Premises Liability
Property owners (including rental properties and apartments) in Michigan have a Fiduciary duty to make sure that their property is safe for the people they invite.
Whether it is for business or just a simple social call. Unfortunately, some property owners do not take that responsibility seriously. For visitors, this can result in injuries due to slip and falls. Victims who suffer serious injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident in Michigan do have legal rights.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important that you do not wait as evidence of the incident can change and it may be harder to acquire photographs or video surveillance of the scene of the accident. Slip and fall accident cases can be quite complex when it comes to proving negligence in Michigan. It is important that you hire an attorney who has significant experience in thoroughly investigating these claims and a proven track record of obtaining maximum compensation for slip and fall accidents.
How Do You Start a Slip and Fall Claim in Detroit?
- Seek medical treatment.Like any injury, it’s important to seek proper medical treatment. This type of accident can cause serious injuries such as head and brain injuries, internal injuries, and soft tissue injuries that may not always be immediately apparent.
- File an accident report.Make sure you file an accident report with the correct person. Where you’re injured makes a difference in who it should be submitted to, such as the landlord, security guard, or store manager. After the report is filed, you should ask for a copy of the report.
- Gather evidence.Take and keep photos of the accident scene. Keep proof of your medical expenses as well as letters from the insurance company.
- Write down your story.While the story is fresh in your mind, you should write down exactly what happened, how you feel, and the issues you’re currently having.
- Stay off social media.Don’t discuss your case on any form of social media. Anything you post on Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat can be used against you.
- Keep quiet. If you plan to hire an attorney, don’t speak with the insurance company. What you say can be used against you. Don’t sign any releases until your attorney approves them.
What Must You Prove in a Michigan Slip and Fall Case?
Michigan is one of the leading slip and fall locations in the United States. In a Michigan slip and fall claim, you must show that an unreasonable risk caused you bodily harm. Trip and fall hazards include:
- Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and even outside pathways.
- Spilled liquids on the floor.
- Uneven or broken stairs.
- Icy, wet, or snowy floors or walkways.
- Uneven or broken pavement in parking lots or sidewalks.
- Loose, broken, or missing handrails.
If the property owner was aware or should have known about the risk, they then had “actual notice” by seeing or creating the hazard or allowing it to remain long enough that they should have noticed. If they failed to protect you or give you a warning and you suffered because of their negligence, you may have a claim.