Fireworks are a tradition at 4th of July celebrations across the country, from hand-held sparklers to breathtaking professional displays. While fireworks make the holiday more festive, a happy occasion can turn tragic in a matter of seconds when someone is seriously hurt. In fact, last year eight people were killed in fireworks accidents and 9,700 people received emergency treatment for fireworks-related injuries. In addition, private citizens have to adhere to various state and local laws that regulate when and where fireworks can be set off as well as which kinds are permitted for personal u ..read more

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer travel season, and motorists are taking to the road in record numbers this year. AAA estimates 38.4 million people, including 1.3 million Michiganders, are driving more than 50 miles from home this weekend. This is the highest number of travelers in more than 20 years as well as 4 percent more than last year. However, Memorial Day weekend is also one of the deadliest due to the unusually high volume of cars on the road and the propensity for reckless behaviors such as drinking, speeding and distracted driving. Here is a guide to making your tr ..read more

If you are still using a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a good time to break this hazardous habit. Throughout April, police officers statewide, in cooperation with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, are ramping up enforcement of the hands-free law passed last year. Read on to learn the facts about this deadly epidemic and why you need an experienced car accident lawyer if you are injured in a crash involving a distracted driver.   Do You Have a Case?   DISTURBING DATA ON DISTRACTED DRIVING The National Safety Council ..read more

Where golf carts were once reserved exclusively for golf courses, they have become a popular mode of transportation beyond the greens. They are energy-efficient and easy to maneuver in places where cars may be unwieldy. In Michigan, they are especially useful in beach communities and places where motor vehicles are prohibited, such as Mackinac Island. Because the practice of operating golf carts on public roads and streets is relatively new, there is some understandable confusion about the rules and regulations governing their use. Here is an overview of when, where and how golf carts may be u ..read more

If you have been feeling out of sorts since the recent “spring ahead” time change, you are not alone. While we enjoy the extra hour of evening light, daylight saving time can be hazardous to health and safety. Research shows a rise in fatal car accidents and serious medical events such as heart attacks during the week after moving our clocks. Getting enough rest and driving more cautiously can help reduce the risk of a crash. However, if you or a loved one is injured, hiring an experienced car accident attorney is the best way to receive the compensation you deserve.   Do You Have a Case ..read more

Drug manufacturers and distributors are no longer exempt from liability in Michigan civil lawsuits following the repeal of a 1995 law that provided these companies with comprehensive immunity for the past three decades. The new legislation, Senate Bill 410, passed with a wide margin of bipartisan support after years of failed attempts to end Michigan’s immunity protection for pharmaceutical companies. The bill eliminates provisions in the Michigan Product Liability Act (Public Act 249) that protected drug manufacturers from liability as long as the drug in question was legitimately approved by ..read more

When we purchase a product, whether it is a new car, a chemical hair straightener or a potent weed killer, we expect it to improve our driving experience, our appearance or our lawn. Likewise, we trust the medical devices recommended by our doctors to improve our health or condition. We certainly do not expect these items to cause injury or serious illness. Nevertheless, on any given day, countless people are harmed by companies who prioritize profits over safety and integrity. Class action lawsuits are an effective way to combine individual claims and make the perpetrators pay for their wrong ..read more

If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the at-fault party. This is best accomplished by hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to file a claim for the monetary and intangible damages resulting from the incident. As a case progresses, it may be necessary to decide whether to settle out of court or go to trial. While an experienced lawyer will explain each of the available options and potential outcomes, it is the client who ultimately makes this important choice. This guide to the pros and cons of each option will h ..read more

A new Michigan law made it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cell phones as of June 30, 2023. While this should be old news, a surprising number of drivers are unaware of the ban, according to police officers involved in a multi-jurisdiction enforcement operation. In fact, a 2023 direct observation survey by Michigan State University reported a 2.2 percent increase in the rate of drivers using electronic devices, from 6.1 percent in 2022 to 8.3 percent in 2023. Here is what every driver should know about Michigan cell phone laws, including how an experienced car accident lawyer can protect ..read more

As part of our ongoing commitment to protect victims of corporate greed and malfeasance, The Sam Bernstein Law Firm filed lawsuits against several of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) over their illegal pricing activities and excessive charges for insulin medications. The Sam Bernstein Law Firm is representing Washtenaw County and Macomb County, while Wayne County and Monroe County are represented by the Miller Law Firm. All four municipalities are seeking reimbursement of excessive payments made on behalf of their employees and retirees. The ..read more