Gaylord Personal Injury Lawyers

Patrick Derkacz grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended public school. He graduated from Warren Mott High school in 1984 where he played football. He then went to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. After graduation he worked as an analytical chemist for the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan for several years.

Mr. Derkacz went back to law school at the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School) in 1990. He graduated from DCL with Honors in 1993. While in Law School he participated in the...

Car accidents are extremely serious and can occur with little to no warning. If you are dealing with damages or injuries from a car accident, you may be wondering where you can even begin to turn to find the help and representation your case requires. You can breathe more easily now, because you have come to the right place! At Abrahams Law firm, you can receive the help you need from Attorney Abrahams. He is a car accident attorney in Detroit who has dealt with all kinds of car accidents and car accident injuries and is well equipped to take...

I am dedicated to being an advocate. Every day unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment and avoidable accidents leave people with medical bills, wage loss and lost hope. Insurance companies, in spite of their "feel good" television ads, make it difficult for injured people to obtain full compensation to pay medical bills and restore balance to their lives. We can help. We can tell you the benefits that you should be paid. We can deal with the insurance company: in or out of court. People may say that I practice personal injury or product liability, but what I really do is...

Admitted to the practice of law in 1971 and formed the Law Firm of Colman and Goodman, P.C. in 1974 in the Sterling Heights/Utica communities of Macomb County, Michigan. In August 2015 Colman Law Center, PLLC was established. It is a law office dedicated to the general practice of law with an emphasis in the area of family law encompassing, but not limited to, divorce, custody, parenting time, It child/spousal support and change of residence. Neil M. Colman has rendered skillful and conscientious representation for clients throughout Southeastern Michigan for more than 45 years. Other areas of practice include, but...

Mark's practice is primarily focused on aviation law and complex personal injury law. Aviation law is a very general term and can encompass a broad swath of practice areas, Generally, Mark's aviation law practice includes the representation of persons injured or killed in aviation in air carrier (airline) passenger accidents, passenger board bridge (sometimes called jetbridge or jetway) injuries or airport injuries. Other types of personal injury cases Mark regularly handles include other travel/tourism-related common carriage or travel-related locales such as, shuttle bus, cruise ship, recreational and hotel & resort settings. As an FAA certificated commercial pilot and...

Melanie graduated from the Detroit College of Law Cum Laude in 1986. She received her BS in Business Management from Detroit College of Business Magna Cum Laude in 1982. She then practiced at corporate law firms and insurance defense law firms for the next 35 years. Over that time, she managed an insurance defense law firm for one large insurance company. She has also tried more than 100 lawsuits to a jury verdict. She was one of the prominent trial attorneys for a large national insurance company. Melanie is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation...

Over 30 years, Joseph Dedvukaj has been a strong advocate on behalf of those who wrongly suffered a personal injury. Today, the firm is known for winning large settlements and verdicts for personal injury accidents. Joseph Dedvukaj continues to provide client’s the manpower and resources to professionally handle any case, no matter how complex. Joseph Dedvukaj’s firm is a top personal injury firm in the United States, winning some of the largest settlements and verdicts. To date, we’ve won hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Our firm is passionate about fighting for the...

Paul Wheatley graduated from Michigan State University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in environmental journalism. During his time at MSU he worked as a reporter for the state news. He later worked as a city reporter for the Petoskey news-review in Petoskey, MI., and the Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown, Ohio. Paul earned a scholarship to the Thomas m. Cooley law school and earned his law degree with a concentration in environmental law. He interned, clerked, and worked as an attorney for the Liblang law firm, pc where he aided clients with consumer law –...

Perry graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While attending Wayne State University Law School, he clerked for the Hon. Alice L. Gilbert who handled a diverse civil and criminal docket at the Oakland County Circuit Court. During that clerkship, he gained immeasurable courtroom experience assisting the judge with trials that ranged from complex contract disputes to first-degree felonies. That experience informed his decisions as an attorney and has led to a 20-plus year career working as an advocate for people in such areas as: real estate law including landlord tenant; personal injury law...

James Wendt graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2007. While at Eastern Michigan, James was recognized as “Most Outstanding Junior Class Business Student” as well as “Most Outstanding Senior Class Business Student.” Thereafter, he attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class and received honors for his work in legal research and writing. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in January of 2012, he maintained a private practice, serving clients in the areas of domestic litigation and criminal defense. In his free time, James enjoys...

Lewis decided to become personal injury attorney because he enjoys protecting the rights of the seriously injured. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor Science in Biology. While at the University of Michigan, Lewis developed an interest in the areas of anatomy and physiology. He then attended Loyola University’s School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated Cum Laude. After law school, Lewis lived and practiced law in San Francisco and San Diego before returning home to Detroit. He has experience in the areas of personal injury litigation, insurance defense litigation and patent prosecution. He is...

Julia F. Opiela graduated from Michigan State University, James Madison College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. During her undergraduate studies, she was one of ten U.S. students selected as a President Clinton Scholar and spent one year of international study at American University Dubai. Thereafter, she attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in May 2015. While in law school, Julia was a member of the international law society and recipient of the Trustee Fieldman and Weiner Endowed Scholarships. She spent a semester...

Cole Schmidt graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009, and went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. While attending law school, Cole interned with the Owosso city attorney and performed criminal prosecution in accordance with Michigan’s court rules; he also assisted with many matters both municipal and civil. After law school, Cole clerked for Oakland County’s corporation counsel before joining a small private practice firm specializing in home/auto insurance defense and dram shop actions. As a social security attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Cole has successfully helped hundreds of...

John Nachazel, Jr. graduated from the Honors College at Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics. John graduated from Michigan State in just three years with two majors. While at Michigan State, John worked as a Research Assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the College of Engineering and as one of only three Philosophy Department Tutors. He then attended the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona on a full tuition scholarship. While at the University of Arizona, John was the 2017-2018 Chester E. Smith Fellow and the 2019-2020...

Joshua Shope earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Michigan, Magna Cum Laude, in 2006. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2010. During his time at the University of Michigan Law School, he was an Associate Editor on the Michigan Journal of Race and Law, and he interned at the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Joshua worked for a large firm handling civil litigation cases. In his free time, Joshua enjoys spending time with family and reading.

Robert S. Silverman graduated with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1992. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree Magna Cum Laude from The Detroit College of Law in 1995. While a law student, Robert was on Law Review and was a published author in The Detroit College of Law Review. He is currently licensed in Michigan, New York, and the Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. At the beginning of his legal career, Robert represented local hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice litigation. Later, Robert worked for State Farm Insurance for 10...

Eric M. Simpson has been dedicated to protecting the rights of the seriously injured and their families for his entire legal career. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. He then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1997 with his Juris Doctor. Not only is Eric a licensed member of The State Bar of Michigan, but also The North Carolina State Bar and The State Bar of Texas. He has practiced law in many different States and throughout the State of Michigan. He has extensive knowledge of...

Madeline “Maddy” Sinkovich studied history and played softball at Kalamazoo College. While at K, Maddy studied abroad at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. She then received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. While at WSU, Maddy was the Chair of the Damon J. Keith Students for Civil Rights and awarded the Outstanding Law Student award by the Detroit chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. Maddy is a passionate advocate who believes in using the law for positive social change. Maddy is on the appellate team at the Mike Morse Law Firm where she uses her skills in...

Brent Thomas graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration. Also, while at Northeastern University he was a member of the Northeastern University, Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team. After college, he attended Suffolk University Law School, in Boston, where he earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude in 2003. During law school, Brent worked with the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency where he honed his writing and advocacy skills. After law school, Brent has spent his entire career fighting insurance companies and helping...

Nadeem Noah Harfouch is the founder of The Harfouch Law Firm, PLLC located in Troy, Michigan. The firm provides businesses and individuals with legal representation in various business and personal matters. Having completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Western Michigan University, and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Michigan State University, Mr. Harfouch is licensed to practice in the State of Michigan, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Before starting The Harfouch Law Firm, Mr. Harfouch handled complex business and commercial litigation with a prominent Michigan law firm. Mr. Harfouch is a member...

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. In 1991, he graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School. Daniel specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and general negligence cases. He is rated as a "Superb" lawyer by the top internet lawyer rating service and "Best Personal Injury Lawyer" by a Detroit business magazine. Daniel's adept knowledge of these areas of law has resulted in...

Evan has always shown tremendous dedication and empathy for his clients and the catastrophic issues they face. His rapid trajectory to partner is due to his hard work, excellent handling of cases and high praise from his clients. His leadership at the firm and his quick and enthusiastic handling of responsibilities have led him to be named a Partner in 2021. He handles complex cases including those heading to trial. He has experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including medical malpractice, sex abuse and harassment, auto and trucking cases. Evan is a committed attorney who fights and succeeds...

I have been practicing law in Metro Detroit since 1993. My expertise is in civil litigation. I am in courts all over the tri-county area a few times each week. I am well versed in law and procedure and we can make a comprehensive strategy that will get you the best resolution possible for your difficult situation.

Canon J. Thomas graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. During Canon’s undergraduate studies, he was very involved in his community. He co-founded the organization ReliveTheBAR, which is dedicated to strengthening the community between Black students and alumni of U of M through book drives and apparel. Canon was also a recipient of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award. Canon received his Juris Doctor degree from Western State College of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. During law school, Canon was a Dean’s Fellow, the inaugural Thurgood Marshall...

Lisa Screen practiced criminal law for over ten years before transitioning into the auto insurance arena in 2012. Screen has aggressively tried over 250 cases to a jury, and while as an assistant prosecuting attorney, she litigated several high-profile cases and was specially assigned to the Homicide Division for most of her tenure at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit, MI. She successfully convicted two individuals of murder despite the victim’s body never being located. Prior to working at the Prosecutor’s Office, she was an associate at a medical malpractice insurance defense firm. Up until she joined...

Bjornrae Kemp is an associate attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2009. He went on to earn his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Since 2020, he has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice law in Texas. Bjornrae has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients. In his free time, Bjornrae enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and reading.

Dan Hohf graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While at WMU, he served as a Museum Technician at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania as well as at the Kingman Museum in Battle Creek, Michigan. He joined the Mike Morse Law Firm team in 2011 as a paralegal and eventually went on to earn his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2019. While attending law school, he remained employed at the Mike Morse Law Firm as well as served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Edward...

For the past 30 years, Mike Cunningham has been enormously successful in representing injured plaintiffs in medical malpractice, auto accident, and premises liability matters, obtaining many verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million. He has also pursued cases with similar outcomes in other states including California, Ohio, and Illinois.

Outside of the office, Mike’s hobbies include playing guitar and golf.

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I started my own law practice in May 2011 and have been servicing clients in the Metro Detroit area ever since. I have a varied general practice but specialize in the following areas:

Criminal Defense- All Misdemeanor and Felony cases including Operating while intoxicated, Retail Fraud, Possession of Analogues, Embezzlement/Larceny Crimes, Possession of Marijuana, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Disorderly Conduct/Person, Malicious Destruction of Property, Driving While License Suspended, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Reckless Driving.
Civil Infractions-All traffic tickets and citations including Speeding, Careless Driving, Disobeying a Traffic Signal, Failure to...

Ben Wilensky is a member of Sommers Schwartz’s Personal Injury Litigation Group and focuses his practice on representing railroad workers who seek compensation for on-the-job injuries under the Federal Employers' Liability Act.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Ben served as an aide to U.S. Senators Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg in Washington, D.C. He then pursued his law degree at Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he was an Executive Articles Editor and a member of the Executive Board of the Law Review, and a professorial research assistant, before earning his Juris Doctor.

In addition to his active FELA practice, Ben has...

Arvin Pearlman is nationally known for the successful outcomes he has obtained on behalf of railroad workers who are injured or killed in the course of their employment. Since concentrating his practice on Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) litigation in 1979, Arvin has tried numerous personal injury cases before judges and juries across the United States, many with multi-million dollar awards. FELA cases arise from many types of railroad workplace negligence including unsafe work environments, exposure to harmful substances and occupational illness, faulty equipment, and off-site injuries. He is designated legal counsel for the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen in...

Thomas N. Economy received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1996, and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999. His practice is devoted to representing seriously injured persons in cases involving no-fault insurance, automobile negligence and premises liability. He has successfully handled numerous important cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. He is an active member of both the American Association for Justice and Michigan Association for Justice. Email: tom@buckfirelaw.com

Sean McNally comes from a family with a long history of legal practice in Michigan. Since 1927, four generations have consistently practiced in the state. Sean is the son of the longest-serving judge in Michigan's 33rd District Court, so he knows what it takes to deliver effective legal counsel. He focuses his efforts on litigating against major insurance companies on behalf of his clients, and loves working as their zealous advocate. Sean attended and graduated from James Madison College at Michigan State University, then attended and graduated from Wayne State University Law School. During his studies, he focused on material that...

Maurice C. Davis is an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer and personal injury attorney who has successfully represented clients on charges ranging from aggravated assault and manslaughter to speeding and drug paraphernalia, along with representing clients who who were victims of car & trucks accidents or medical malpractice. A skilled negotiator, Maurice also works diligently to defend clients' rights in litigation and ensure the best possible outcome for their situation. Maurice is an alumnus of Michigan State University and Florida State University College of Law. Learn how Maurice Davis can use his legal knowledge and experience to help.

Anne Buckleitner puts her more than 30 years in government and law to work for clients in the areas of civil rights, employment law, criminal defense, facilitative mediation and neutral workplace investigations. She litigates in both federal and state courts. Anne is an accomplished litigator and counselor, an experienced problem solver, and a strong advocate. Through negotiation, litigation, and mediation, Anne identifies and obtains the best possible results for her clients. Anne makes good communication with her clients a priority.

Anne was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She spent the first chapter of her career working for the federal...

Nate is a personal injury lawyer with Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers,. In 2018, the National Trial Lawyers Association named Nate one of its Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Michigan. Nate graduated from the University of Michigan and Chicago-Kent College of Law. While in law school, Nate interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Federal Defender. Nate graduated from the Trial Lawyers College in 2017, a prestigious trial program taught by several of the nation’s top trial attorneys. Nate practices personal injury law because, according to him, it is a battle for...

Mr. Fleming obtained his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Upon his admission to SIU School of Law, Mr. Fleming was granted the Dean's Scholarship, which he was able to retain for the full three years of law school. While in Law School, Mr. Fleming had the distinction of interning with the Missouri State Public Defenders office for both summers of law school. Mr. Fleming additionally holds a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University in Management. In his spare time, Mr. Fleming likes to volunteer within the community and play adult-league hockey.

Gary Safir is a personal injury trial lawyer who specializes in fighting for victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents, including “low speed” or “low-impact” accidents with minimal vehicle body damage. Gary believes that, no matter the speed of the crash, if a client’s injury has affected their life, their case is worth the fight. He is currently the senior trial attorney at Scott Goodwin Law, P.C., in Birmingham, MI. Gary has recovered millions of dollars for his clients and has been recognized as a top-rated personal injury attorney by nationally recognized legal rating services. Gary considers it a privilege to...