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Being involved in a slip and fall accident can cause life-altering injuries, leading to overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. If the accident occurred on another party’s property due to negligence, Michigan law allows you to recover compensation for these and other losses.
Working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help optimize your chances of a successful claim. Here is what you need to know about Michigan’s slip and fall laws, including recent developments that may improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Michigan’s Slip and Fall Laws
In Michigan, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This duty of care extends to both invitees (individuals invited onto the property for business purposes) and licensees (individuals on the property with the owner’s consent). Property owners must take reasonable steps to identify and address potential hazards that could cause slip and fall accidents.
This requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their premises, including regularly inspecting the property, promptly addressing known hazards, and providing adequate warning signs for potential dangers that cannot be immediately fixed. Failure to take these steps may constitute negligence.
If a property owner’s negligence leads to a slip and fall accident, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. To prove liability, the injured party must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition, failed to take reasonable steps to address it, and that this failure directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Overturning of the “Open and Obvious” Doctrine
Until recently, recovering compensation in a slip and fall case presented a significant challenge for injury victims in Michigan. The law stated that property owners could not be liable for a slipping or tripping hazard if it was “open and obvious.” However, the Michigan Supreme Court overturned the “open and obvious” doctrine in 2023. As such, business owners must now work harder to prevent slips and falls on their properties. If you do suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident in Michigan, your chances of filing a successful claim may now be stronger.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
Protect your slip and fall injury claim by taking the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s still critical that you have a medical professional evaluate your condition. This not only ensures that you receive proper treatment but also establishes a record of your injuries, which can strengthen your claim.
- Document the Scene and Your Injuries – If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including the hazard that caused your accident, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any eyewitnesses. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and any correspondence related to your injuries.
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney – An attorney can gather evidence to bolster your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also advise you on the potential value of your claim and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident in Farmington Hills? Contact Davis Law Center Today
If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident in Michigan, you need the support and advocacy of an experienced attorney with a thorough knowledge of the state’s personal injury laws. The team at Davis Law Center has committed itself to fighting for clients’ rights and compensation for over 30 years, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you.
You have a maximum of three years to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Michigan. The sooner you consult with us, the sooner we will be able to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the most robust case possible. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macon County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.