Michigan Supreme Court Concludes Judgment Entered on Motion is a “Verdict” Sufficient to Invoke Case Evaluation Awards and Costs Provision of Michigan Court Rules

Yesterday, in Acorn Investment Co v. Michigan Basic Property Insurance, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an opinion clarifying a point that has been in contention for quite some time regarding the meaning of the term "verdict" under Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 2.403(O), for purposes of determining when a trial court may issue an award of case [...]

Tenants Occupying Insured Property Not Entitled to Coverage for Loss of Home by Fire Where Insured Did Not Reside In Premises – Court of Appeals Issues 2-1 Decision Holding Insurer Did Not Owe Coverage for Claim

This is an interesting insurance coverage decision issued by the Court of Appeals involving a claim for coverage involving a residential property destroyed by fire, which was not occupied by the insured. In Null v. Auto Owners, et al.COA.Opinion.10.22.2013, a 2-1 decision (Judges Fitzgerald and O'Connell, Shapiro, J. dissenting), the Court of Appeals holds an [...]

Michigan Supreme Court Holds Non-Economic (Mental Anguish) Damages Are Not Recoverable for Destruction of Property

This case, released on March 22, 2013, holds that the common-law rule is that non-economic damages may not be recovered for destruction of property.  The case sets important parameters with respect to the current court's view of when and how the common-law should be adhered to, and how it should go about being changed.  This [...]