In every attorney’s career, there’s always a small chance that they will get lucky enough to represent a client whose case is so specific it will reshape the way people view society. It’s rare for most, but it does happen. That is, unless, you’re part of our exceptional legal team, like ours at Aiello Law Group. For our outstanding legal specialists, going above and beyond for our clients every time is what we do, even if it means we have to reevaluate the strength of our existing laws and policies. One case in particular we represented that will always stand out to us is the case of Andrew Lefko – a man we will certainly never forget.
What Actually Happened
Andrew Lefko was a very bright, hardworking young man who in 1999, at the age of only 19, managed to get a good job working with highway construction and maintenance crews in Metro Detroit. On his first official day on the job though, while Mr. Lefko was moving traffic barrels across an open/traveled section on I-275 in a construction zone near Grand River, a drunk driver who had ignored roadwork warnings stuck Mr. Lefko with his car. As a result, Mr. Lefko became paralyzed for the rest of his life, which after many surgeries and hospital stretches was only until August of 2018 when he tragically passed away at the age of only 39. Our team worked as hard as we could to ensure justice for him and his family, including making sure they were awarded a settlement worth more than $4 million. Our greatest achievement throughout that experience, however, was being able to have such an impact on the future consequences inflicted upon those who choose to follow a similar path of recklessness as Mr. Lefko’s careless assailant.
Impact & Consequences
Thanks to our dedication to Mr. Lefko, and other hardworking roadside employees throughout our beloved state of Michigan, we were able to see to it that Governor John Engler signed Senate Bill 373, also known as “Andy’s Law” into action, enforcing “penalties of up to one year in prison for injuring and up to 15 years in prison for killing a highway construction or maintenance worker,” as well as “a maximum penalty of $7,500.” This, of course, was during a time when no other states imposed such specific/harsh penalties on motorists, making Michigan the very first state to do so.
What Does This Mean For You?
Andy’s Law, and the harsh punishments it inflicts have dramatically changed the way motorists in Michigan drive within construction and roadwork zones in the years since, and we couldn’t be more proud. It was an honor to get to know Mr. Lefko, and help make all of this possible. We just hope you know our attorneys will always work just as hard when it comes to making sure your injustices are recognized and compensated for! Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.
