DETROIT (AP) - Slip & fall lawsuits once were a staple for injury attorneys. But they've become extremely tough in Michigan courts, due to a strict standard set by the state Supreme Court.
The court's conservative majority raised the bar last summer in a case involving an Upper Peninsula woman who fell outside a health club in Ironwood. The court said Charlotte Hoffner was aware of the ice and wasn't forced to enter the club. Four justices said property owners can't be expected to absolutely ensure everyone's safety.
As a result, courts across Michigan have more reasons to dismiss slip & fall lawsuits. Detroit-area lawyer Mark Bernstein says he's been forced to turn away clients. He says slip & fall cases tied to weather represent just 2% of his firm's work, compared to 20% in the 1990s.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:03:39 GMT
A judge is aiming for a late summer proceeding to meet the speedy trial rights of an Ohio man accused of kidnapping three women and holding them in his home for about a decade. Judge Michael Russo in
Judge Michael Russo in Cleveland says he's aiming for an Aug. 4 trial for 52-year-old Ariel Castro, who was arrested May 6.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:27:51 GMT
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls. But an attorney
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:51:06 GMT
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Now their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:39:48 GMT
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent
Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent for juniors and seniors but only 1.9 percent for freshmen and sophomores.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:30:10 GMT
Carroll Township Police have located 69 year old Mary Klosinski. Klosinki has dementia and has had a stroke in the past. She was missing since 1:00 a.m Tuesday, from her home in the Teal Bend condominium
Carroll Township Police have located 69 year old Mary Klosinski. Klosinki has dementia and has had a stroke in the past. She was missing since 1:00 a.m Tuesday, from her home in the Teal Bend condominium
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:03:39 GMT
A judge is aiming for a late summer proceeding to meet the speedy trial rights of an Ohio man accused of kidnapping three women and holding them in his home for about a decade. Judge Michael Russo in
Judge Michael Russo in Cleveland says he's aiming for an Aug. 4 trial for 52-year-old Ariel Castro, who was arrested May 6.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:10 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:10:57 GMT
BERLIN (AP) - Trying to tamp down concerns about government over-reach, President Barack Obama on Wednesday defended U.S. Internet and phone surveillance programs as narrowly targeted efforts that have
Trying to tamp down concerns about government over-reach, President Barack Obama on Wednesday defended U.S. Internet and phone surveillance programs as narrowly targeted efforts that have saved lives and thwarted at least 50 terror threats.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:11:36 GMT
Toledo firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Toledo. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday. Dispatchers tell us heavy flames are showing.
Toledo firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in Toledo late Tuesday night. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:51:06 GMT
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Now their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:39:48 GMT
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent
Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent for juniors and seniors but only 1.9 percent for freshmen and sophomores.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:27:51 GMT
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls. But an attorney
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:22:09 GMT
This weekend hundreds attended the annual strawberry festival in Holland, but Saturday night chaos broke out forcing police to shutdown the festival early. Now organizers say it's time to make some changes
Organizers of Holland's Strawberry Festival are considering security changes after a disturbance with teenagers Saturday night. Parents report large crowds of teens causing problems and ultimately setting off a firework at the festival, causing chaos.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 04:35:13 GMT
BREAKING: DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler decides to go along with government request to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps.
Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant stance and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
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