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.

Candles are very pretty to look at but they are a major cause of home fires – and home fire deaths.  A candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Did you know that the top five days for home candle fires are:  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Halloween?  Since we are half way through these festive days, we wanted to share some tips for the safest ways to use candles during your holiday celebrations.

When using candles, make sure that you:

• Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Keep candles far away from anything that can burn.
• Light candles carefully.  Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never light a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.  Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.  Never use candles.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.  Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.

Facts to be aware of:

• On average, a candle fire in the home is reported to a U.S. fire department every 34 minutes.
• 38% of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

One category of injury from falls among the elderly that you might not be aware of is that of traumatic brain injury (TBI).  TBI is, in fact, a very serious health concern for seniors.  According to SeniorJournal.com, approximately 22% of all TBI-related hospitalizations involve adults aged 75 years and older, and males are more often diagnosed with TBI than are females (59%).

Ileana Arias, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control, was quoted in the web article as saying that “falls are the leading causes of TBI.”  She went on to describe a Traumatic Brain Injury as being “caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that affects how the brain normally works.”

“Adults ages 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death, tend to recover more slowly or die more often from these injuries than do younger people,” says Dr. Arias.

As opposed to a broken bone, the symptoms of a TBI can be subtle, and, therefore, missed for days or even weeks.  TBI symptoms such as confusion, speaking or thinking slowly or becoming lost are also symptoms associated with aging and dementia, and therefore not as easily identified as a problem in an elderly person.  It is essential to have a senior evaluated for TBI by a healthcare professional if they have sustained a fall or an injury relating to a fall.

Of course, preventing the fall to begin with is the best way to prevent TBI.  Here are some of Dr. Arias’ recommendations to help prevent falls in the first place:

Exercise is important as it improves balance and coordination, preventing the likelihood of a fall.

1. Make home and surroundings safer by making modifications such as placing frequently used items within reach, installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower/tub.
2. Ask the senior’s health care provider to review all medications – both prescription and over-the-counter, as the way some medicines can work in the body can change as a person ages.
3. Have vision checked regularly.  Poor vision can lead to falls.

Also, as the winter months begin to draw near, please make sure to clear snow and ice from the walkways and driveways of seniors’ homes.

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

If you live in a home built before 1978, lead-based paint was probably used in your home.   24 million homes in the United States have peeling or chipping lead-based paint or high levels of lead in the dust.  According to experts, there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children.

Lead is a toxic metal used in a variety of products and materials.  When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the central nervous system and vital organs like the brain, kidneys, nerves and blood cells.  While lead can harm children without showing obvious symptoms, some symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness and irritability.

Children can become poisoned by lead when they put their hands or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths, by eating paint chips found in homes with peeling or flaking lead-based paint, and from playing in lead contaminated soil.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, you should have your home and surrounding soil checked for lead hazards by a lead professional.  Children under six years of age should have their blood lead level tested if they may have been exposed to lead.  Reasons to suspect a possible exposure to lead include:

They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950

They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with peeling paint or ongoing or recent renovations or remodeling.

They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning.

Ask your health care provider or local health department if your child should be tested for lead!

Make plans with your family and friends in case you are separated during an emergency.  Discuss beforehand how you will contact each other, choose a meeting spot and how you will respond in different possible situations. 

If you have children who are in daycare or at school, talk to these institutions about their level of preparedness for emergency situations.  Make sure to keep the phone numbers of your child’s school and/or daycare center handy.

The U.S. Department of Education gives guidelines for school preparedness.  Workers at small, medium and large businesses should practice for emergencies of all types. 

Being prepared means staying informed.  Check all types of media – web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones – for global, national and local information.  During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will give you information on things such as open shelters and evacuation orders.  Check the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at www.fema.gov, for more information about resources in your area.

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

Ahhh, summer.  Days at the pool, ice cream cones, running through the sprinkler, neighbors chatting with each other…

Does the rising mercury outside have some kind of relationship with the amount of crime committed?  Quite possibly, according to many experts.

In many cities, studies of criminal behavior have shown a sharp increase in the number of crimes committed during the summer months, particularly during heat waves.

While most of us think of summer as a time for lazy days at the pool, ice cream cones, running through the sprinkler, chatting with your neighbor as you water the lawn, law enforcement officials are on high alert for what they have to deal with during these hot months, including domestic violence and aggravated assaults.

According to a CBS news report,  a 2010  study of violence in Cleveland from 1999 to 2004,  “hotter temperatures correlated to higher amounts of aggressive crime, especially domestic violence and non-aggravated assaults – attacks involving no weapon and no serious injury.

“If you plot crime and temperature together you get a straight line up,” said Dr. Scott Sheridan, the Kent State University professor who co-wrote the Cleveland study. “Some of the reason is increase in aggressive behavior, but a lot of it has to do with more people interacting with each other when the weather is warmer.”

A takeaway from this disturbing study?  All the more reason to keep cool, both physically and emotionally, when the temperature soars to the uncomfortable level it has been at for the last couple of weeks.