What is Considered a Personal Injury Case for an Attorney in Lansing?
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Definition and Types of Personal Injury Cases
When we talk about personal injury cases in Lansing, we're looking at a variety of situations where someone gets hurt because of another person's carelessness or intentional actions. Read more about Workers' compensation attorneys in Lansing here. Now, let's dive into what this really means, alright?
Firstly, a definition is in order. Personal injury cases involve legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. The responsible person's insurance company usually pays out money to the injured person for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other ongoing medical expenses. If the case gets to court, it could be a judge or jury deciding on the compensation.
Now, onto the types! There's quite a range, you know.
Car accidents are the most common type you'll hear about. They happen all the time, and they can be pretty nasty. If a driver isn't paying attention (maybe they're texting or something), and they smash into your car, that's grounds for a personal injury claim. It's not just about the bumps and bruises; we're talking whiplash, broken bones, or even worse.
Then, there are medical malpractice cases. These are tricky, and I'll tell you why. You have to prove that a doctor or healthcare professional didn't provide the appropriate standard of care and that it led to your injury. Say a surgeon leaves a sponge inside you after an operation (yikes!) – that's a big no-no.
Slip and fall cases are pretty common too. If you're walking in a store, and you slip on a wet floor because they didn't put out a sign – well, that's a case right there.
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It might seem small, but these falls can lead to serious injuries, especially for the elderly.
We can't forget about workplace accidents. If you're on the job and get injured because your employer didn't make sure the workplace was safe, that's a potential personal injury case. Think about construction workers falling from scaffolding because someone didn't secure it properly. Not good at all!
And how about those dog bites? If someone's dog bites you without provocation, the owner could be liable for your injuries.
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It's not just a matter of saying "bad dog" – there are legal consequences for the owner.
Lastly, we have assault and battery cases, which are more about intentional harm. If someone punches you in the face (and it's not in self-defense), that's not just a criminal matter; you could file a personal injury claim against them too!
So, if you're in Lansing and find yourself injured because of someone else's actions or negligence, you might have a personal injury case on your hands. It's not just about getting a payout; it's about making sure you're compensated for the harm you've suffered. And remember, every case is unique, so it's key to get in touch with an attorney who can guide you through the maze of legal stuff. They'll be able to tell you if you've got a case that's worth pursuing. Oh, and don't wait too long – there are time limits for filing these claims, so you don't want to miss your chance!
Legal Criteria for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Lansing
Ah, when you're talkin' about personal injury cases in Lansing, well, that's a whole can of worms (you know how it is). Personal Injury Lawyers First off, let's get something straight: not every little scratch or bruise can waltz into court demanding justice – there's gotta be some meat to your claim!
So, what's the legal hoopla you need to jump through? For starters, you've gotta show that someone else was at fault. I mean, it's not like you can trip over your own feet and then blame the sidewalk, right? Negligence, that's the key word. Someone else's gotta have slipped up, whether it was a distracted driver or a store with a spill they didn't clean up.
Now, don't forget about the injuries! They can't just be something you'll shake off after a good night's sleep. We're talkin' real harm here, the kind that puts you outta work, piles up the medical bills, or has you wincing every time you bend over. And evidence, oh boy, you'll need heaps of that! Medical records, witness statements – the whole nine yards.
But here's the kicker: you've got a timer tickin' on your case, and it's called the statute of limitations. In Michigan, you usually got three years from the injury to get your act together and file that claim. Wait too long and poof! Accident injury lawyersPersonal injury lawyer for settlements Your chance to get compensation disappears faster than a rabbit in a magic show!
So, to sum it all up (and remember, I ain't no lawyer), a personal injury case for an attorney in Lansing needs a solid base of someone else's mistake, an injury that's serious enough to make a fuss about, and enough evidence to back you up. And don't drag your feet! If you snooze, you lose – and that's one lesson you don't wanna learn the hard way!
Common Causes of Personal Injury in Lansing
In Lansing, just like in many other cities, personal injury cases are sadly quite frequent. But what exactly falls under this category for an attorney in this bustling Michigan capital? Oh, there's a variety! Personal injury defense lawyer
First off, car accidents are a common culprit (no surprise there!). The icy winters can turn roads into treacherous paths, leading to fender benders or, heaven forbid, more serious collisions. And it's not just the weather – distracted driving is a big no-no, yet it's still rampant. People can't seem to put their phones down, even when they're behind the wheel!
Then there's the slip and fall incidents. You'd think folks would be more careful, but slick surfaces, whether from a freshly mopped floor or a sneaky patch of ice, keep personal injury lawyers on speed dial.
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Businesses often forget to put out those "Wet Floor" signs, and next thing you know, someone's taken a tumble!
Workplace injuries are another piece of the puzzle. Despite regulations, accidents happen. Whether it's machinery that's not been kept up to snuff or just a plain old accident (because, let's face it, humans aren't perfect), these mishaps can lead to some serious downtime and a heap of medical bills.
Dog bites, oh boy, can't forget about those. Sure, dogs are man's best friend, but sometimes they have a bad day too. When they do, it can lead to stitches and a whole lot of paperwork. It's really not the pooch's fault, but owners need to keep their furry friends in check!
And let's not overlook medical malpractice. This is a tough one. We trust doctors with our lives, literally. But they make mistakes too (they're human, after all). Personal injury case lawyer It's just that their oopsies can have some pretty dire consequences.
So, in Lansing, when someone says they've got a personal injury case, it could mean a whole bunch of things! The key is to not suffer in silence. A good attorney will help you navigate the maze of legalities and fight for the compensation you deserve. Remember, it's your right!
In conclusion, if you find yourself nursing an injury because of someone else's oversight or negligence, don't hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. It's their job to untangle the mess and make sure you're not left picking up the pieces all on your own. Stay safe, Lansing folks, but know that if life throws a curveball, legal help is just around the corner!
The Role of Negligence in Personal Injury Cases
Oh, when it comes to personal injury cases in Lansing, the concept of negligence often takes the central stage, you know? Now, let's say you're out and about, minding your own business, and then – bang!
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– you get into an accident that's no fault of yours (at least that's what you believe). Injury claims lawyer That's where the whole idea of personal injury kicks in.
So, an attorney in Lansing would typically tell you that a personal injury case isn't just about getting hurt. It's about proving that someone else's carelessness, or negligence, was the real cause of your pain and suffering. And believe me, this ain't no walk in the park! Lawyers gotta sift through the details, gather evidence, and really show that the other party didn't do what they were supposed to do to keep you safe.
Now, don't get me wrong – not every accident is a case of negligence.
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Sometimes, stuff just happens (even though we wish it didn't, right?). Catastrophic injury lawyer But if another person didn't pay attention to the road or left their property all messy and that led to you getting hurt, well, that's a different kettle of fish.
It's like this: let's say someone's driving and texting at the same time (which they shouldn't be doing – come on, folks!). They swerve into your lane and cause a crash. That's a textbook example of negligence. And if you're injured because of it, an attorney in Lansing would be all over that, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve!
But, and this is a big 'but', proving negligence isn't as simple as saying, "They did something wrong!" No, sir. There's this whole legal criteria thing where you've gotta show that the person had a duty to act a certain way, they didn't act that way, and their action (or should I say lack of action!) directly led to your injury. Medical negligence cases lawyer Phew, it's a lot, right?
In the end, if an attorney can prove negligence, you could end up with a settlement or a court victory that helps cover all those nasty bills, lost wages, and, let's not forget, the pain and suffering you've been through. And that's a pretty big deal!
So there you have it – negligence is a key player in personal injury cases in Lansing (and everywhere else, for that matter). Without it, there's no case! But with it, well, you just might have a fighting chance to set things right. Now, let's hope none of us ever need to go down that road, but if we do, at least we know there's a way to fight back, eh?
The Process of Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim with an Attorney
Oh, embarking on the journey of a personal injury claim can sure be a daunting endeavor, especially if you're in Lansing! You see, when we talk about personal injury cases, we're diving into a legal world where accidents and negligence play the lead roles. Now, if you've been in an unfortunate mishap (let's say a car accident or a slip at the local grocery store), you might be facing a pile of medical bills, lost wages, and quite a bit of pain and suffering. Workers compensation attorney That's where an attorney comes in!
First off, finding the right attorney is key; you'll want someone with a good track record in personal injury cases. Once you've got that sorted, the real process kicks off. It all starts with a meeting, where you lay out the details of your accident. It's like storytelling, but with a twist, because every bit of information could be a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Your attorney will likely say, "Let's not jump the gun! We need evidence." So, they'll gather all the reports, talk to witnesses, and sometimes even bring in experts to strengthen your case. It's a bit like detective work (minus the cool trench coat and magnifying glass).
Next, there's this thing called 'negotiation'. It's where your attorney will chat with the insurance company. And trust me, this part isn't a walk in the park. Insurance folks can be tough nuts to crack, but a skilled attorney knows how to handle 'em!
If things don't settle (which happens more often than you'd think), your attorney will say, "Alright, it's time to take this to court." This is when they prep to show a judge or jury just how much the injury has turned your world upside down.
Throughout this whole process, you've got to be patient. Personal injury cases aren't known for their speed. Accident injury attorney They can drag on for what feels like forever, but hey, that's just part of the game! And remember, there's no guarantee of a win, but having a solid attorney by your side ups your chances big time!
In the end, if the stars align and the court's in your favor, you'll be looking at compensation for all the trouble you've been through. It's not just about the money, though.
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It's about justice and getting your life back on track.
So there you have it! Pursuing a personal injury claim with an attorney in Lansing is quite the ride – full of ups and downs, twists and turns. But don't worry, with a good attorney, you're in capable hands. And who knows, you might just come out on the other side with a story to tell and the compensation you deserve!
Compensation and Damages in Personal Injury Cases
When we talk about personal injury cases in Lansing, an attorney's ears perk up because these situations often involve complex legal challenges. Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of compensation and damages, which are indeed the lifeblood of such cases!
First off, compensation, oh, it's that sweet reparation that a plaintiff seeks for the injuries suffered due to someone else's negligence or intentional actions. It's not just about the physical harm, no sir! We're talking about a whole spectrum of losses here – from medical bills that can sky-rocket through the roof to lost wages because, let's face it, a broken leg doesn't exactly scream "productivity" at the workplace.
And then, there's pain and suffering (and boy, can that be a tough one to quantify). It's like trying to put a price tag on the kind of discomfort that keeps you up at night, the kind that makes even the simplest of tasks seem like a trek up Mount Everest!
But wait, there's more!
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Damages in these cases aren't just about what you've already endured; they also consider the future – a crystal ball glimpse into ongoing medical care or the income you won't be earning because your injury decided to stick around longer than an unwanted houseguest.
However, don't think it's a clear-cut path to a hefty payout. There's a twist, you see. Negation plays a pivotal role here. If you, as the injured party, had a hand (even the tiniest sliver of responsibility) in the incident, that could twist the compensation knob down a fair bit. It's the legal concept of comparative fault, and it can be a real thorn in the side!
So, when a personal injury attorney in Lansing looks at a case, they're not just seeing an accident; they're seeing a complex puzzle where each piece (the damages, the compensation, the fault) has to fit just right. And let's not forget the deadlines! Traumatic injury lawyer Statute of limitations is like a ticking time bomb – miss it, and kaboom! There goes your chance for justice.
In conclusion, compensation and damages in personal injury cases are the meat and potatoes of the legal claim stew. It's a mix of cold hard facts, a dash of speculation, and a sprinkle of legal know-how. And for an attorney in Lansing, it's all in a day's work to ensure that the injured party gets their due – but it's never as simple as pie! (Although, a pie does sound good right about now, doesn't it?)
Lansing MI Personal Injury Attorney
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Personal injury
A legal term for injury to the body, mind, or emotions, and can refer to any damage to an individual's person, usually as a result of negligence or wrongdoing.
Lansing is the only U.S. state capital (among the 47 located in counties) that is not also a county seat. The seat of government of Ingham County is Mason,[8] but the county maintains some offices in Lansing.[9]
The first recorded person of European descent to travel through the area that is now Lansing was British fur trader Hugh Heward and his French-Canadian team on April 24, 1790, while canoeing the Grand River.[10][11] The land that was to become Lansing was surveyed as "Township 4 North Range 2 West" in February 1827 in what was then dense forest. It was the last of the county's townships to be surveyed, and the land was not offered for sale until October 1830.[12] There would be no roads to this area for decades to come.
Grand River overlooking Lansing River Trail Bridge
Historians have lamented the persistence of a myth about Lansing's founding.[13]
The incorrect story of Lansing's beginnings states that in the winter of 1835 and early 1836, two brothers from New York plotted the area now known as REO Town just south of downtown Lansing and named it "Biddle City". This land lay in a floodplain and was underwater during the majority of the year. Nevertheless, the brothers went back to Lansing, New York, to sell plots for the town that did not exist. They told the New Yorkers this new "city" had an area of 65 blocks, a church and a public and academic square. 16 men bought plots in the nonexistent city, and upon reaching the area later that year found they were the victims of the scam. Many in the group, disappointed and now without funds to move on again, opted to stay and ended up settling around what is now metropolitan Lansing.
The story has persisted due to a 1904 newspaper article, which cited a memoir told by Daniel W. Buck, a respected Lansing mayor and son of one of the early pioneers. His story was cited in Michigan pioneer papers and retold in newspaper articles multiple times in the decades that followed. His characterization of the city as being born from a "land scam" was incorrect, though his story had some elements of truth as well.
The brothers were William and Jerry Ford. Although they were originally from New York, they were well-respected businessmen who hailed from Jackson and were instrumental during its earliest years.
In 1836, they bought 290 acres in the northwest corner of Ingham County. They platted the land and hoped to build a community they named Biddle City, located south of the convergence of the Grand River and the Red Cedar River, in Lansing's present-day REO Town neighborhood. Biddle City's plat map included plans for a public square, church square and academy square. They sold 21 parcels of it — mostly to other Michiganders, not New Yorkers — and buyers understood that it was not yet a real city. Unfortunately, Biddle City never took off. The financial Panic of 1837 forced the brothers to heavily mortgage the property, and the city never materialized.[13]
Biddle City was not Lansing's original name, nor a precursor to it, as the plat was located outside of Lansing's original city limits.
Originally, all that existed was Lansing Township, named in 1842 by an early settler, Joseph E. North Sr., after Lansing in Tompkins County, NY, where he was from.
The settlement of fewer than 20 people that would become the City of Lansing remained quiet until the winter of 1847. The state constitution required the capital be moved from Detroit to a more central and safer location in the state's interior in 1847; many were concerned about Detroit's proximity to British-controlled Canada, which had captured Detroit in the War of 1812. The United States had recaptured the city in 1813, but these events led to the dire need to have the center of government relocated further away from hostile British territory. There was also concern with Detroit's strong influence over Michigan politics, being the state's largest city as well as the capital city.[14]
During the multi-day session to determine a new location for the state capital, many cities, including Ann Arbor, Marshall, and Jackson, lobbied hard to win this designation.[15] Unable to publicly reach a consensus because of constant political wrangling, the Michigan House of Representatives privately chose the Township of Lansing out of frustration. When announced, many present openly laughed that such an insignificant settlement was now Michigan's capital. Two months later, Governor William L. Greenly signed into law the act of the legislature making Lansing Township the state capital.[14]
An 1847 plat map of "the town of Michigan", prior to the selection of "Lansing" as the capital's name the following year. (The map is oriented with north to the right.)
With the announcement that Lansing Township had been made the capital, the small settlement quickly transformed into the seat of state government. Within months after it became the capital city, further individual settlements began to develop around it, along three key points along the Grand River in the township:[14]
"Lower Village/Town", where present-day Old Town stands, was the oldest of the three villages. It was home to the first house built in Lansing in 1843 by pioneer James Seymour and his family. Lower Town began to develop in 1847 with the completion of the Franklin Avenue (now Grand River Avenue) covered bridge over the Grand River.[16]
"Upper Village/Town", where present-day REO Town stands at the confluence of the Grand River and the Red Cedar River. It began to take off in 1847 when the Main Street Bridge was constructed over the Grand River. This village's focal point was the Benton House, a 4-story hotel, which opened in 1848. It was the first brick building in Lansing and was later razed in 1900.[16]
Michigan State Capitol
"Middle Village/Town", where downtown Lansing now stands, was the last of the three villages to develop in 1848 with the completion of the Michigan Avenue bridge across the Grand River and the completion of the temporary capitol building which sat where Cooley Law School stands today on Capitol Avenue between Allegan and Washtenaw Streets, and finally the relocation of the post office to the village in 1851. This area would grow to become larger than the other two villages up and down river.[16]
The collection of original settlements ("Upper Town", "Lower Town" and "Middle Town") had for some years been collectively referred to as the "Village of Michigan".[17] On February 16, 1842, Alaiedon township was split into the townships of Lansing, Delhi and Meridian (originally suggested as "Genoa") based on a petition submitted in December 1841 by Henry North, Roswell Everett and Zalmon Holmes. Henry North proposed the name "Lansing" for the township at the request of his father, who wanted it named after their old town of Lansing, New York.[15]
On February 15, 1859, the settlement, having grown to nearly 3,000 and encompassing about seven square miles (18 km2) in area, was incorporated as a city, carving off a section of seven square miles from Lansing Township.[18] The boundaries of the original city were Douglas Avenue to the north, Wood and Regent streets to the east, Mount Hope Avenue to the south, and Jenison Avenue to the west. These boundaries would remain until 1916. Lansing began to grow steadily over the next two decades with the completion of the railroads through the city, a plank road, and the completion of the current capitol building in 1878.
Most of what is known as Lansing today is the result of the city becoming an industrial powerhouse which began with the founding of Olds Motor Vehicle Company in August 1897. The company went through many changes, including a buyout, between its founding to 1905 when founder Ransom E. Olds started his new REO Motor Car Company, which would last in Lansing for another 70 years. Olds would be joined by the less successful Clarkmobile around 1903.[19] Over the next decades, the city would be transformed into a major American industrial center for the manufacturing of automobiles and parts, among other industries. The city also continued to grow in area. By 1956, the city had grown to 15 square miles (39 km2), and doubled in size over the next decade to its current size of roughly 33 square miles (85 km2).[20]
Today, the city's economy is diversified among government service, healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, banking, and education.
In the late 1840s to early 1850s, the citizens of Lansing were unified against slavery, and the city became a secondary stop on the Underground Railroad, as one of the last steps of an escape route that led through Battle Creek, Schoolcraft and Cassopolis. From Lansing, the route led to Durand, and then to either Port Huron or Detroit.[21][22]
The Kerns Hotel fire on December 11, 1934, was the deadliest in the city's history. Perhaps thirty-four people died in the fire, although the hotel register was also destroyed making an exact count impossible.
On February 8, 1951, the Elliott-Larsen Building was intentionally set on fire by a state office employee. The following morning, the seventh floor collapsed down to the next level, which destroyed a large number of state historical records.[23]
On September 26, 1963, a 12-year-old, 3,000-pound female dancing elephant named Rajje (alternately reported as Raji and Little Rajjee, among other variations) rebelled against her trainer during a performance in a shopping-center circus near what was then Logan Street and Holmes Road in Lansing, and escaped into the streets, aggravated by the frenzied pursuit of nearly 4,000 local residents. The incident ended with the shooting of the elephant by Lansing police.[24][25] Provoked by the growing crowd, Rajje's rampage took her through the men's wear, sporting goods and gift departments of a local Arlan's discount store before leading police on a two-mile chase in which she knocked down and injured a 67-year-old man, tried to move a car, and caused thousands of dollars in damage before being killed.
Life Magazine quoted Rajje's trainer, William Pratt, as shouting at the scene, "Damn these people [...] They wouldn't leave her alone."[24]
The incident was widely reported, including a photospread in Life.[24] While the Lansing State Journal coverage stressed the danger of the incident,[26] the Detroit Free Press noted that witnesses cried out "Murderers! Murderers!" as police fired eight shots.[27]
Author Nelson Algren cites the injustice and sad end of the pursuit of "Raji, the Pixie-Eared Elephant" in continuity with the ambush of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in his introduction to a 1968 biography of the outlaws.[28] Then teenage Lansing residents who had goaded the elephant later on recalled the incident with sober regret in a local newspaper retrospective in 2011.[26]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 36.68 square miles (95.00 km2), of which 36.05 square miles (93.37 km2) is land and 0.63 square miles (1.63 km2) is water.[29] This figure includes two 425 Agreements with Alaiedon Township and Meridian Township, and the four 425 Agreements with Delta Township since 2000.
Since the 2010 census, the city has entered into two additional 425 Agreements. The first agreement consisted of the temporary transfer of 1,888.2 acres of Lansing Capital Region International Airport to the city from DeWitt Township in 2011.[30] The second agreement consisted of the temporary transfer of 41 acres (17 ha) in Alaiedon Township for the expansion of the headquarters of Jackson National Life Insurance Company in 2013 bringing the area either fully or conditionally under control of the city to 39.69 square miles (102.80 km2).[30]
Under Michigan law, 425 Agreements are only temporary land sharing agreements and do not count as official annexations. The Census Bureau, however, for statistical purposes does count these as annexations. Not counting the temporary 425 Agreements, Lansing administers 34.1 square miles (88 km2) total.
Lansing is located in the south-central part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, where the Grand River meets the Red Cedar River. The city occupies most of what had formerly been part of Lansing Charter Township. It has also annexed adjacent tracts of land in Delta Charter Township and Windsor Township in Eaton County to the west, Delhi Charter Township in Ingham County to the south, and in DeWitt Charter Township in Clinton County to the north. The city also controls three non-contiguous tracts of land through 425 Agreements (conditional land transfer agreements) with Meridian Charter Township, Delta Charter Township, and Alaiedon Township in Ingham County to the southeast. It is also located between the state's two largest cities, Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Lansing elevations range between 890 feet (271 m) above sea level on the far south side of Lansing along Northrup Street near the Cedar Street intersection, to 833 feet (254 m) to 805.5 feet (246 m) above sea level along the Grand River.
The Grand River, the largest river in Michigan, flows through downtown Lansing, and the Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand, flows through the campus of Michigan State University to its confluence with the Grand in Lansing. Sycamore Creek, a tributary of the Red Cedar, flows northward through the southeastern part of the city.[31] There are two lakes in the area, Park Lake and Lake Lansing, both northeast of the city. Lake Lansing is approximately 500 acres (2.0 km2) in size and is a summer favorite for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. Michigan State University Sailing Club and the Lansing Sailing Club are located on Lake Lansing, where sailing regattas are hosted throughout the summer.
The City of Lansing operates a total of 3.55 square miles (9.2 km2) of parkland, of which 2.80 square miles (7.3 km2) is parkland, 0.43 square miles (1.1 km2) are golflands, and 0.31 square miles (0.80 km2) are cemetery lands.[32] However, this figure includes the Waverly Hills Golf Course and adjacent Michigan Avenue Park, whose 0.18 square miles (0.47 km2) are located within neighboring Lansing Township, but operated by the City of Lansing, and does not include the 0.18 square miles (0.47 km2) of the combined Hawk Island County Park and adjacent Soldan Dog Park operated by Ingham County within the city of Lansing.[33] All together then, 3.55 square miles (9.2 km2) of the city (or approximately 10%) is publicly administered open space.
Boji Tower, Lansing's tallest building, located downtown
The city's downtown is dominated by state government buildings, especially the State Capitol; but downtown has also experienced recent growth in new restaurants, retail stores and residential developments. Downtown Lansing had a historic city market that was one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the United States, until it closed in 2019.[34] Downriver and north of downtown is historic Old Town Lansing with many architecturally significant buildings dating to the mid-19th century.[35] Directly south of downtown on the other side of I-496 along Washington Avenue lies "REO Town", the birthplace of the automobile in the United States, is where Ransom Eli Olds built factories along Washington Avenue. Ransom Eli Olds' home, which once overlooked the factories along Washington Avenue, was displaced by I-496.
Lansing is generally divided into four sections: the Eastside, Westside, Northwestside, and Southside. Each section contains a diverse array of neighborhoods. The Eastside, located east of the Grand River and north of the Red Cedar River, is the most ethnically diverse side of Lansing, with foreign-born citizens making up more of its population than any other side in the city.[36] The Eastside's commercial districts are located mainly along Michigan Avenue, and to a lesser extent along Kalamazoo Street. It is anchored by Frandor Shopping Center on the very eastern edge of the eastside.
The Westside, roughly located north, west, and south of the Grand River as it curves through the city, is sometimes regarded as the city's most socio-economically diverse section. This side also contains Lansing's downtown area, though this neighborhood is often included as an area all its own. Outside downtown, this side is largely a collection of residential neighborhoods and is served by only one other commercial area along Saginaw Street. However, it also includes a small part of the Old Town Commercial Association.
The Northwestside, generally located north of the Grand River, with the city limits defining its north and western borders, is physically the smallest side of the city. This part of the city includes moderate-density residential areas and some green areas. North of Grand River Avenue, the main street of the side, lie warehouses and light industrial areas served by a major rail line that runs through Lansing. The most notable landmark of this side is Lansing's airport: Capital Region International Airport.
The Southside, usually described as the neighborhoods located south of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers and the I-496 freeway, is physically the largest and most populous side of the city. The area is largely residential in nature (south of Mount Hope Road near the northern edge) and is served by numerous commercial strips along Cedar Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Waverly Road, which run north–south. The large Edgewood District is located in the southernmost part of the Southside and is sometimes referred to as South Lansing. Though it is the largest area of the city by both physical size and population, it has often been regarded by Southside citizens as Lansing's most overlooked and forgotten area, as most of Lansing's attention in recent decades has been put into the revitalization of the city's historic core located mostly on small parts of both the East and Westside.
The middle of the Southside—South-Central Lansing—contains the Old Everett Area. This location once contained the Everett School District and was annexed into the city in 1948.[37]
Unincorporated areas adjacent to Lansing include parts of Lansing Charter Township, such as the unincorporated community of Edgemont Park, as well as parts of Delta Charter Township, such as the unincorporated community of Waverly. Though they are not part of the City of Lansing, these unincorporated communities often use Lansing mailing addresses.[38]
Lansing has a Midwestern humid continental climate (KöppenDfb/Dfa) that is influenced by the Great Lakes, and is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5b.[43] Winters are cold with moderate to heavy snowfall, while summers are very warm and humid. The monthly daily average temperature in July is 71.5 °F (21.9 °C), while the same figure for January is 23.4 °F (−4.8 °C); the annual mean is 48.21 °F (9.01 °C). On average, temperatures reach or exceed 90 °F (32.2 °C) on 8.8 days of the year and drop to or below 0 °F (−17.8 °C) on 10.5 nights.[44] Precipitation is generally greatest during summer but still frequent and significant in winter. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April, averages 51.1 inches (130 cm) per season, significantly less than areas to the west such as Grand Rapids as Lansing is relatively immune to lake-effect snows; seasonal snowfall has historically ranged from 16.6 in (42 cm) in 1863−64 to 97.2 in (247 cm) in 1880−81. The highest and lowest officially recorded temperatures were 103 °F (39 °C) on July 6, 2012,[44] and −37 °F (−38 °C) on February 2, 1868,[45] with the last −20 °F (−29 °C) or colder reading occurred on February 27, 1994; the record low maximum is −4 °F (−20 °C) on January 22, 1883, while, conversely, the record high minimum is 78 °F (26 °C) on August 1, 2006, and July 18, 1942.[44] Freezing temperatures in June are exceedingly rare and have not occurred in July or August since the 19th century; on average, they arrive on October 4 and depart on May 7, allowing a growing season of 149 days. The average window for measurable snow (≥0.1 in or 0.25 cm) is November 4 through April 6.
Climate data for Lansing, Michigan (Capital Region Int'l), 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1863−present[a]
Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point and sun 1961−1990)[44][46][47]
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
Lansing, Michigan – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the 2010 census, there were 114,297 people, 48,450 households, and 26,234 families residing in the city.[5] The population density was 3,174.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,225.8/km2). There were 54,181 housing units at an average density of 1,505.0 per square mile (581.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 61.2% White (55.5% non-Hispanic White), 23.7% African American, 0.8% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.3% from other races, and 6.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents made up 8.3% of the population.
The median age in the city was 32.2 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.8% were from 45 to 64; and 9.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.[53]
As of the 2000 census, there were 119,128 people, 49,505 households, and 28,366 families residing in the city.[5] The population density was 3,399.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,312.4/km2). There were 53,159 housing units at an average density of 1,516.8 per square mile (585.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 65.28% White (61.4% non-Hispanic White), 21.91% African American, 0.80% Native American, 2.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.54% from other races, and 4.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.0% of the population. The city's foreign-born population stood at 5.9%.
As of 2000, the city's population rose by 32,293 (27%) to 151,421 during the day due to the influx of workers.[54]
There were 49,505 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,833, and the median income for a family was $41,283. Males had a median income of $32,648 versus $27,051 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,924. About 13.2% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.
The Brookings Institution has ranked Greater Lansing among the top 10 "medium-sized metropolitan areas" in the United States for refugee resettlement, with 5,369 refugees resettled from 1983 to 2004.[55] St. Vincent Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services handle the adult and unaccompanied minor resettlement processes, respectively, while other organizations, such as the Refugee Development Center, focus on providing educational and social support services to refugees in the Lansing area.[56] Nearby Michigan State University provides a source of volunteers for many of these programs.[57][58]
The city is also home to a large number of temporary foreign residents enrolled as international students at Lansing Community College and nearby Michigan State University, with the city's visitors bureau specifically promoting Mandarin-language video tours of Lansing, touting the "more than 6,000" Chinese students enrolled at MSU.[60] The Lansing School District offers language immersion programs for its students in both Spanish and Chinese.[61]
Lansing is administered under a mayor–council government, more specifically a strong mayor form in which the mayor is the city's chief executive officer.[62] The mayor is obligated to appoint department heads (subject to council approval), and draft and administer a city budget among other responsibilities. The mayor may also veto legislation from council, though the veto can be overridden by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the council.[62] The mayor and city clerk are elected at-large every four years.
The city council is the legislative body of the city and consists of eight members. Four members are elected from four single-member districts using the first-past-the-post method in the city's wards, and four members are elected at-large using the block voting method. Members of the council serve staggered four-year terms.[63] Half the council is up for election every two years, including two ward seats and two at-large seats.[64] At its first meeting of the year, the council chooses from amongst its members a president and vice president. The president is the council's presiding officer, and also chooses the chairs of council committees.[62] In the absence of the president and vice president, the city clerk chairs the council.
The city largely supports the Democratic Party. It has not had a Republican mayor in office since 1993 when then-Democratic state representative David Hollister defeated incumbent Mayor Jim Crawford, who had formerly served as a Republican member on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. However, all city elections are held on an officially nonpartisan basis.[62]
Since given the ability to do so by the state in 1964, the city has levied an income tax of 1 percent on residents. 0.5 percent on non-residents, and 1.0 percent on corporations.[65][66]
At the state level, most of Lansing is located in the 23rd district of the Michigan Senate, which has been represented by Democratic state senator Curtis Hertel Jr. since 2015. The small portions of the city that extend into Eaton County and Clinton County is located in the 24th district of the Michigan Senate, are currently represented by Republican state senator Tom Barrett. The city lies in the 67th, 68th, 71st, and 93rd districts of the Michigan State House of Representatives, represented by state representatives Kara Hope (D-67), Sarah Anthony (D-68), Angela Witwer (D-71), and Graham Filler (R-93).
Though Lansing is not the designated county seat, some Ingham County offices are located in downtown Lansing, including a branch office of the county clerk, the county personnel office, and some courtrooms.
The Lansing metropolitan area's major industries are government, education, insurance, healthcare, and automobile manufacturing. Being the state capital, many state government workers reside in the area.
The Otto E. Eckert power plant along the Grand River, operated by the Lansing Board of Water and Light
Locally owned and operated convenience store chain Quality Dairy is a significant presence in the Lansing market.[68] The first Quality Dairy Store opened in 1936 and as of 2023 there are 26 retail locations in the Mid-Michigan area.[69][70][71] Quality Dairy Company's headquarters is located near REO Town in Lansing[72] and operates its Dairy Plant and Bakery Plant from central Lansing as well.[73]
The recent decline of the auto industry in the region has increased the region's awareness of the importance of a strategy to foster the high-technology sector.
Early availability of high-speed Internet in 1996, as well as the MSU, Cooley Law School, and Lansing Community College student body population, fostered an intellectual environment for information technology companies to incubate. Lansing has a number of technology companies in the fields of information technology and biotechnology.
McLaren–Greater Lansing Hospital enjoys a special affiliation in radiation oncology with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University; McLaren–Greater Lansing is part of the Great Lakes Cancer Institute (GLCI).
Several urban renewal projects by private developers are adding higher end apartments and condominiums to the Lansing market. The Arbaugh, a former department store across from Cooley Law School, was converted into apartments in 2005. Motor Wheel Lofts, a former industrial site, was converted into loft-style living spaces in mid-2006.[76] A combination retail and residential complex immediately south of Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park) called "The Stadium District", was completed in 2007.[77] The Stadium District was redeveloped using a grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority through the Cool Cities Initiative.[78][79]
In May 2006 the historically significant Mutual Building located on Capitol Avenue was purchased by The Christman Company to be renovated back to its original grandeur and used as the company's headquarters.[80] Additional downtown developments include the renovation of the historic Hollister Building and the expansion of the former Abrams Aerial Building. As of August 2008, an 18-story condominium high-rise called Capitol Club Tower was in the design phase with the adjacent parking structure having been approved by city council and purchased by the developer. The city market, in existence since 1909, was approved to be sold for a multi-building mixed-use development called MarketPlace, right next to the current market on the adjacent riverfront. The MarketPlace project was redeveloped along with BallPark North, another mixed-use development that will be immediately north of Oldsmobile Stadium. A new city market was built north of the Lansing Center, but closed in 2019. Across the river, the Accident Fund Insurance Company renovated the former (art deco) Ottawa Street Powerplant into their new headquarters. In addition to the renovation, Accident Fund Insurance Company built a modern addition to the north of the historic portion that is connected by an atrium for more office space, as well as a parking structure. In 2009, the restaurant Troppo began construction on a new 2-story building that will have an open-air patio on the roof facing the Capitol building.[81] Developer Eyde Co. announced plans on April 6, 2010, to renovate the historical and prominent Knapp's building in downtown Lansing for first floor retail, office space and apartments/condos on the top floor (5th) in a $22–24 million project.[82]
Michigan State University, a member of the Big Ten Conference, is known as "the pioneer land grant college", located in neighboring East Lansing. MSU has one of the largest land campuses in the United States and is home to several nationally and internationally recognized academic and research-oriented programs. Michigan State offers over 200 programs of study and is home to fourteen different degree-granting schools and colleges including two medical schools, a veterinary school, a law school, and numerous PhD programs. It is the only university in the nation with three medical schools. MSU is consistently one of the top three programs in the United States for study abroad programs. The MSU College of Education is also consistently rated as the top education program in the nation. Michigan State University is the oldest agricultural college in the United States. The MSU School of Criminal Justice is the oldest continuous degree granting criminal justice program in the nation.[83] In 2008, the Department of Energy announced MSU won the contest for a $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams that will attract top researchers from around the world to conduct experiments in nuclear science, astrophysics and applications of isotopes to other fields.[84]
Lansing Community College offers more than 500 areas of study to over 18,000 students at its main facilities in Lansing, and another 5,000 students at twenty-nine extension centers and a site in Otsu, Japan. LCC's new, state-of-the-art University Center enables students to take courses with the goal of eventually earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from other Michigan institutions. The University Center stands on the former site of "Old Central", Lansing's first public high school, which was established in 1875 as Lansing High School. (In the 1920s it was renamed as Central High School, and in 1957 became the first building on the LCC campus.)[85]
The African American Parade occurs in Lansing's Westside as part of the annual Juneteenth Celebration[96]
Each year in August, the Michigan Pride festival includes an LGBT pride parade from Riverfront Park to the capitol.
The annual Silver Bells in the City Electric Light Parade proceeds through the streets of downtown Lansing every November, the Friday before Thanksgiving. It is followed by the lighting of Michigan's official Christmas tree in front of the State Capitol and a firework show (weather permitting) over the State Capitol.[97]
Old Town's Festival of the Moon and Sun is a two-day festival of food and live music.[98]
Old Town Oktoberfest is a two-day event drawing hundreds to the Old Town neighborhood for live polka music, authentic German food and world-renowned German-style beer.[99]
It was announced in May 2007 that the city would host "Blues on the Square", a series of summertime blues concerts featuring national acts Thursday nights along Washington Square in downtown Lansing. In 2008 the event regularly drew crowds over 500.[100]
Every year City Pulse names the "Top Original Act" in the Top of the Town Awards. The 2010 winner was Eastside neighborhood native indie rock band Loune.[102] The 2011 winner was pop punk act Frank and Earnest.[103]
On June 23, 2018, REO Town hosted the Three Stacks Music Festival featuring Against Me!, Murder by Death, Pup, mewithoutyou, Screaming Females, Camp Cove, Petal, Oceanator, City Mouse, Worn Spirit, Stefanie Haapala, Ness Lake, and Secret Forte.
Lansing has several farmers' markets throughout the city in the summer months. These markets include the Allen Street Farmer's Market[104] on the city's eastside, the Westside Farmers' Market, the Old Town Farmer's Market, and the South Lansing Farmer's Market.[105]
The Library of Michigan and Historical Center is a state library and research center. The library is one of the top five genealogical research facilities in the United States. The Capital Area District Library has 13 branches within Ingham County, some of these include the Main Library downtown, the Foster Library on the east side, and the South Lansing Library on the south side.
Lansing is home to a number of small, specialized museums:
The Impression 5 Science Center[106] is a children's science center located in a historic wagon works factory on the Grand River.
The Michigan Library and Historical Center contains one of the 10 largest genealogy collections in the nation, has a museum dedicated to Michigan's history among other attractions.[107]
The Michigan Women's Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the historical accomplishments and achievements of Michigan women. The house is located directly south of downtown in the 1903-built Cooley-Haze House. The museum is surrounded by Cooley Gardens.[108]
The R. E. Olds Transportation Museum is dedicated to the education of Lansing's role in the development of transportation, particularly the automobile.
The Riverwalk Theatre, (formerly the Okemos Barn Theatre),[110] the Lansing Civic Players,[111] and the now defunct BoarsHead Theater[112] are or were all located in downtown.
The historic Potter Park Zoo, located along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, is a 102-acre park that has more than 160 species of animals. The park holds numerous programs and events for children and families to enjoy. With annual attendance increasing every year since 2006 (110,167 in 2006, 137,237 in 2008, and 167,000 in 2009) there are $667,100 in capital improvements planned for 2009 including a giant walk-in aviary and a new female tiger. In 2009 the zoo began a $1.4 million renovation to its rhinoceros exhibit. This is in addition to $1.3 million spent on capital improvements in 2008.[116][117] In 2011 the Black Rhino exhibit opened; and three tiger cubs were born. In 2016 a 3-acre moose exhibit opened in the park.[118]
In October 2009 the Wharton Center for Performing Arts completed a 24,000 square feet (2,230 m2), $18.5 million expansion and renovation,[119] having already spent over $1.3 million in 2008.[120] Many Broadway shows come to The Wharton Center before traveling to theaters in larger places such as Chicago.[121] The Kresge Art Museum,[122] the MSU Museum,[123] and the Abrams Planetarium[124] are highly acclaimed cultural destinations located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. In June 2007 MSU announced the plans to build a new art museum after a $26 million gift from Eli and Edythe Broad.[125] Internationally known Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid of London won the design competition for the East Lansing museum that was completed in November 2012.
The Lansing Lugnuts are a High-A Central league, Minor League Baseball team, currently affiliated with the Athletics. The team plays its home games at Jackson Field, which was built at a cost of $12.7 million and opened in 1996 in downtown Lansing. It was partially renovated in 2006. Jackson Field has a seating capacity of 11,215 fans, and was built to accommodate additional expansion. Previously known as Oldsmobile Park, the facility was renamed Thomas M. Cooley Law School Stadium in April 2010, in reference to the park's new sponsor.[137] It was renamed again to Jackson Field after a change in sponsorship to Jackson National Life.[138]
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, is the largest university in the State of Michigan. MSU sponsors both men's and women's sports, usually competing as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans have won National Titles in Men's Basketball, Football, Men's Boxing, Men's Cross Country, Men's Gymnastics, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Soccer, and Men's Wrestling.
Lansing Community College also sponsors many sports, competing as members of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The Stars have won NJCAA titles in the following sports: Women's Softball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Marathon and Men's Marathon.
The Lansing area is also known for its many golf courses, with two courses owned by Michigan State University, four municipal courses, and many additional public and private courses in the area. The former Walnut Hills Country Club in nearby East Lansing formerly hosted the LPGA's Oldsmobile Classic from 1992 to 2000. The Michigan PGA recently relocated from the Detroit area to Bath, Michigan, which is on the northern edge of Lansing.
In the 1980s and 1990s Lansing was a major player in semi-pro football. The Lansing Crusaders won MFL/MCFL championships in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1990. The team finished second in 1984, 1986, and 1991.
US 127 is a north–south highway passing between the city and neighboring East Lansing, continuing northerly toward Clare and Grayling and southerly toward Jackson, Michigan, and into Ohio.
Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides public transit bus service to the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area on 33 routes. CATA boasts the second highest ridership in the state of Michigan after Detroit with 53,000 daily rides in September 2008 and 11,306,339 rides in fiscal year 2008.[144] CATA also provides paratransit services through Spec-Tran and the "Night Owl". Also, the "Entertainment Express" (CATA route 4) runs Thursday through Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am connecting downtown Lansing's and East Lansing's entertainment districts. CATA won APTA's America's Best Transit Award in the medium-size category (4–30 million rides) in 2007. CATA has two transportation centers (CTC), one in downtown Lansing and one on the campus of Michigan State University. In 2010, a studyArchived June 15, 2016, at the Wayback Machine was conducted to consider ways of enhancing the Lansing-to-East Lansing route (currently known as Route 1), with options including enhanced bus service, single-car trolley service and light rail service. (Heavy rail was eliminated as an option early in the process, with enhanced bus service eventually winning out.)
Greyhound Lines provides inter-citybus service. CATA and Greyhound are both located in the CATA Transportation Center (CTC) in downtown Lansing.
Several taxicab companies serve the area. In 2001, Big Daddy Taxi opened using large vans to address the safety concerns of drunk driving and offered $3 rides for students of Michigan State University. In 2008 the Green Cab Company opened using Toyota Prius hybrid cars to provide "green" cabs to Lansing.[145]
The 13-mile (21 km), non-motorized Lansing River Trail runs along the Grand River and the Red Cedar River, running as far east as Michigan State University, and passes Potter Park Zoo, the Capitol Loop, and several other destinations of interest, and as far west as Moores Park. The trail is accessible at many points along it, some with car parking lots. The trails breadth is extended from time to time. Currently, the trailheads are:[146] North – Dietrich Park; East – Kircher Park; South – Maguire Park; West – Moores Park. All segments are hard-surfaced. The River Trail connects to other pathways/trails in the Lansing-metro area: East – Michigan State University path system; South – Sycamore Trail. Since the trail follows a river, most street crossings use platforms under existing street bridges to provide an uncommon amount of grade separation, to the benefit of both trail users and automobile traffic. As of February 2015, the River Trail is under construction to add paths as far as Holt.
Water supply, power and steam are municipally owned utilities which are provided by Lansing Board of Water & Light. In 2008 the Lansing BWL constructed Michigan's largest solar array towards the goal of increasing renewable energy in the energy grid.[147]
Lansing was a sister city of Kubyashi District in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The agreement began in 1992 and ended in practice when a change to the political structure of Saint Petersburg cancelled the district. The relations were officially severed by Lansing in 2013 as a protest of the laws against LGBT rights in Russia.[153]
^Official records for Lansing were kept in East Lansing from April 1863 to April 1948, Capital Region Int'l from May 1948 to July 1954, East Lansing again from August 1954 to April 1959, and again at Capital Region Int'l since May 1959. For more information, see ThreadEx.
^Kestenbaum, Justin L. (1981). Out of a Wilderness: An Illustrated History of Greater Lansing. Woodland Hills, California: Windsor Publications. pp. 10–11.
^Darling, Birt (1950). "Chapter 3. Revolution: The New Party". City in the Forest: The Story of Lansing. New York: Stratford House. pp. 34–37.
^Siebert, Wilbur Henry; Hart, Albert Bushnell (1898). "Routes through Indiana and Michigan in 1848 as traced by Lewis Falley". The underground railroad from slavery to freedom. New York: The Macmillan Company. p. 138. OCLC562699342.
^Hughes, Ivy; Makimaa, Holly (January 23, 2008). "Eastside Lansing Visiting Guide". CapitalGainsMedia.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
^Campbell, Kyle (October 2, 2011). "Seeking refuge". The State News. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^Campbell, Kyle (November 17, 2011). "Students help refugee center". The State News. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
^Vela, Susan (May 1, 2009). Wilson, Al (ed.). "Hospital's helipad may see a lot more traffic". Local & State. Lansing State Journal. Lansing, Michigan. p. B1. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
^"H.Inc". mwlofts.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2006.
^"Lansing High School". Michigan Historical Center; Department of History, Arts and Libraries. August 31, 2006. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
^Chrissie Dickinson (November 17, 2023). "Theater Loop – Chicago Tribune". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
Balaskovitz, Andy (November 28, 2012). "Despite hurdles, consolidating Lansing, East Lansing and Lansing Township makes sense". Lansing City Pulse. News section. Available on NewsBank, Record Number: 33658e6f3e435749c466e59bf44dd1b692752.
A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency or any entity. Personal injury lawyers primarily practice in the area of law known as tort law. Examples of common personal injury claims include injuries from slip and fall accidents, traffic collisions, defective products, workplace injuries and professional malpractice.
The term "trial lawyers" is used to refer to personal injury lawyers, even though many other types of lawyers, including defense lawyers and criminal prosecutors also appear in trials and even though most personal injury claims are settled without going to trial.
Lawyers may take continuing legal education (CLE) classes in order to learn about developments in the law or to learn about new practice areas. In states that require lawyers to attend CLE, personal injury lawyers may take CLE courses relevant to personal injury law, but are not required to do so.[2]
Certain bar associations and attorney organizations offer certifications, including certification of lawyers in the field of personal injury.[3] Certification is not required to practice personal injury law, but may help a lawyer demonstrate knowledge in the field to potential clients. Within the U.S., not all state bars offer certification for personal injury law. Some states, such as New Jersey,[4] allow lawyers to become Certified Trial Attorneys, a credential that is available to both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Some states, such as Arizona,[5] restrict the use of the words "specialist" or "specialize" to lawyers who have obtained a certification from the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in a specific field of law, with one such certification being in the area of personal injury law.
Lawyers may concentrate their practice to specific areas of law, including personal injury law.[6] Some lawyers may further specialize to a specific area of personal injury, such as medical malpractice law. By limiting the range of cases they handle, personal injury lawyers are able to acquire specialized knowledge and experience.
Before accepting a new case, a personal injury lawyer typically interviews a prospective client and evaluates the client's case to determine the basic facts and potential legal claims that might be made, identifies possible defendants, and evaluates the strength of the case.[7] A lawyer may decline to accept a case if the lawyer believes that the legal claims will not succeed in court, if the cost of litigation is expected to exceed the amount that can reasonably be recovered from the defendants as compensation for the client's injury.[8]
Lawyer fees may be charged in a number of ways, including contingency fees, hourly rates, and flat fees. In many countries, personal injury lawyers work primarily on a contingency fee basis, sometimes called an if-come fee, through which the lawyer receives a percentage of a client's recovery as a fee, but does not recover a fee if the claim is not successful.[7]
In some jurisdictions, or by virtue of the retainer agreement between an attorney and client, the amount of the legal fee may vary depending upon whether a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, or if the case goes to trial.[9] For example, a retainer agreement might provide that a lawyer will receive a 33 and 1/3% contingency fee if a case settles before a lawsuit is filed, a 40% contingency fee if the case settles after the lawsuit is filed, or up to 45% if the lawsuit goes to trial.
Due to the high cost of litigation, personal injury lawyers are rarely retained to work based on an hourly fee.[10] However, defense attorneys who are hired to contest personal injury claims are often paid on an hourly basis.
An attorney should provide diligent representation to clients, and the ultimate professional responsibility of a personal injury lawyer is to help plaintiffs obtain just compensation for their losses. As with all lawyers, the attorney-client relationship is governed by rules of ethics.[11]
In the United States, lawyers are regulated by codes of conduct established by state bar associations, which have the power to take disciplinary action against lawyers who violate professional or ethical regulations.[12] States normally require all contingency agreements between lawyers and their clients to be in writing, and may limit the amount that may be charged as a contingency fee to a specific maximum percentage of the recovery.
Although membership is not required for personal injury practice, many personal injury lawyers join professional associations. For example:
American Bar Association – a professional association dedicated to improving the legal system and providing accreditation for law schools and continuing legal education programs
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles – CAALA is one of the largest associations of plaintiffs' lawyers in the United States and hosts one of the largest annual attorneys' conventions.
American Association for Justice – an association of trial lawyers that was founded in 1946 by a group of plaintiffs' attorneys committed to safeguarding victims' rights. Prior to 2007, this organization was called the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, or ATLA.[13]
The National Trial Lawyers – a national organization composed of trial lawyers, offering networking opportunities, advocacy training and educational programs for trial lawyers.[14]
Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA) - a specialist bar association for UK barristers who practise in the field of personal injuries.[15]
Critics of personal injury lawyers claim that litigation increases the cost of products and services and the cost of doing business.[16] For example, critics of medical malpractice lawyers argue that lawsuits increase the cost of healthcare, and that lawsuits may inspire doctors to leave medical practice or create doctor shortages. These concerns, often raised in response to efforts to reform healthcare, have not been well substantiated. A publication by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found little evidence that traditional tort reforms affect medical liability costs or defensive medicine.[17] A study conducted on a bipartisan basis in Texas has found that tort reform, once enacted, had no impact on reducing the cost of medical care, tending to throw doubt on claims made by tort reform advocates.[18]
^Danzon, Patricia M. (1983). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation". The Bell Journal of Economics. 14 (1): 213–224. doi:10.2307/3003548. JSTOR3003548.
Are There Any Pro Bono Services or Financial Assistance Programs Available for Clients Who Cannot Afford Legal Representation at the Clark Law Office?
You might be wondering if there's any way to get legal help if you can't afford it. Yes, some firms offer pro bono services or financial aid programs for those in need.
Are There Specific Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Lansing That Differ From Michigan's State Laws?
Yes, you've got specific time limits to file a personal injury claim in Lansing, but they don't differ from Michigan's state laws. You'll need to act within these deadlines to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Are There Any Community Outreach or Pro Bono Programs Offered by the Clark Law Office to Support Those Who Cannot Afford Legal Representation?
Yes, you'll find that many law firms, including the one you're asking about, offer community outreach and pro bono programs to help those who can't afford legal representation, ensuring access to justice isn't limited by income.