Insurance Coverage Not Available to Employer Mistakenly Listed as Insured on State-Required Workers Compensation Forms

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, that insurance coverage was not available to an employer (Delphi) merely because the insurers had errantly listed the employer on forms required to be filed with the state to notify it of the existence of workers' compensation insurance. Delphi had multiple subsidiaries, some of which [...]

Court of Appeals Issues Ruling On Independent Contractor Case

The Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in a case I briefed (92675_Moore_Appellant's_Brief_313440.12.26.2013.1838)  and argued in the Court of Appeals last summer, ruling consistent with the Supreme Court's recent disposition of workers compensation insurance coverage for subcontractors holding themselves out to be employers, while claiming to be employees. The facts involved a workers compensation claimant [...]

Michigan High Court to Address Scope of “Gross Negligence” Exception to Governmental Immunity

In an order issued on December 23, 2014, the Michigan Supreme Court has granted oral argument to consider the state's application in this wrongful death case.  (Estate of Beals.Order). The plaintiff is the estate of an individual who was a student at a state technical college that provided vocational and technical training to individuals with [...]

Court Holds “Bodily Injury” Damages Include “Pain and Suffering” and “Non-economic Damages” In “Motor Vehicle” Accident Claims Against Government

I previously wrote a short post about this case, but since I authored an amicus curiae brief for Michigan Townships Association, and the counties of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb, I have engaged in a bit more analysis. The Supreme Court released its long awaited opinion in Hannay v. MDOT and Hunter v. Sisco, on December 19. The underlying facts [...]