Michigan Recent Legal Answers from Lawyers

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this. It appears that you have suffered extremely serious injuries, and I hope you're recovering as well as possible. First of all, there's no automatic liability for a person who is injured on the residential or business premises of another party. You have to prove that you were injured as a result of the negligent act or omissions to act by the property owner. Additionally, homeowners insurance can cover injuries like yours, but it depends on whether you were considered a guest helping out or whether the insurer tries to classify it as a business/commercial activity because you were being paid. That distinction matters because typically, homeowners insurance policies have exclusions for commercial or business activities conducted on a residential property. So the first thing is what did or did not the property owner do to cause this accident that you were involved in. Secondly, how were you being paid or compensated for your services. This platform, prohibits attorneys from soliciting your case or helping you find counsel in your local area, but you're welcome to reach out to one of us privately to discuss. ... Read Answer

I'm sorry for your loss. Under Michigan's Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the decedent's estate may bring a wrongful death action, regardless of relationship status. Thus, as the decedent's fiance, you would have no standing to bring the claim unless you were appointed as the personal representative of your fiance's estate.  Supplying an illegal substance, including crack cocaine, can satisfy the "wrongful act" element of a wrongful death claim against the best friend. Liability does not depend on the best friend having been convicted of a crime. The fact that the coroner and/or the police apparently did not link supplying the cocaine to your fiance's death does not bar the claim, but it may complicate proving a causal relationship between supplying the cocaine and your fiance's death. Also, although there is generally no common law duty requiring the best friend to call for emergency assistance, there is an exception where the best friend created the situation and observed the resulting medical distress. All that said, even if the claim is successful, it may be very difficult to collect on any judgment obtained against the best friend.  As far as making a claim against the coroner or the police, that is likely impossible due to governmental immunity. There would have to be proof of gross negligence. Mere incompetence would not be enough to fall within the gross neglgience exception to governmental immunity.  I hope this information, though likely disappointing, is helpful. Again, I am sorry for your loss. ... Read Answer

You need a licence if the copyright for the photographs or other artwork on the greeting card covers have not expired. Also, you need permissin if you are reproducing poems or other writing that you did not compose. You may also look into whether what you are trying to publish falls into the fair use criterion, under the Copyright Act.... Read Answer

If you’re a U.S. citizen and your immigrant girlfriend entered the United States with permission, you can sponsor her for a green card after you get married. You’ll still need to file an Affidavit of Support, even if your income is below the required level. Because your income doesn’t meet the USCIS poverty guidelines, you’ll need to add a joint financial sponsor who does meet the minimum income requirement.     ... Read Answer

Yes you can still sue.  Whether it is worthwhile will depend on his injury and the long lasting effect.  You should speak to an attorney to have your case analyzed. I have an associate who is probably the best slip and fall attorney in Michigan, who I can set you up with, or you can find a different attorney on your own.... Read Answer

Normally, any household member who is a relative of the insured is automatically on the insurance policy of the car owner. However, if your resident relative was using the vehicle for a business purpose as opposed to personal use, then your carrier may deny coverage. You should seek a consultation with a lawyer in your jurisdiction to review the policy language for specific advice. ... Read Answer

Normally you have two years.  You should get an attorney on your case as soon as possible in order to preserve the evidence and be sure that you are getting the best health treatment that will help your legal case.  If you need help, I can put you in touch with my associate, who specializes in auto accidents and is who I think is the best auto accident attorney in Michigan.  Let me know if you want my help.... Read Answer

Although the minority view is that a timely application for asylum from a person on a current B-2 visa status preserves lawful status to allow adjustment of status in the future, the unanimous view is that a NTA ends the ability to be considered in lawful status. Obtaining TPS after getting a NTA in our opinion would not allow you to be considered in lawful status for purposes of a later adjustment of status application through your parents. We note that there have been many shifting policies and developments concerning TPS in the past few years which may continue and so our present opinion may not necessarily be accurate in the future. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee & Arthur Lee, Esqs.’ (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.... Read Answer

Yes, you can still be charged. Being convicted, of course, is another matter. Many cases of sexual assault charges involve "he said/she said". When charges are filed it is up to a jury to determine who is telling the truth. You were smart to not meet with the detective without a lawyer present. You should speak with a lawyer to discuss the situation.... Read Answer

I represent drivers throughout the state who have received motor vehicle violations for speeding, careless, and reckless driving. I am succseeful getting these infractions reduced to low or no point violations more than 95% of the time. I would be happy to discuss your ticket with you and see what I can do too assist. In most cases you never need to go to Court for a hearing.... Read Answer

Although I am a Maryland Appellate Lawyer | Fourth Circuit Appeals Attorney Maryland Appellate Lawyer, I can offer some general guidance that may help. In most states, when a licensing authority (such as a lottery commission) issues a suspension, you typically have a right to appeal through an administrative process. This often requires filing a formal appeal or request for hearing within a short timeframe — sometimes as little as 10 to 30 days from the notice. You may be able to present evidence showing that the mistake was inadvertent and argue that a suspension is a disproportionate penalty. I recommend consulting a local appellate or administrative lawyer immediately to ensure you meet any deadlines and preserve your right to challenge the suspension.... Read Answer

A Michigan small estate affidavit is a document that allows a petitioner, known as an "affiant," to stake a claim on property from the estate of a deceased loved one, known as the "decedent." In Michigan, this process is available to estates valued at $51,000 or less. If you're the only living relative, then you can take advantage of this process so that the car can be transferred from your brother's name and into your name. You should seek out an attorney in your jurisdiction for more specific advice.... Read Answer

Unfortunately, you are ineligible for US citizenship due to the residence requirement in which most residents including yourself must have been a permanent resident for five years and in that five years remain physically present in the US for half the time, or 2 ½ years. There is no exception. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee & Arthur Lee, Esqs.’ (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  ... Read Answer

Falsly accusing someone of a crime is considered slander per se in Michigan. What that means is that you do not even have to show actual monetary damages to recover in a civil lawsuit. However, based on what you have described, it certainly sounds like you have suffered damages. Feel free to contact my office to discuss your options, including demanding that she stop slandering you, and filing a lawsuit against her to recover money damages..... Read Answer