Opinion
No. 132849.
May 23, 2007.
Reported below: 268 Mich App 690.
Leave to Appeal Granted.
The application for leave to appeal the October 10, 2006, and November 15, 2005, judgments of the Court of Appeals is granted, limited to the issues: (1) whether MCL 691.1405's exception to governmental immunity permits the spouse of a person who sustains bodily injury as a result of the negligent operation of a motor vehicle owned by a governmental agency to recover damages for loss of consortium; (2) whether MCL 691.1405, providing that governmental agencies "shall be liable for bodily injury and property damage resulting from the negligent operation . . . of a motor vehicle" owned by a governmental agency, limits the damages recoverable in a wrongful death action, as enumerated in MCL 600.2922(6); and (3) in light of MCL 691.1405's waiver of governmental immunity for bodily injury and property damage resulting from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle owned by a governmental agency and operated by an officer, agent, or employee of the governmental agency, whether a governmental officer, agent, or employee whose alleged gross negligence causes death or bodily injury is subject to personal liability for loss of consortium pursuant to MCL 691.1407(2)(c). We further order that this case be argued and submitted to the Court together with the case of Wesche v Mecosta Co Rd Comm (Docket No. 129282), at such future session of the Court as both cases are ready for submission. The Attorney General, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Inc., and the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association are invited to file briefs amicus curiae. Other persons or groups interested in the determination of the issues presented in this case may move the Court for permission to file briefs amicus curiae.