Civil Litigation

Being an experienced litigator means not only understanding the legal elements and defenses of a case, but being able to bring that matter to a resolution in a timely manner. We have a broad civil litigation practice, including the following areas:

Commercial Litigation: Parties enter into contracts believing that the relationship will be harmonious. Unfortunately, over time, parties may disagree on the nature of the agreement or whether the contract has been performed to satisfaction. We can provide representation in a contract dispute, whether the other party is in breach or you are accused of breaching.

Insurance Coverage Disputes: The wording of insurance policies is often unclear to an insured – it may even be unclear to the insurance company who drafted the language, or to unrelated insurance companies that are seeking contribution from your carrier. We represent both insureds and insurance companies in resolving questions about their rights and duties under an insurance policy.

Employment and Employment Discrimination: Everyone should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. While our nation’s culture has become much more sensitive to the diversity of its citizenship, there are some individuals that make their coworker’s or employee’s lives unbearable on the job. If you have suffered from such discrimination or have been wrongfully terminated, we can help you in recovering lost wages and damages.

Noncompetition Agreements: Noncompetition agreements are common in many employment settings. There are strict limits on the restrictions that may be contained in noncompetition agreements, including limits on the geographic area of the restriction, the length of time that a restriction is effective, and even the types of jobs that may be subject to any sort of restriction. Unfortunately, some employers require their employees to sign excessively broad noncompetition agreements, or try to apply them unfairly. We assist employees in determining their legal rights under such agreements and negotiation or, if necessary, litigating with the employer to limit such agreements to their legal extent. We also can review agreements prior to signing, and work to negotiate changes.

Classic Automobile Restoration: Under Michigan law, motor vehicle repair facilities are required to provide their customers with written estimates, or obtain very specific written waivers, in order to repair or restore motor vehicles. When the facility fails to provide the required estimate (or waiver), the facility can be liable for the cost to complete the repair or restoration, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. These laws apply not only to ordinary repairs, but also to restoration work, such as restoring classic cars to their like-new condition. We represent individuals who have hired motor vehicle repair facilities to restore their classic automobiles that have failed to provide clear written estimates and/or waivers, or have failed to repair or restore the vehicle in the manner promised.

Automobile Accidents: People who are injured in automobile accidents may have “first-party” claims against their insurance companies for medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services and attendant care benefits, as well as potential “third party” claims against the individual who caused the automobile accidents. These matters are governed by inflexible rules set forth in the statutes and caselaw. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, we can help you protect your claims to your no-fault benefits or a third party recovery.

Identity Theft and Fraud: While the internet is a wonderful tool, a downside to the digital revolution is the proliferation of “hackers” and other individuals who steal credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information for their own gain. We can assist you in stopping the damage, restoring your credit record, and pursuing those responsible for putting your financial security at risk.

Consumer Protection: In order to prevent identity theft and credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Reporting Act provides that no person that accepts credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business shall print more than the last five digits of the card number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the cardholder at the point of sale transaction. If a merchant provides a receipt that violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it could be liable for statutory penalties from $100 to $1,000 as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.

For more information about the Good Firm and their practices, please follow this link http://thegoodfirm.com