IF YOU’VE BEEN involved in an accident you should absolutely consider hiring a personal injury attorney; naturally, many victims can feel intimidated or nervous about visiting a lawyer’s office for the first time.

However, there is no need to worry. Your attorney is your strongest advocate and best chance at recovering compensation due to your injuries.

Expect the Meeting to be Fairly Short

Your case is important and it’s important to your lawyer, too. Most initial consultations last about one hour. While that may not seem like enough time, an experienced lawyer knows what questions to ask to make that hour efficient and productive.

Expect Questions – Lots of Questions

In your consultation meeting, your attorney will ask you a number of questions; basic “who-, what-, when-type” questions. Specifically, in a personal injury case, a lawyer will also want to know the details of the accident. Other pertinent information needed includes some specifics about your insurance policy, injuries, and financial losses. Not to be forgotten is one of the biggest impacts of an accident: how the injury affected you emotionally. Takeaway: expect questions about your physical, mental, and financial health.

While it may seem unsettling giving personal information to a person you’ve just met, set aside any worry. First, Michigan ethic rules require all attorneys – even those you may not ultimately engage — to maintain the “attorney-client” privilege. The attorney-client privilege, with very specific exceptions, prevents members of the Michigan State Bar from discussing your case or its details with anybody. Takeaway: don’t hold back because the specifics matter; a licensed attorney will keep everything confidential.

Most importantly, your potential attorney will be unable to properly evaluate your case unless you provide a true and complete story. Holding back information, or changing a fact that seems minor, might cause your attorney to provide bad information. A good attorney will give you an honest evaluation, but no attorney can do this without all the facts.

Expect to Be Asked for Documents and Other Proof

Not only will you be asked many questions, but your attorney will likely request any proof you have or can get access to (see list of examples below). Before calling for an attorney consultation, or visiting the office, make sure you have these items at the ready.

Examples Some things that lawyers often ask for include:

• Communications from insurance companies
• A list of witnesses
• Messages from witnesses
• Pictures of the accident scene
• Pictures showing injuries to you or others
• Pictures showing property damage
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Police reports
• Records of missed work
• Records of lost wages
• Records of normal wages (e.g. paystubs, W2, receipts)

While not a complete list, it gives you a rough idea of items you’ll need to gather in order to support your claim.

“Loose Lips Sink Ships” (Expect to Be Asked Who You’ve Spoken To)

While the statements you make to your attorney are confidential, things you may have said to others are not. You might have said something about the accident that might hurt your recovery without even knowing it. Your attorney may or may not be able to undo potential damage, but your attorney needs to know what was said and to whom in order to evaluate whether comments made could adversely affect your claim.

Expect an Evaluation and Explanation

Toward the end of your first meeting with a personal injury attorney, the lawyer should be able to tell you the pros and cons of your case. (Note: lawyers cannot, nor should, promise certain outcomes; they can only tell you what they expect, based on past experiences.) The lawyer may offer to take your case on the spot. However, you are under no obligation to agree; you have the right to both visit other attorneys. Takeaway: take time to evaluate the consultation before making a final decision.

Similarly, while some attorneys agree to take cases during a consultation, others may want to take a little time to decide. Note: If the lawyer chooses not to take your case, it is not your fault; there might be many reasons such as conflicts of interest or an inability to devote the time necessary to be the best advocate you deserve. Takeaway: Feel free to visit another office and get another opinion.

Expect to Talk About Money

You can expect the attorney to talk about money, including fees. The attorney should explain – in clear language – how the billing process works. The attorney should explain their hourly rate, charges for items such as investigations, ordering records, or even making copies. Note: Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, which means they receive a portion of any amount you recover after the lawsuit. (However, even in this arrangement, some attorneys still charge clients for certain costs.) Be prepared to ask the attorney specific questions about billing practices.

Be Prepared to Sign Documents

If you decide to engage your attorney after consultation, be prepared to sign documents. Signing a retainer or representation agreement will make the attorney your “official” legal representative in your case. Your lawyer may also ask you to sign releases allowing them to access insurance information, medical records, and other items.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight answered about what to expect at your consultation visit to a personal injury attorney.

If you have more questions or need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney, contact the Law Offices of Turner & Turner. Founding member Buzz Turner has more than 30 years of experience as an advocate for clients injured in vehicle-associated accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury claims.

Call Turner Law today for your free consultation at (248) 248-355-1727, email Turner Law or visit the Firm’s website.

As parents, we have two tasks:  to enable our teens to be competent drivers and to ensure their safety, the safety of their passengers and the safety of other drivers they encounter.

The three leading causes of accidents involving teenage drivers are:

• Inexperience
• Teen passengers in the vehicle
• Nighttime driving

In Michigan, the graduated licensing system restricts passengers and nighttime driving for a time and requires a certain number of hours of driving to be logged.

The only cure for inexperienced driving is…experience!  Allow your teen ample opportunities to drive, supervised by you or another trusted adult.  When you are running errands, ask your teen to drive you.  Take a road trip with your teen, making them enter and exit the highway.  Be sure your teen drives at night, at dusk and at sunset.  Take them to drive when it’s raining and snowing in places that are safe for them to experience the difference in the way that cars function under these conditions.   It may not be relaxing, but they really need the experience.

Did Santa bring an extra surprise this season?  Are you carrying a bundle of joy?

Even if it’s too early to tell family and friends about your pregnancy, it’s not too early to take care of yourself.  A key part of taking care of yourself and your new little one is making sure that any medications you take during your pregnancy (prescription or over the counter) are safe and not TERATROGENIC.

TERATROGENIC means that the substance can go past the placenta and enter into your developing baby.

It is best to see your obstetrician right away and to get clear advice as to which medications are considered safe and which contain a risk.

The following are just some of the drugs that are known to cause birth defects:

• Antibiotics:  While penicillins, cephalosporins and erythormycin are considered relatively safe, tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, ciprofloxacin, and other antibiotics can cause birth defects when taken by a pregnant woman.

• Benzodiazepines: Tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety drugs can cause problems in newborns including breathing, temperature regulation, and muscle problems.
• Accutane and related dermatological drugs: Accutane poses an extremely serious risk of birth defects or death. This drug should never be used by a pregnant woman under any circumstances. Soriatane is also a dermatological drug that is extremely harmful to a developing fetus, and should not be used by any woman for three years prior to conception.
• NSAIDS: Aspirin and other drugs in the same family (salicylates) can cause birth complications and birth defects when used late in pregnancy.
• Antidepressants.
  • Paxil: In 2005, the FDA warned that Paxil can double the risk of heart birth defects when used during the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Prozac: In 2006, a major study found that Prozac also doubled the risk of delivering a child with the birth defect PPHN (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension).
  • SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are capable of harming the fetus, particularly when taken in the 1^st trimester.  Symptoms of this harm have included irritability, agitation, nasal congestion, diarrhea and some tumors.

It is the duty of the health care professional to weigh the risks of untreated depression on the part of the mother against the dangers of the prescribed medication.

• Anti-cancer drugs: Teratogens such as aminopterin, Bulsulfan, Chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide, Mercaptopurine, and Methotrexate can cause serious birth defects including cleft palate, underdevelopment, other physical defects and mental retardation.
• Anti-seizure medications: Anticonvulsants such as Toprimate and Valproate, as well as phenytoin, calproic acid and trimethadione.  These can cause serious birth defects including spina bifida, organ deformities, cleft palate, microcephaly and facial defects.  Pregnant mothers with epilepsy need specialized care, and may require a change in medication for the duration of the pregnancy.
• Blood-thinning drugs, like Warfarin can cause mental retardation as well as vision problems in babies.
• Certain thyroid medications
• Sex hormones (androgens, estrogens and DES) have caused damage to sexual organs.
• Blood pressure drugs.  Drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors) have been documented to cause problems in pregnancy.  ACE inhibitors can stunt the fetus’ growth and cause kidney problems and even death.
• Asthma medications
• Live Vaccines
• Lithium
• Thalidomide

If you are concerned that you may have been prescribed a medication that is unsafe to take during your pregnancy, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.  We are happy to help you make such a determination.

“For the report, researchers analyzed data from the Fragile Families & Child Wellbeing Study, a study involving nearly 5,000 mostly unmarried parents of children born in urban areas. Over the course of the survey, from 1998 to 2000, almost half of the fathers spent time in prison or jail.

The study found negative effects of incarceration on fathers’ engagement with children, “but only when fathers were living with their children prior to incarceration,” according to the report.”

It was determined by the researches that being incarcerated had little effect on the parenting skills of fathers who did not previously live with their children.  This was true even after their release from prison.

Another interesting finding was that incarceration increased the likelihood that the non-incarcerated mother would connect with a new life partner, which could offer support of a new family member to the children, “ leading to greater family complexity.” 

Costume Safety

• Attach reflective tape or stickers to your child’s costume and treat bucket or bag.  In the dark, the little ones in dark costumes can be difficult for drivers to see, and the reflective tape will help with visibility.
• Avoid masks as they can limit visibility for the little ones, causing them to trip.  Consider face make-up instead.  Ditto for long, dragging costumes or dresses.  Walking up and down the front steps of people’s homes, sometimes with lit candles inside pumpkins, can make these costumes hazardous.
• Look for labels on costumes, wigs and other accessories that indicate that they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane or stick is part of your trick-or-treater’s costume, make sure it is not too long or sharp.    A child may be hurt by these items if s/he stumbles or trips.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an examination and prescription from an eye care professional.

While Walking…

• Children 12 years old and under who are trick-or-treating should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Older children and teens who are trick-or-treating without adult supervision should walk in groups, stay in familiar, well-lit areas, carry cell phones for communication with parents and agree on a time to return home by.
• Both children and adults should carry flashlights to help light the way in the dark.
• Only go to homes with porch lights that are on and never go into a home to get a treat.
• Stay on sidewalks, avoid roadways.  Only cross the street in groups, at approved crosswalks.  And remember to look both ways as you cross the street.
• Carry a cell phone for easy communication and in case of emergencies.
• Contact law enforcement (kids should also know how to dial 9-1-1) if any suspicious or unlawful activity occurs.

How to Keep Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters

• Remove any hazards from your front yard that someone might trip over, including garden hoses, rakes, lawn ornaments and the like.
• Wet leaves or snow should be removed from walkways.
• Keep your front yard well-lit by replacing burned-out bulbs.
• Light your jack-o-lantern with a flashlight instead of a candle.

Enjoying the Goodies!

• Eat a healthy dinner before going out trick-or-treating.  A full tummy will make it less tempting to sample the goodies along the way!
• Have your children wait until they get home to sample their treats.  An adult should check through all of the treats and discard anything that is unwrapped, spoiled or otherwise suspicious.
• Try to ration goodies for the days and weeks following Halloween to avoid upset stomachs.

Sources inclue:  The American Academy of Pediatrics, Michigan State University Extension

Being prepared falls into four main categories, the first of which is:

Get an Emergency Kit

If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time.  By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and a disaster supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family.

FEMA has recommended the following supplies be a part of your family’s emergency kit:

Emergency Supplies:

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

– Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation – Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
– Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
– Flashlight and extra batteries
– First Aid kit
– Whistle to signal for help
– Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
– Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
– Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
– Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
– Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
– Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Clothing and Bedding:

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
– A jacket or coat
– Long pants
– A long sleeve shirt
– Sturdy shoes
– A hat and gloves
– A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

 Family Supply List (continued):

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.
– Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
– Rain gear
– Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
– Cash or traveler’s checks, change
– Paper towels
– Fire Extinguisher
– Tent
– Compass
– Matches in a waterproof container*
– Signal flare*
– Paper, pencil
– Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
– Disinfectant*
– Household chlorine bleach* – You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
– Medicine dropper
– Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

* These materials could be dangerous and should be gathered by an adult.

Next week’s blog will focus on the next step of Emergency Preparedness Planning:

Make an Emergency Plan

Transportation Safety

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school.

Walking to school

Review your family’s walking safety rules.

•  Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
•  Before you cross the street, stop and look all ways to see if cars are coming.
•  Never dart out in front of a parked car.

Practice walking to school with your child.

Riding a bicycle to school

Make sure your child always wears his helmet when leaving the house.

Teach your children the rules of the road they need to know to ride their bicycles.

• Ride on the right side of the road and in a single file.  
• Come to a complete stop before crossing the street.

Riding the bus to school

Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.

Make sure your children stand six feet away from the curb.

If your child and you need to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the side of the road until you are at least 12 feet ahead of the bus. You always should be able to see the bus driver, and the bus driver always should be able to see you.

School Safety

Many school-related injuries are completely preventable. Follow these steps to ensure your child’s safety at school.

Preventing backpack-related injuries

Chose a backpack for your child carefully. It should have ergonomically designed features to enhance safety and comfort.

Don’t overstuff a backpack; it should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.

• For example, a child that weighs 60 pounds should carry a backpack no heavier than 12 pounds.

Ask your children to use both straps when wearing their backpack to evenly distribute the weight.

Preventing playground-related injuries

Encourage your child only to use playgrounds with a soft surface. Avoid playgrounds with concrete, grass and dirt surfaces, as they are too hard.

Children under the age of four should not use climbing equipment and watch older children when they’re climbing.

Do not let your children use monkey bars. They are unsafe and should not be used by children of any age.

According to new findings from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, only 46% of parents know that children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old, weighing between 40 and 60 pounds, should travel in a booster seat.  In fact, “seat belt syndrome” is particularly dangerous for children aged 4 to 8 who sit in the car with a seat belt only.  The seat belt does not hit children in this age range in the proper position, potentially causing hip and abdominal contusions, abdominal injuries, pelvic fractures and spinal injuries.

Some startling and devastating statistics that all parents should be aware of:

• Forty-six percent of fatally injured children younger than age five were completely unrestrained during motor vehicle crashes.
• Ninety seven percent of parents with children up to 3 years of age reported the use of a restraint system compared with only 42 percent of parents with children aged 4 to 6 years.
• Even when safety restraints are used, up to 99 percent of children in certain age groups are not using the recommended restraints.
• Booster seats minimize abdominal injuries that have been associated with the use of seat belts alone in the 4 to 7-year age group.
• Forward-facing car seats reduced serious injury and hospitalization for children aged 1 to 4 years old by 78 to 79 percent compared to seat belts alone.
• The back seat is the right place for children. In the presence of dual airbags, children younger than 10 years of age who were involved in a frontal collision were 34 percent more likely to be killed in the front seat.

Findings and Recommendations

• Rear-facing child seats should be used for children at least until 2 years of age and at least 20 pounds. These seats can be used beyond these guidelines if the child fits comfortably in the seat.
• Forward-facing child seats should be used for children through 4, or until the child weighs more than 40 pounds. They can be used beyond this time if the child still fits comfortably.
• Booster child seats should be used for children aged 5 to 8, or for children weighing 40 to 60 pounds. These can reduce or eliminate injuries from seat belt position in case of a collision.
• Children should always ride in the back seat, especially when dual air bags are present.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons