The Michigan Supreme Court has reversed the Court of Appeals decision that held the Director of the Michigan Administrative Hearing System and the Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs were required to maintain local offices for litigation of Workers' Compensation Agency hearings. Â Read the opinion here: Younkin v. Zimmer In September 2012, [...]
Category: Construction Law
Insurers and Businesses Should Always Consider What Options are Available for Insurance Coverage and Recovery of Insurance Assets When Facing a Dispute, Claim or Lawsuit
One of the most important ways insurance companies and businesses can manage their assets and control their liability is to think creatively about insurance and insuring agreements in managing their day-to-day business operations. Disputes, claims, and yes, lawsuits often arise in the ordinary course of thriving and vibrant businesses.  This is a natural consequence of [...]
Special Appellate Counsel for Emergency Appeals in State and Federal Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
It is the eve of trial.  The trial court judge, bent on forcing you into an unsavory settlement with opposing counsel, has granted opposing counsel’s motion in limine to exclude your proposed evidence from the jury’s consideration.  This is a key part of your client’s case and without it your client may be facing 100 [...]
Mention of a Non-Party in Affirmative Defense Insufficient to Toll Statute of Limitations as to that Non-Party
In a published decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals has held that mention of a potentially responsible non-party at fault in a class action suit was insufficient as a notice of non-party at fault within the meaning of Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 2.112(K), and therefore insufficient to "toll" the statute of limitations to allow amendment [...]
Court of Appeals Holds All Three Criteria in MCL 418.161(1)(n) Must Be Met Before a Person Can Be Considered an “Independent Contractor” as “Opposed to an Employee” Under Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy
In  a published decision released yesterday, Auto Owners Ins Co v. All Star Lawn, et al Auto Owners Ins Co v. All Star Lawn, et al, the Court of Appeals concludes that all three criteria in MCL 418.161(1)(n) of the Workers Disability Compensation Act (WDCA) must be met before a person can be considered an “independent [...]