Slip and Fall Attorney in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor Serving West Michigan and Washtenaw County

Slip and Fall Injury Claims in Michigan: Your Rights and Legal Options

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Michigan

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—grocery stores, parking lots, workplaces, or private homes—and they often result in serious injuries. Michigan law holds property owners and lease holders responsible for maintaining safe premises. If hazardous conditions caused your fall, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries often occur due to property owner or lessor negligence. Common causes include:

• Wet or Slippery Floors – Spills, leaks, or freshly mopped surfaces without warning signs.
• Uneven Surfaces – Cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose tiles, or damaged flooring.
• Poor Lighting – Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots.
• Lack of Handrails or Guardrails – Missing or broken railings on stairs and elevated surfaces.
• Obstructed Walkways – Clutter, exposed cables, or misplaced furniture creating trip hazards.
• Weather-Related Hazards – Snow and ice buildup on sidewalks or entryways that aren’t properly maintained.
• Over Polished Floors – Over polishing a floor can make it very slippery and can make the surface very dangerous to pedestrians.

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries, including:

• Broken Bones and Fractures – Commonly affecting wrists, arms, hips, and ankles.
• Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even a minor fall can result in a concussion or more severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause serious back and neck injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments may require extensive rehabilitation.
• Cuts, Bruises, and Contusions – Severe bruising or lacerations can lead to infections and long-term scarring.

Michigan Premises Liability Laws and Your Rights

Property owners and lessors have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. Michigan’s premises liability laws classify visitors into three categories:

• Invitees – Customers, tenants, or guests are owed the highest duty of care.
• Licensees – Social guests or individuals with permission to be on the property are still protected under the law.
• Trespassers – Property owners have limited liability but cannot willfully harm trespassers.

To hold a property owner liable, the injured person must prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
2. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about the hazard.
4. The dangerous condition directly caused the injury.

The Elimination of the ‘Open and Obvious’ Defense in Michigan

Previously, Michigan law allowed property owners to avoid liability for hazards that were considered “open and obvious,” meaning that if a danger was visible, the injured person was expected to avoid it. However, recent legal changes have eliminated the open and obvious defense, making it easier for injury victims to pursue claims even when a hazard was visible. This shift places greater responsibility on property owners to maintain safe premises, ensuring that hazardous conditions are addressed promptly, regardless of their visibility.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
• Lost Wages – Reimbursement for time missed at work and potential loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
• Permanent Disability – If the injury leads to long-term impairment or loss of mobility.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Injury

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health and medical records are crucial for your claim.
2. Report the Incident – Notify the property owner, manager, or store supervisor and request a written report.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
4. Obtain Witness Statements or Names – Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
5. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters – They may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame.
6. Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney – A lawyer can guide you through the claims process and help maximize your compensation.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Slip and fall cases can be complex, requiring substantial evidence and negotiation with insurance companies. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and gather supporting evidence.
• Handle communications with insurance adjusters.
• Determine the full extent of your damages.
• File a lawsuit if the property owner refuses a fair settlement.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury in Michigan, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims.

Contact Aaron Israels today for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

(616) 280-4303 or visit our website at www.AaronUnderstands.com

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.