Slip and Fall

Michigan Injury Lawyers – Premises Liability

Slip and fall is a specific type of injury claim under premises liability law that refers to a fall occurring on someone else's property as a result of dangerous conditions. To prove liability in a slip and fall case you must show that the owner was negligent in maintaining safe conditions and failed to correct or give warning regarding a known hazard within a reasonable amount of time. Property owners, such as individuals or businesses, have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment. When your injury on their property was directly caused by a hazardous condition, the owner may be liable for medical expenses, lost wages as well as pain and suffering.

Examples of hidden dangers or hazardous property conditions that may provide grounds for a slip and fall claim include:

Comparative Negligence

Based on comparative negligence, the victim's conduct is scrutinized to determine whether a reasonable person would have observed and taken precautions to avoid the property hazard. Consideration would also be given as to whether the injured person was distracted or if he or she had a valid reason to be in the area where the slip and fall took place. Comparative negligence is an affirmative defense often used by insurance companies to deny slip and fall claims.

Another tactic used by insurance companies is to have an insurance adjuster speak with the injured person as soon as possible after the accident in an attempt to get the person to make statements that could later be used against them in a slip and fall claim. For this reason, it is wise never to speak with an adjuster until you have first consulted with your lawyer.

In recent years, the ability of the injured to seek compensation has been restricted by State Supreme Court and Michigan Appellate Court rulings. The best way to determine whether or not you have a case is to arrange a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

If you have been seriously injured as a result of a fall on someone else's property, a personal injury lawyer at Erlich, Rosen, Bartnick & Cook, will be glad to consult with you and see if we can help. A consultation is at no cost or obligation and if we agree to represent you, you will owe nothing unless we win your case.

Call us today at 877-453-2840 or contact us online.