On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court held that same sex couples have a fundamental right to marry as guaranteed by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584; 192 L. Ed. 2d 609 (2015).…
Continue reading ›Pursuant to MCR 3.206(C)(2), there are two independent bases for awarding attorney fees and expenses.1.) The first is based upon a party’s need to prosecute or defend a claim and the other party has the ability to pay or contribute, and 2.) The second is based on a party’s behavior without reference to need or…
Continue reading ›Michigan Vietnam Veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange may now have the ability to file for benefits. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs recently expanded its list of ships that were subject to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam era. This is good news to Navy Veterans that were denied benefits in the past.Attached is…
Continue reading ›SMDA partner, Phil Serafini, obtained an outstanding result in a automobile No-Fault case. A minor, Alison Monaco, was involved in a serious 1-car accident and sustained serious and life-changing injuries. Our firm was contacted by her mother one day before a lawsuit had to be filed to against the insurance company, Home-Owners, for denying her…
Continue reading ›We frequently come across others that assist veterans with benefits other than non-service connected benefits like aid and attendance. Benefits provided by the GI Bill or through the service connect programs can also assist veterans with service connected illnesses, injuries or conditions. One such benefit provided by the VA is the VA loan and mortgage…
Continue reading ›Metro Detroit and West Michigan seniors that receive VA benefits for long term care through VA Aid and Attendance Benefit, have always looked forward to the annual federal budget announcement of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This year the announcement is not favorable. The latest from the Social Security Administration is that there will…
Continue reading ›Ok, It was bound to happen.You have been in a car accident.You felt OK right after the crash, but the next day your back and neck are really sore.What to do?? Well, first and foremost go see your family doctor and follow their advice. Whether you caused the accident or not, you are entitled to…
Continue reading ›In Michigan, if you are involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you are entitled to recover up to $1000 from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You must contact the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident and ask for the mini tort coverage. You should include photos of…
Continue reading ›Michigan’s No-Fault Law entitles car accident victims to certain benefits. Among these benefits are “Replacement Services”. These are services that the injured person was able to perform for him/herself prior to the car accident. They typically involve household chores such as cooking, cleaning, taking out the garbage, mowing the law, etc. If the injured person…
Continue reading ›Bicyclist in Michigan are considered vehicles that have the same responsibilities and rights as other motorized vehicles on the road. If you are a victim of a bicycle accident and were injured as a result of an accident with a car or motor vehicle such as a motorcycle, truck or bus, then you are entitled…
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