Buckfire and Buckfire

Waterloo Township Hunting Accident

Posted on December 02nd 2008

A Waterloo Township hunting accident has left a local man in a drug-induced coma at University of Michigan Hospital Trauma Center.  Jerry Kennedy, 63, was shot in the face while hunting on November 26, 2008 at Waterloo Recreation Area in Waterloo Township.  Police are still investigating the accident but did state that Jerry Kennedy did not shoot himself.

I am very sorry this accident occurred.  I hope this man is able to have a complete recovery.  Police did indicate they expected to be able to speak to Jerry Kennedy later this week, and I certainly hope this is the case.

Although the police are still investigating whether they will file criminal charges against the person who shot Jerry Kennedy, his family, and, after he recovers somewhat, Jerry Kennedy as well, should consider that they may want to file what is called a civil lawsuit against the shooter.  This lawsuit would be a private action between Jerry Kennedy and the shooter.  As compared to a criminal case, lesser level of guilt or culpability would be required for Jerry Kennedy to prevail.  For instance, a negligence lawsuit would require Jerry Kennedy’s lawyer to prove the shooter did not use reasonable care when firing his weapon.  

This lawsuit could allow Jerry Kennedy to recover damages for his hospital bills and any follow-up treatment necessary.  He could also collect payment for lost wages or lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.  He or a member of his family should make arrangements to speak to a lawyer soon while witnesses’ memories are still fresh.

For more information about Michigan firearm injury cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan gun accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.



Categories: Hunting Accidents | Comments (3)| Permalink | Trackback | Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Harbor Beach Hunting Accident

Posted on December 02nd 2008

A Harbor Beach hunting accident resulted in the death of a hunter on November 30, 2008 when a man fell 25 feet from his tree stand.  Scott Booms was hunting with his two sons and brother-in-law when he fell in a wooded region near Kaufman and Parisville.  He was pronounced dead at Harbor Beach Hospital.  Authorities attributed the fall to a broken bolt that connected the blind to the tree. 

I am very sorry this accident occurred.  I want to extend my sympathies to Scott Booms’ family, especially his sons and brother-in-law. 

When a hunter is killed in a fall from a tree stand, it is usually not the hunter’s fault.  The fall can happen for a variety of reasons.  One of the most important is that the tree stand itself is defective.  In 2007, for example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 9000 tree stands were recalled after securing pins failed.  A very large number of these defective products were discovered only after their owners had suffered injuries from serious falls.  There have been cases in the past where falls similar to this one were caused by tree stands that were defective when they were sold.  When this happens, a fall may give rise to a lawsuit against the manufacturer and seller of the tree stand.

In addition, if someone else was negligent in setting up this particular tree stand, the estate of Scott Booms could sue that person.  Since it was likely one of Scott Booms’ sons or brother-in-law that set up the tree stand, the family may be hesitant to sue them.  However, if there is an insurance policy in place which would cover this loss, it may actually be worth it to sue a relative since the insurance company will defend the lawsuit and pay any damages awarded.  By speaking with a lawyer, the family could evaluate whether a lawsuit is something they want to pursue.  They could also better determine if they can collect damages from a non-family member or from an insurance company without filing a lawsuit. 

For more information about Michigan hunting accident cases, visit our law firm web site at http://www.buckfirelaw.com/.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan hunting accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.



Categories: Hunting Accidents | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback | Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Oakland County Ice Hazards

Posted on December 02nd 2008

Oakland County ice hazards were the subject of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in its warning to people about the dangers of thin ice.  The Sheriff’s Department advises that judging whether ice is thick enough to be safe is often difficult.  They recommend at least 5 inches of solid clear ice for general foot traffic, such as ice skaters and anglers, and at least 8 inches of solid clear ice for travel by snowmobiles and off road vehicles.  They also recommend parents talk to their children about the dangers of ice breaking because it has not yet had adequate time to freeze to a thickness that would be safe for activities.

Pets wandering out onto a frozen pond or lake are a common cause of drowning, hypothermia, and other injuries.  If a pet wanders out onto ice, resist the urge to go out after it and try to coax the pet off the ice from a safe location.

For more information about Michigan personal injury cases, visit our law firm web site at http://www.buckfirelaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan personal injury attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.



Categories: personal injury | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback | Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post
« Previous Page