourt P  Weachievedamediatedrecoveryforthiswomanafterherdoctorcontinued N estrogentherapythroughouthertreatmentforbreastcancer.Ourexperts, F includingadoctorfromtheNationalCancerInstitute,testifiedthatestrogen  > therapygreatlyreducedourclientslifeexpectancy.Atthetimeofsettlement, !6 cancerhadmetastasizedthroughoutherbody,despiteearlydiagnosisandan ". initiallyoptimisticprognosis. #&   McPhersonv.Dr.Doe;LuceCountyCircuitCourt {%!"  Weachievedasubstantialsettlementforthisyoungwomanafterherdoctorfailed y&"# toreactappropriatelytoa peasizedbreastlumpthathadbeenpresentformore q' #$ thanonemenstrualcycle.Thelumpturnedouttobecancerthatwasdiagnosed i($% late,leadingtoasubstantiallypoorerprognosisforthepatient. a)$&  A-(*  Novosislowskyv.NorthernMichiganHospitals;EmmetCountyCircuit e Court  c A50yearoldwomanhospitalizedforminorsurgeryexpiredafterbeing a improperlymedicated.Settled. Y  Paquinv.BurnettandBurnsClinicMedicalCenter,PC;MackinacCounty  I   CircuitCourt G   Whileouthuntingonthefirstdayofhuntingseason,a41yearoldSt.Ignace E  womanexperiencedseverenauseaandacrushingsensationinherchestwhich =  radiateddownherrightarm.Shewasalsoshortofbreathandextremelytired. 5   Uponexaminationbyathoracicsurgeon,heconcludedthatshehadthefluanda -  sinusinfectionandsentherhome.Approximatelysevenhourslatershediedofa %  myocardialinfarctionthatbegan"atleast"eighthoursearlier.Wewereableto   showthroughcredibleexperttestimonythatthewomanshouldhaveundergone   additionaltestingandaperiodofobservation,andthatthesestepswould    probablyhavesavedherlife.Thecasewassettled.   Patrickv.Matias;OtsegoCountyCircuitCourt   ThePlaintiffwasbadlyscarredacrosstheabdomenwhenhersurgeonfailedto  respondappropriatelytoapostsurgicalinfection.AmericanArbitration  Associationawardinherfavor. ~  Roev.CommunityHospital;CrawfordCounty  n Thisyoungteacherreachedasubstantialsettlementaftersufferingthirddegree l burnsduringsurgery.TheHospitalrefusedtoacceptresponsibilityforher d injuriespresuit,andtheinsurersfortheprofessionalsintheoperatingroomall \ deniedresponsibilityinitially. T  SchinkathvBellairePharmacy,Inc.,andFifelski;AntrimCountyCircuit D Court  B  PlaintiffdiedasaresultofDefendantpharmacistdispensingthewrong !@ medication.ThecasesettledfortheavailablelimitsoftheDefendantsinsurance "8 coverage. #0   eShimel  v.  CadillacMercy;WexfordCountyCircuitCourt  % !" Anelderlywomanwasgivenalmost500timestheproperdosageofmedication &"# whenanursemisunderstoodthephysiciansorder.Thecasesettled,witha {'#$ covenantthatthefamilycouldnotdisclosetheoutcome,aftermediation. s($%  K-(*  Shurebv.BurnsClinic;CharlevoixCountyCircuitCourt  e AftertakingherdaughtertoaBurnsClinicphysicianonthreeseparateoccasions c overthecourseoftwodays,themothertookhertoCharlevoixAreaHospital [ whereintussusceptionwasdiagnosed.TheClinicsettledthecasefor$112,000, S representingprimarilynoneconomicdamagestothechildforherscarring. K  Slocum  v.  NursingHome  A  Wewereabletohelpthisfamilybringapainandsufferingclaimagainsttheir ?  elderlymothersnursinghomeforinjuriesshesufferedpriortoherdeathasa 7  resultofneglect.Althoughthedecedentsinjuriesdidnotcauseherdeath,the /   familywishedtobringanactiontoprotectotherelderlypersonswhowereunable '  toprotectthemselvesfromsimilarneglect.    Smith  v.  MedicalArts;WexfordCountyCircuitCourt    TheDefendantsettledthiswrongfuldeathactionafterthepatientsown    physician!anemployeeoftheDefendant!testifiedthatdangerousironinfusion  therapyshehadorderedwasnotappropriateunderthecircumstances.       m    Sorgerv.MedicalArtsGroup;WexfordCountyCircuitCourt   Claimagainstphysicianforfailuretodiagnosebilateralhipdysplasiainnewborn  child.Settled. ~  Vaughanv.MercyHospital,etal;  WexfordCountyCircuitCourt  n Afiftyeightyearoldwomanwhowasfrightenedbytheneighbor'sdogfelland l fracturedherhip.Shewastakentothelocalhospitalwherethesurgeondeemed d itadvisabletorepairherhipsurgically,whileshewasunderaspinalanesthetic. \ Incredibly,theanesthetistapparentlyallowedtheanesthesiatoprogressupher T spinetoalevelthatinterferedwithhercardiorespiratoryfunction:thenhefailedto L recognizethatshewasn'tbreathingintimetointerveneandpreventsubstantial D braindamage.She"lived"fortwomoreyears,however,herexistencewasno  < morethanlyinginafetalpositiononahospitalbedinanursinghome.Shewas !4 apparentlycognizantofhersurroundings,asshewouldengageinepisodesof ", screamingandmoaning.Thecasesettledinamannersatisfactorytoherfamily, #$  butnotuntiltheeveoftrial.TheDefendantsinsistedthatthefamilysignan $ ! agreementnottodisclosetheamountofthesettlement. y%!"  Wilsonv.Chow;HuronCountyCircuitCourt  i'#$ Anelderlywomandiedafterherdoctorfailedtoperformanappropriateworkup g($% onher.Shehadbeenhospitalizedforapotentialbowelobstruction,however,the _)$& doctorfailedtoorderappropriateabdominalxraysduringthenineday W*%' hospitalization.Thecasesettledatmediation. O+&( _ ?-(*  f WMOTORCYCLES e #W  f# Meredith v.  _Ficaro_,etal;_Leelanau_ԀCountyCircuitCourt  d Thiscase,forseriousinjuriessufferedbyamotorcyclist,wassettledaftera b favorablemediationresult. Z  Hanleyv.Motorist;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt   J Settlementforpolicylimitsafteramotoristmadealeftturninfrontofthis  H motorcyclist,causingamoderateheadinjury.  @  Ramseyv_VanSlembrouck_;GrandTraverseCounty  0  Plaintiffwasseverelyinjuredonhisdirtbikewhenhestruckacablewhichthe .  Defendanthadpurposelyerectedacrossaprivatedrivewhichthelandowner &  knewwasusedbymotorcyclists,inthemistakenbeliefthatitwasapublicroad.   Theclaimwassettled. {  _Scheck_v.Doe k  ThisGrandTraverseCountyresidentachievedasubstantialrecoveryforsevere i legfractureshesufferedintheparkinglotofthe_Cherryland_ԀMall,whenthe a Defendantmotoristpulledoutinfrontofhimontheaccessdrive.TheDefendant Y claimedthatshewasdeceivedbypoorroadwaydesign. Q  Stowe  A Settledanotherdeathcasearisingoutofthedeathofayoungmomonher ? husbandsmotorcycle.Alelderlywomanpulledoutinfrontofthemonaruralroad 7 withlittlesightdistance.Thatcasesettledfor$1.5milliondespitetheDefendants / proofthatthePlaintiffscouldhavestoppedwithoutstrikingtheDefendantsvehicle ' iftheyhadreactedbybrakingwiththefrontbrakeaswellastherear.Wewere  abletodemonstratethatinanemergency,evenwelltrainedmotorcyclistslikethe   CAIHwyPatroltendtoreactcontrarytotraining. !  f WNEGLIGENCE/NUISANCE#W  fգ# #    _Craddock_vSecondChance,etal;_Charlevoix_ԀCounty !&!"   TheFireworksCaseWerepresenttwoofthevictimsinthisneverendingbattle '"# tosecureadequatecompensationforthevictimsoftheincompetentlyplanned (#$ poorlysupervisedandultimatelyfatal_Charlevoix_ԀFireworksdisplay.  )$%   ,()  Henselv.StrohBreweryCo.etal;KentCountyCircuitCourt  e Plaintiffsufferedaquadriplegicinjurywhenhewaspushedfromaraftinariver c raftracesponsoredbytheStrohBreweryCompany.Thejuryverdictfoundthat [ theeventandsponsorshipconstitutedanuisanceandwasacauseofplaintiff's S massiveinjuries,despiteevidenceofdrinking.JuryverdictforPlaintiff. K  Knapp  ;  SuccessfullyresolvedanengineeringmalpracticeclaimdespitetheDefendants 9  attempttoenforceacontractuallimitationondamages.TheCourtruledthatsuch 1  alimitationprovisioninacontractforprofessionalservicesisagainstpublicpolicy. )    _Lamie_v.CityofTraverseCity;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt    Plaintiff'syoungdaughterdrownedinWestGrandTraverseBaywhileparticipating   inaCityDayCamp.JuryverdictagainstCityforfailuretoproperlysupervisethe   campparticipants.    _McAlary_v.ConsumerPowerCompany,etal;InghamCountyCircuitCourt   DeathofhusbandandwifewhentheyattemptedtoerectaportableCBantennaat  night,touchingantennatoConsumerPowerlinesata_DNR_Ԁaccesssite.Failureto  warntheoryagainstConsumerPower.Settled.Thompsoncoauthoredpublished  severalarticlesabouttheRecreationalUserActasaresultofourexperiencein x thiscase.HisarticleshavebeencitedintheMichiganSupremeCourtandbylaw p reviewauthors. h  Doe  v.  SkiResort  X Wewereabletoachieveaverysubstantialrecoveryforayounggrandfatherwho V sufferedcatastrophicspinalcordinjuriesontheDefendants tubingrun.After N twootherfirmstoldtheinjuredPlaintiffthathedidnothaveaviableclaim,we F wereabletoachievearecoverythatapproachedsevenfigures. >  f WPREMISESLIABILITY#W  fԯ# "&  f W #W  f=#_Ameel_v.Weeks,d/b/aWoody'sSettlingInn;_Leelanau_ԀCountyCircuitCourt $ !  Adeliverymansufferedaseverelyfracturedanklewhenhefelldownanunsafe %!" entrywayatWoody'sSettlingInn.Thecasesettledafterclosingarguments &"#  Brewerv._Payless_ԀGasStations;WayneCountyCircuitCourt  (p$% Severeburninjuryasphantomvehicleleftgasstation,runningPlaintiff'svehicle )n%& intoopposinglaneoftraffic.Juryverdictagainstgasstationonatheoryof *f&' nuisanceandfailuretocontrol"hotrodding"patrons.AppealtotheSupreme +^'( Courtestablishednewguidelinesfavorabletotheinjuredpersoninthesettlement ,V() ofcasesinvolvingmorethanonedefendant. -N)* _ԇ DoevSaultTribe;BayMillsTribalCourt e  ThementallychallengedPlaintiffwasabletorecoverasubstantialsettlementfrom c histribesconstructionfirm.Hefellintoanunmarkedexcavationinthedarkand [ sufferedaseriousheadinjury.  S   Doe,aMinorv.BigBoxStore;  GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt C   Wewereabletoachieveasubstantialrecovery,whichwearenotatlibertyto A  disclose,afteralargestackoflumbercollapsedonthisveryyoungboy.TheBig 9  Boxhadnotproperlystackedorrestrainedthelumber. 1   Dr.Doe,M.D.v.ChineseRestaurant;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt  '  Wewereabletoachieveafavorablesettlement,presuit,wherethisphysicianfell %  onicewhileenteringtheDefendantsrestaurant.    Kalenav.CedarHillsGolfCourse,etal;GrandTraverseCountyCircuit    Court    Substantialsettlementachievedagainstthegolfcourseforplacingropesina   mannerlikelytocauseinjurytopatrons.   RamseyvVanSlembrouck;GrandTraverseCounty   Plaintiffwasseverelyinjuredonhisdirtbikewhenhestruckacablewhichthe  Defendanthadpurposelyerectedacrossaprivatedrivewhichthelandowner  knewwasusedbymotorcyclists,inthemistakenbeliefthatitwasapublicroad. z Theclaimwassettled. r  Waskeiwiczv.Propertyowner;EmmetCountyCircuitCourt b  Wewereabletoachieveasubstantialrecoveryforthisyoungwomanaftershefell ` intothebasementofahomewhileattendingaparty.Thefallresultedfrom X severalBuildingCodeviolations,andcausedthegirltosufferasignificanthead P injury.  H  f WPRODUCTLIABILITY#W  f# #0   Antayav.RuppIndustries;AntrimCountyCircuitCourt  %Z!" HemiplegicinjurytoayoungwomancausedbyathreewheelAllTerrainVehicle &X"# (ATV).Plaintifffoundnexttovehicle,noeyewitnessestoaccident.Productcase 'P#$ basedupondesigninstabilityofoffroadvehicles.Settled. (H$%  Cederquistv.BurdenProducts,etal;GrandTraverseCountyCircuitCourt *8&'  Plaintiff'sminorchildwascrushedtodeathwhileherodeahomeelevator. +6'( Productcaseagainstanelevatorcomponentsupplierforitsfailuretoprovide ,.() adequateandsafecomponents.Settled. -&)* Ї Grundelv.A.A.Jones&Shipman;U.S.DistrictCourtWesternDivision  e IndustrialworkerreceivedseriousfacialinjurywhenagrinderwheelonPrecision c Grinderfailedandbrokeapart.Productcasebasedupondefendant'sfailureto [ provideanemergencyshutoffswitch.Settled. S  Lawickiv.NorthwoodAviation,etal;LeelanauCountyCircuitCourt  C  Plaintiff'sonlytwosonswerepassengersinaseaplanethatcrashedintoLake A  Leelanau.AccordingtoNTSBreport,accidentduetopiloterror.Casesettled 9  againstthemaintenancecompanyforfaultyrefabricatingofairframeleadingtoa 1  lossofflightstability.Settled. )    Millerv.PremierTruckSales,Inc.,etal;GrandTraverseCountyCircuit   Court    Thelefthandofagarbagetruckdriverwasincompletelyamputatedwhenit   becamecaughtinthecompactingmechanismofhistruck.Heattemptedto    preventmaterialfromfallingoutofthecompactor,andinadvertentlyplacedhis  handinthecrushmechanism.Weprovedthatthecompactordidnotcomplywith  industrystandardsthataredesignedtopreventthistypeofoccurrence.Sincethe  originalmanufacturerwasnolongerinexistence,wehadtoprovethatthe  companywhopurchaseditsassets,andacompanythathadrefurbishedthetruck  severalyearslater,boreresponsibilityforthedefectinthecompactor.Thecase x settledontheeveoftrialforaverysatisfactoryamountrecommendedby p mediators. h  Roesslerv.MeijerandAlcanAluminum;GrandTraverseCountyCircuit X Court  V Ourclientwasbadlyburnedwhenthelidblewoffofherpressurecooker.We T assembledateamofproductengineersandsecuredasubstantialsettlementby L demonstratingthatthepressurecookerhadnotbeenproperlydesigned.The D productmanufacturerhasnowchangeditsdesigntopreventthisfromoccurring.  <  Russellv.KMartCorporationandSewardLuggageCompany;Oakland ", CountyCircuitCourt  #*  An11montholdlittlegirlwasseverelybraindamagedwhenthelidofastorage $( ! chesttrappedherneckandstrangledherlongenoughtocauseasevereoxygen % !" deficittoherbrain.Weallegedthatthestoragechestwasdesignedandmarketed }&"# foruseasatoybox,andthatitdidnotmeetthevoluntarystandardsproposed15 u'#$ yearsagofortoyboxes.Thiscasesettledontermsthatwearenotallowedto m($% disclose. e)%&  E-(*  Waidv.MirroCorp;ChippewaCountyCircuitCourt  e PlaintiffwasseverelyburnedwhenthecoverofaMirropressurecookerblewoff, c scaldingher.Plaintiffwasusingthecookerasa"coveredpan"whenthecover [ accidentallypartiallylocked,buildinguppressure.Structuredsettlementagainst S Mirroforitsfailuretowarnusersofthispotentialhazard. K  f WROADCLAIMS#W  f# 3   Belangerv.CharlevoixCountyRoadCommission;WayneCountyCircuit c   Court  a  Plaintiff'shusbandwaskilledwhentherentedvehicleinwhichhewasan _  occupantleftthecountyroadandstruckacementwallbuiltbyahomeownerin W  theroadrightofway.Allthreeoccupantswereejectedandpartieswereunable O  toreconstructwhowasdrivingatthemomentofimpact.Settlementagainstthe G  RoadCommissionandothervehicleoccupantsbaseduponpresumptionsand ? roaddesignandmaintenance. 7  Cudworthv.JeepCorp.andtheKalkaskaCountyRoadCommission;  '  KalkaskaCountyCircuitCourt %  Paraplegicinjurytoawomanwhenhercarleftthehighway.Shewasejectedout # ofanopendoorcausedbyadoorlatchfailure.Productandroaddesigncase.  LifelongstructuredsettlementobtainedforPlaintiff.   Gilmorev.MichiganDepartmentofTransportation;CourtofClaims   Plaintiffwasseverelyinjuredwhenstruckbyavehiclerunningaredlight.The  intersectionwasdefectivelydesignedwithacrossroadincurve.Settlementafter  averdict.   McAlpine v.AlgerCountyRoadCommission  |  ThePlaintiffsyoungsonwaskilledinasinglevehiclecollisionasaresultofthe !z allegednegligenceofhisdriverandoftheRoadCommission.Asuccessful "r settlementwasachievedwithbothparties. #j   Welchv.MichiganDepartmentofTransportation,etal;WayneCounty  %Z!"  CircuitCourt &X"#  Claimagainsttruckingfirm,motoristandDepartmentofTransportationfordeath 'V#$ ofmotherandbraininjurytothechild.Settled. (N$%  f W A-() TRUCKINGCOMPANY/HEAVYEQUIPMENT#W  fY# e  f W #W  f#Hattis  v.  TruckingCompany;AntrimCountyCircuitCourt d  Ourclientsufferedsevereinjurieswhenagraveltrainslidacrossthecenterline b strikinghispickup.Wewereabletoachieveaveryfavorableoutcome,despite Z claimsof suddenemergencyweatherconditionsunderwhichthiscollision  R occurred,byprovingthatthecompanyshouldneverhaveplaceditsgraveltrain  J ontheroadwayonthemorningoftheincident.WereliedheavilyuponFederal  B Regulationsgoverningheavycommercialvehicles.  :  EstateofJones  v.  JamesGathTrucking;GrandTraverseCircuitCourt  *  WewereabletoprovethattheprimarycauseoftheDecedentsdeathwashis (  motorvehiclecollisioninjuries,overthedisagreementoftheCountyMedical   Examinerwhodidnotunderstandthefullimplicationsofhischestinjuries. }   f WWRONGFULDEATH#W  fw# t      m  DoevHanksElectricService;GrandTraverseCounty   Werecoveredthepolicylimitoftheatfaultdriverandthelimitsoftwopoliciesof  underinsuredmotoristcoverage.WithPIPbenefits,theyoungfamilyrecovered  morethan1.2milliondollarsininsurancebenefits,alloftheavailablecoverage..  W.XSX.   #XLXX.XS##W XXLʰ# Finch  v.  Clark;GrandTraverseCircuitCourt |  WetriedthiscaseonaprobonobasisforthefamilyofaSheriffsDeputywhowas z killedwhenhetriedtodefuseadomesticprobleminTraverseCity.Theshooter, r whowaspotentiallyeligibletocollectbenefitsfromatrustestablishedbyhis j father,willnowowethosebenefitsandhis cigarettemoneytothefamilyofthe b SheriffsDeputy.  Z  Graham  v.  Doe;  GrandTraverseCircuitCourt  "J ThisWrongfuldeathactionagainstahighschoolboywhoattemptedtopassina #H nopassingzonewassettledfortheDefendantspolicylimits,withoutsuit. $@   Hentschel,EstateofvDoeetal;GrandTraverseCounty &0""  Plaintiffssecuredawrongfuldeathsettlementfromtwodifferentinsurance '.## companiesaftertheDefendantsoriginallymisrepresentedtheavailablecoverage.  W.XSX. .#. X.XS##W . #XLX W.XSXXXL (&$$ #XLXX.XSL##W XXL-# i-))  Kitchen v.Roe;GrandTraverseCircuitCourt  e ThefamilysWrongfuldeathactionwassettledforpolicylimitswhenaspeeding c motoristcausedthedeathofthisyoungwomanwhileshewasdelivering [ newspapersintheearlymorningdarkness,despitethefactthatpolicedidnot S originallycitetheDefendantmotorist. K  EstateofSpink  v.  Doe;GrandTraverseCircuitCourt ;   AfterprotractedlitigationcausedbyAllstateInsuranceCompany,wewereableto 9  provethatAllstatesinsuredshouldnothavebeendrivingbecauseshehadample 1  noticeofunderlyingmedicalproblemswhichsheclaimedcausedhertorunastop )   sign,killingthisyoungmother. !     f WZONING,PUBLICPOLICY    #W  f#LeelanauTransitAuthorityvVariousDefendants;USDistrictCourt,Grand  e  TraverseCounty,LeelanauCounty c  Thefirmhasappeared,probono,onbehalfoftheLeelanauTrailinvarious a disputesoverownershipandzoningissues.  Y   f W#W  fh# ProtectThePeninsulav.PeninsulaTownship;GrandTraverseCounty  CircuitCourt   ThePlaintiffsorganizationobtainedadeclaratoryjudgmentinvalidatingaspecial  usepermitthatwouldhaveallowedalargegolf/commercialdevelopmentonOld w MissionPeninsulaandgreatlyincreasedthetaxburdenofPeninsularesidentsas o  aresultofinadequatelimitationsondevelopment. g  XLX W.XSXXXL#. X.XS##W . # .  W.XSX.       #. X.XSc##W . D#  .  W.XSX. #. X.XS##W . #