A slip and fall can happen in seconds, but the injuries can last for months or even years. Falls are one of the leading reasons people visit emergency rooms, and some falls can cause broken bones, head injuries, and other serious harm.
If you were hurt because a property owner failed to keep a property reasonably safe, you may have the right to seek compensation, and a Michigan slip and fall accident lawyer can help you understand what compensation may be available.
Sweet James can help you understand your rights and your legal options. Reach out to us for a free consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer today. We offer Personalized Service Focused on You.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall in Michigan?
If another party is responsible for your fall, your Michigan slip and fall lawyer can help you seek compensation for losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses: This may include emergency care, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and other treatment you need because of your injuries. If you need ongoing care, you can seek compensation for future medical costs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you lost while recovering. This can include time you missed for medical appointments or treatment.
- Reduced ability to earn income: A serious injury may affect your ability to work or earn the same income as before. You can seek compensation for some of these future financial losses.
- Pain and suffering: A fall can cause more than financial losses. You can pursue compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the effects your injuries have on your daily life.
- Property damage, when applicable: If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the fall, such as a phone, glasses, or clothing, you can include those losses in your claim.
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical treatment, your lost income, and how the accident affects your daily life. A Michigan personal injury lawyer can provide more insight into the types and amounts of compensation that may be available.
Michigan Premises Liability Law: What You Need to Know
Michigan premises liability law can be complicated. Your legal rights may depend on why you were on the property and what the property owner knew about the danger.
Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
Michigan generally places people on another person’s property into different groups:
- Invitees: People who are invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as a customer at a store. Property owners generally owe invitees a high duty of care.
- Licensees: People who are allowed to be on the property for their own purposes, such as social guests. Property owners have different duties toward licensees.
- Trespassers: A trespasser is defined as someone who enters property without permission. Property owners generally owe trespassers a lower duty of care, although exceptions can apply.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Michigan uses comparative negligence rules. Under MCL 600.2959, you may still be able to recover compensation if you were partly responsible for your fall.
Your compensation can be reduced based on your share of fault. In most cases, a person who is more than 50% at fault cannot recover noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, though reduced economic damages may still be available.
Because the rules can be complicated, it is important to have your case reviewed by a Michigan slip and fall attorney.
How Long Do You Have to File?
Michigan generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a slip and fall. The deadline can be different for certain claims, including claims involving government property.
Waiting too long could cause you to lose your right to seek compensation. A Michigan lawyer for slip and fall accident from Sweet James can help you understand the deadlines that may apply to your case.
Common Locations Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Michigan
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. Some common locations include:
- Grocery stores and other retail locations: Spills, clutter, damaged floors, and other hazards can create dangerous conditions.
- Parking lots and sidewalks: Snow and ice can make walking areas especially dangerous during Michigan winters.
- Apartment buildings and rental properties: Broken stairs, poor lighting, and other unsafe conditions can cause falls.
- Restaurants and bars: Spilled drinks, wet floors, and other hazards may cause someone to slip.
- Government and municipal property: Falls on government property can involve special rules and shorter deadlines for giving notice of a claim.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, our Michigan slip and fall lawyers at Sweet James can review what happened and help you understand whether you may have a claim.
Why Choose Sweet James for Your Michigan Slip and Fall Case?
Choosing the right Michigan slip and fall lawyer can make a difference when you are dealing with an injury claim. Michigan premises liability cases can involve complicated rules, but you don’t have to figure things out alone.
Sweet James is committed to helping injury victims understand their legal options. Our firm handles cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
Contact a Michigan Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
A slip and fall can leave you with painful injuries, medical bills, and questions about what comes next. You do not have to handle the process alone.
If you are looking for a Michigan slip and fall accident lawyer, contact Sweet James today to discuss your case and learn about your options. We offer free initial consultations.
