Michigan No-Fault PIP Law: False Statements During Discovery
A Michigan No-Fault PIP claimant made false statements in his Interrogatory answers during the course of litigation. He claimed that he was providing attendant care for the injured party after the injured party had died. The Trial Court dismissed the claim based upon the provisions of MCL §500.3173a(4) which addresses fraudulent insurance acts. The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the claim to the Trial Court.
Only fraudulent claims made during the pre-litigation process are covered by MCL §500.3173(a)(4) which addresses fraudulent insurance acts. Statements made for the first-time during discovery cannot form the basis of a fraudulent insurance act defense.
Click on the link to read the court opinion in the case of Williamson v AAA of Michigan.
About Alexander & Angelas, P.C.
Alexander & Angelas, P.C. represents defendants in civil liability litigation across Michigan and Northern Ohio. The firm’s practice areas include insurance defense litigation, premises liability, motor carrier (trucking) defense, corporate and commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, auto negligence, insurance coverage disputes, emergency casualty response services, alternative dispute resolution, subrogation claims, workers’ compensation, employment law, and liquor liability.
Attorneys practice in all state and federal courts in Michigan, including Wayne County (Detroit), Macomb County (Mount Clemens), Oakland County (Pontiac), Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor), and Genesee County (Flint). Legal services are also provided in Northern Ohio. Since its founding in 1992, the firm has litigated over 4,000 civil cases.
A 24/7 Emergency Hotline is available (800-219-0007) for trucking and insurance company clients. When an accident requires an immediate response to protect evidence, members of the firm quickly launch an investigation with the assistance of well-qualified accident investigators, crash re-constructionists, mechanical engineers, civil evidence photographers, and independent adjusters positioned throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio.
Alexander & Angelas, P.C. measures its performance based upon three key metrics: aging of claims, indemnity expense, and legal defense costs. The firm refuses to over-litigate cases merely to increase legal fees, and strives to resolve matters within one year from initial case assignment.
