When it comes to finding a leading injury lawyer in Lansing, client testimonials and success stories are, without a doubt, invaluable resources! Learn more about Injury accident law consultation Lansing here. They provide genuine insights into how lawyers handle cases, and they can be a deciding factor when youre in the process of choosing someone to represent you.
First off, lets address the elephant in the room-no ones gonna tell you that every lawyer will win every case. Thats simply not true. But, what really matters is how hard they fight for their clients and how committed they are to securing the best possible outcome. Testimonials arent just words; theyre a testament to a lawyers dedication and skill.
For example, one client (lets call her Jane) shared her experience with a Lansing injury lawyer. She was in a pretty bad car accident and was overwhelmed with medical bills and insurance jargon. Jane didnt know where to turn and was on the verge of giving up, thinking she wouldnt get the compensation she deserved. But then, she stumbled upon a lawyer who not only explained everything in simple terms but also fought tirelessly on her behalf. As Jane puts it, "I couldnt have done it without them."
Success stories like Janes are not uncommon. They show that while not every case is a slam dunk, having a lawyer who genuinely cares can make all the difference. And hey, lets not forget that sometimes, success isnt just about winning a case-its about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have someone in your corner whos looking out for you.
Moreover, these stories also highlight the importance of communication. One client, Tom, mentioned how his lawyer kept him in the loop every step of the way. He said, "I never felt left in the dark, and that transparency was a huge relief." Its not just about the outcome; its about feeling supported throughout the process.
In conclusion, client testimonials and success stories are more than just reviews; theyre a window into a lawyers practice and a reflection of their commitment to their clients. So, if youre in Lansing and in need of an injury lawyer, take these stories to heart. They might just lead you to the right person wholl fight for you when you need it most.
Understanding the Legal Process in Injury Cases
When youre dealing with injury cases, understanding the legal process can seem like a daunting task. Its not just about filing a claim and waiting for a settlement to roll in. Neck and back injury lawyer Oh no, its much more complex than that! The legal process involves multiple steps, and missing just one could be a setback for your case. Thats why its crucial to have a good grasp of whats involved and not underestimate its importance.
First off, lets talk about the initial consultation. This is where youll meet with your attorney (hopefully one of Lansings leading injury lawyers), and theyll evaluate your case. Theyll want to know all the nitty-gritty details-what happened, when, where, and how. Fatal accident lawyer You might think you can skip this part, but dont! Its essential for laying the groundwork for your case.
Next up is the investigation phase. This part involves gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and maybe even hiring experts to analyze certain aspects of the case. It sounds tedious, doesnt it? But its critical for building a strong case. Without solid evidence, you cant expect to make a convincing argument.
Now, lets not forget about negotiations. Many people think cases always go to court, but thats not true. Most injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. Your lawyer will work to get you the best possible deal, but sometimes that means being patient and waiting for the right offer. It aint a fast process, but its often a necessary one.
If negotiations dont lead to a satisfactory outcome, then comes the trial. This is where things get really serious. Youll have to present your case in front of a judge and jury, and it can be nerve-wracking. But with a skilled lawyer by your side, youve got a fighting chance!
So, if youre in Lansing and youve been injured, dont try to navigate this process alone. Reach out to one of Lansings leading injury lawyers today and let them guide you through it. Remember, you dont have to go it alone. The legal process may be complex, but with the right help, you can tackle it head-on.
Tips for Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
When youre faced with a legal issue, especially something as serious as an injury case, picking the right lawyer isnt just important-its crucial! But how do you make sure youre choosing the right one? Well, there are a few key considerations that should guide your decision.
First and foremost, you want to make sure the lawyer you choose has (experience) in the area of law that pertains to your case. Not all lawyers are created equal, and someone whos a whiz at corporate law might not be the best fit for a personal injury case. So, dont hesitate to ask about their specific experience with cases like yours. If they havent handled anything similar, its probably a sign to keep looking.
Another thing to consider is their reputation. A lawyers reputation can speak volumes about what you can expect from them. Check out reviews, ask for references, and see what others have to say about their experiences. After all, you wouldnt want to hire someone who has a track record of poor communication or, worse, losing cases!
Also, lets talk about communication. It's vital that you feel comfortable communicating with your lawyer. If you find yourself struggling to get in touch with them or if they seem uninterested in your concerns, that's a red flag. The right lawyer should be someone who listens to you and keeps you updated on your cases progress. You need someone whos not just available but approachable.
Cost is another factor you simply cant ignore.
Discover Lansingrs Leading Injury Lawyers Today - Neck and back injury lawyer
Lyft accident lawyer
Hotel accident lawyer
Personal injury protection lawyer
Legal fees can add up quickly, and you dont want to be caught off guard with unexpected expenses. Make sure you understand their fee structure beforehand. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis (meaning they only get paid if you win), while others may charge hourly or flat rates. Be clear about this from the get-go to avoid any surprises later on.
Now, if youre specifically looking for injury lawyers in Lansing, youre in luck. Lansing has some great options! But remember, just because a lawyer is well-known doesnt mean theyre the right fit for you. Trust your instincts, do your research, and dont be afraid to meet with multiple lawyers before making your decision.
In conclusion, choosing the right lawyer for your case involves considering their experience, reputation, communication skills, and cost. By taking these factors into account, youll increase your chances of finding someone whos truly the right fit for you. And hey, once youve found the perfect lawyer, youll be able to face your legal battle with more confidence!
Common Challenges in Injury Law and How Lansing Lawyers Overcome Them
Injury law, like any field, has its fair share of challenges. Its not a walk in the park for anyone involved, be it the victim or the lawyer. In Lansing, a city bustling with life and activity, injury lawyers face many of these hurdles head-on, using their expertise and dedication to help their clients navigate through difficult times. So, what are these common challenges, and how do Lansings leading injury lawyers overcome them? Lets dive in.
One of the most significant challenges in injury law is dealing with insurance companies. These entities are not always eager to pay out claims, even when theyre valid. Theyre in the business to make profits, after all. Lansing lawyers often have to negotiate relentlessly to ensure their clients get a fair settlement. They know how to handle these negotiations, using their knowledge and experience to counter the tactics that insurance companies might employ. Its not easy, but they get it done.
Another challenge is gathering sufficient evidence to support a clients claim. Without solid evidence, a case might not hold up in court. Lansing lawyers are adept at conducting thorough investigations (sometimes working with private investigators) to collect all the necessary evidence. They know that without this step, the battle might be lost before it even begins. Oh, and lets not forget the importance of documentation - it cant be overstated! Lawyers have to ensure every detail is recorded accurately, from medical records to accident reports.
Moreover, dealing with the emotional toll on clients is a challenge thats often overlooked. Injury cases can be emotionally draining for victims, who might be dealing with pain, loss, or trauma. Lansing lawyers dont just focus on the legal aspects; they also provide support and reassurance to their clients. They know that being there for their clients, offering a listening ear, and showing empathy can make all the difference in the world.
Injury laws themselves can be quite complex, with various statutes and regulations to consider. Lawyers have to keep up with any changes in the law (and there are many!). Lansings leading injury attorneys are committed to continuous learning, ensuring theyre always well-informed and ready to tackle any legal complexities that may arise.
Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, Lansings injury lawyers are incredibly resourceful. They dont shy away from a fight, they embrace it! Theyve developed strategies and honed their skills to overcome these obstacles, helping their clients achieve justice and fair compensation. It aint easy, but theyre not ones to back down. Through perseverance, expertise, and a touch of compassion, they continue to lead the way in injury law.
Founded in 1835 and designated as Michigan's state capital in 1847, Lansing was selected for its more central location after concerns about Detroit's vulnerability to British attack in the War of 1812. The city's history is closely tied to the rise of industry in Michigan. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lansing became a prominent center in the automobile industry. Oldsmobile and REO Motor Car Company, both founded by Ransom E. Olds, were among its most prominent manufacturers.
Lansing's economy is diverse, driven by state government operations, higher education, health care, and insurance. Neighboring East Lansing is home to Michigan State University, one of the largest and most prominent research universities in the U.S. Major companies based in the city include Jackson National Life and Auto-Owners Insurance. Cultural attractions include the Michigan State Capitol building, the Impression 5 Science Center, and Library of Michigan. 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,[7] but the county maintains some offices in Lansing.
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.[8][9] 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.[10] 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.[11]
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.[11]
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.[12]
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.[13] 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.[12]
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:[12]
"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.[14]
"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.[14]
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.[14]
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".[15] 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.[13]
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.[16] 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.[17] 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).[18]
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.[19][20]
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 Lewis Cass 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.[21]
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.[22][23] 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."[22]
The incident was widely reported, including a photospread in Life.[22] While the Lansing State Journal coverage stressed the danger of the incident,[24] the Detroit Free Press noted that witnesses cried out "Murderers! Murderers!" as police fired eight shots.[25]
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.[26] Then teenage Lansing residents who had goaded the elephant later on recalled the incident with sober regret in a local newspaper retrospective in 2011.[24]
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.[27] 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.[28] 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).[28]
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.
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.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] 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.[32] Downriver and north of downtown is historic Old Town Lansing with many architecturally significant buildings dating to the mid-19th century.[33] 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.[34] 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.[35]
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.[36]
Lansing has a Midwestern humid continental climate (KöppenDfb/Dfa) that is influenced by the Great Lakes, and is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5b.[42] 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.[43] 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,[43] and −37 °F (−38 °C) on February 2, 1868,[44] 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.[43] 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]
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.[52]
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.[53]
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.[54] 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.[55] Nearby Michigan State University provides a source of volunteers for many of these programs.[56][57]
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.[59] The Lansing School District offers language immersion programs for its students in both Spanish and Chinese.[60]
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.[62] The first Quality Dairy Store opened in 1936 and as of 2023 there are 26 retail locations in the Mid-Michigan area.[63][64][65] Quality Dairy Company's headquarters is located near REO Town in Lansing[66] and operates its Dairy Plant and Bakery Plant from central Lansing as well.[67]
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.[70] A combination retail and residential complex immediately south of Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park) called "The Stadium District", was completed in 2007.[71] The Stadium District was redeveloped using a grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority through the Cool Cities Initiative.[72][73]
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.[74] 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.[75] 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.[76]
Lansing has several farmers' markets throughout the city in the summer months. These markets include the Allen Street Farmer's Market[77] on the city's eastside, the Westside Farmers' Market, the Old Town Farmer's Market, and the South Lansing Farmer's Market.[78]
The African American Parade occurs in Lansing's Westside as part of the annual Juneteenth Celebration[79] 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.[80]
Lansing has a rich musical heritage, highlighted by the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, which has entertained the region since 1929. The city hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year, including the Lansing JazzFest and Old Town BluesFest, which attract leading musicians and large crowds.[81] The Common Ground Music Festival is held over a week every July at the Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing, pulling in crowds over 90,000 for the week.[82]
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[83] 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.[84]
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.[85]
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),[87] the Lansing Civic Players,[88] and the now defunct BoarsHead Theater[89] are or were all located in downtown. Peppermint Creek Theatre Company[90] is a well established "new" theater company. Happendance, Michigan's longest-running professional modern dance company, has been based in Greater Lansing since 1976.[91] The Greater Lansing Ballet Company is a ballet and dance company. The Creole Gallery[92] brings in various musicians and hosts the Icarus Falling Theater group.
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.[93][94] In 2011 the Black Rhino exhibit opened; and three tiger cubs were born. In 2016 a 3-acre moose exhibit opened in the park.[95]
In October 2009 the Wharton Center for Performing Arts completed a 24,000 square feet (2,230 m2), $18.5 million expansion and renovation,[96] having already spent over $1.3 million in 2008.[97] Many Broadway shows come to The Wharton Center before traveling to theaters in larger places such as Chicago.[98] The Kresge Art Museum,[99] the MSU Museum,[100] and the Abrams Planetarium[101] 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.[102] 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.[103] It was renamed again to Jackson Field after a change in sponsorship to Jackson National Life.[104]
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.
Lansing City Hall & Lansing Police Department Central Precinct
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.[105] The mayor is obligated to appoint department heads 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.[105] 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.[106] Half the council is up for election every two years, including two ward seats and two at-large seats.[107] 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.[105] 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.[105]
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.[108][109]
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.[110]
Michigan State University is known as "the pioneer land grant college" and 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.
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.
The 20-mile (32 km), non-motorized Lansing River Trail runs along the Grand River and the Red Cedar River.[140] It extends as far east as Michigan State University, passing Potter Park Zoo, the Capitol Loop, and several other destinations of interest, and runs as far west as Moores Park. The trail can be reached using many dedicated access points, including eight with parking lots nearby.[141] The trail's breadth is extended from time to time. Currently, the trailheads are: North – Dietrich Park; East – Kircher Park; South – Maguire Park; West – Moores Park.[142] 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.[citation needed]
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.[143] Natural gas is provided by Consumers Energy.
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.[149]
^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.
^Chrissie Dickinson (November 17, 2023). "Theater Loop – Chicago Tribune". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved December 20, 2008.
^"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.
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 or 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.
The market for personal injury firms is highly competitive in the U.S., and some firms maintain large marketing budgets to attract potential clients. Marketing efforts include advertising on television, radio, the Internet and social media, billboards, and in print publications. In some jurisdictions, lawyer marketing has moved away from the historic expectation of decorum in lawyer advertising. An industry has arisen for law firms that do little legal practice, instead focusing on client generation and referral of cases to other law firms.[13]
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.[14]
The National Trial Lawyers – a national organization composed of trial lawyers, offering networking opportunities, advocacy training and educational programs for trial lawyers.[15]
Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA) - a specialist bar association for UK barristers who practise in the field of personal injuries.[16]
Critics of personal injury lawyers claim that litigation increases the cost of products and services and the cost of doing business.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19]
^Danzon, Patricia M. (1983). "Contingent Fees for Personal Injury Litigation". The Bell Journal of Economics. 14 (1): 213–224. doi:10.2307/3003548. JSTOR3003548.
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Claims That Involve Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists in Lansing?
Yes, a personal injury lawyer can assist you with claims involving uninsured or underinsured motorists in Lansing. They'll navigate the legal complexities to ensure you're fairly compensated for any damages or injuries you've sustained.
What Role Do Expert Witnesses Play in Car Accident Cases, and How Are They Selected?
Expert witnesses in car accident cases provide crucial insights on technical aspects, and they're selected for their expertise in relevant fields. You'll find they play a key role in supporting claims and clarifying complex issues.
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.