Slip and Fall

A Slip and Fall accident in Michigan can result in severe spinal injuries, bone fractures, or traumatic brain injury — The Injury Desk holds negligent commercial property owners accountable to secure maximum financial compensation for victims.

Under Michigan premises liability law, business owners, landlords, and commercial property managers owe a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When property operators fail to clear icy sidewalks, clean up liquid spills, or repair structural hazards, they are legally liable for your Slip and Fall injuries.

Our experienced Michigan premises liability attorneys act swiftly to preserve surveillance video, maintenance logs, and weather records to build strong cases against corporate property owners and insurance carriers.

Common Hazards Leading to a Slip and Fall

Hazardous premises conditions frequently cause dangerous tripping and falling events in retail stores, parking lots, and apartment complexes. Common grounds for a Slip and Fall claim include:

• Untreated ice and snow accumulation on commercial walkways, entrances, and parking lots
• Uncleaned liquid spills, leaking refrigeration units, or wet floors in grocery stores and restaurants
• Broken stair treads, loose handrails, torn carpeting, or uneven floor transitions
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking structures, and exterior building walkways
• Unmarked potholes, cracked concrete sidewalks, and hidden structural hazards

Understanding Michigan Premises Liability Legal Standards

In recent legal developments, the Michigan Supreme Court updated premises liability rules regarding the “open and obvious” defense. Property owners can no longer automatically dismiss claims simply by asserting that a hazard was visible. Instead, owner negligence and victim awareness are evaluated under comparative fault standards.

To establish property owner fault in a Slip and Fall case, our legal team demonstrates that:

1. The property owner created the hazardous condition, OR
2. The owner had actual knowledge of the dangerous hazard, OR
3. The hazard existed for a sufficient period that the owner should have discovered and corrected it through reasonable inspection.

Full Compensation Available for Premises Injuries

A serious fall can lead to long-term physical impairment, expensive medical bills, and extended time away from work. Following a Slip and Fall, we pursue comprehensive compensation covering all your losses:

• Medical Expenses: Full recovery for emergency room care, hospital stays, orthopedic surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income while unable to work and compensation for future reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of mobility, and reduced quality of life.

Steps to Take Immediately Following an Incident

Taking proper steps right after a fall helps protect your health and strengthens your legal position:

1. Report the Incident: Notify the store manager, landlord, or property owner immediately and request a written incident report.
2. Photograph the Hazard: Take clear photos of the exact hazard (e.g., ice patch, spill, broken step) before it is cleared or repaired.
3. Obtain Witness Details: Gather names and contact phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the event.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Visit an emergency room or physician right away to evaluate fractures, joint trauma, or head injuries.
5. Contact an Attorney: Speak with our firm before giving statements to insurance adjusters or signing releases.

Learn more in our guide on DoNotPay vs. Hiring a Real Michigan Lawyer.

Public building safety requirements and maintenance codes are maintained by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About a premises injury

What is the statute of limitations for filing a fall accident claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, you have 3 years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private property owner for a slip & fall. If the injury occurred on government property, strict notice deadlines (as short as 120 days) apply.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the fall?

Yes. Under Michigan comparative fault rules, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the business owner claims they didn’t know about the spill?

Property owners have a legal obligation to conduct regular inspections. If a spill or hazard existed long enough that a reasonable manager should have found it, constructive notice is established under state law.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my case?

We work on a contingency fee arrangement. There are no upfront retainer fees or out-of-pocket costs. You pay nothing unless we win your case.