Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys in Michigan

Negligent Property Owners Can Be Held Liable for Your Damages

Detroit residents and those throughout Michigan can enjoy all four seasons. However, with that comes many opportunities for slip and fall accidents from snow, ice, and water. Indoor or outdoor cleaning, construction work, and other commercial activities can also lead to slippery surfaces around a home or business.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 6.8 million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injury in 2020 and over 42,114 people died in the U.S. that same year due to these injuries. At Bashore Green Law Group, our attorneys are experts in helping those from in and around southeastern Michigan who have suffered from a slip and fall injury get the compensation they deserve. We also work with existing clients in a proactive way to encourage them to take steps to limit the chances that someone will be injured by falling on their property.

What Are the Common Causes of a Slip and Fall Accident?

Some examples of unsafe conditions are:

Wet floors
Slippery substances
Liquids
Melting ice, slush, or snow
Black ice
Broken or loose steps or stairs
Broken flooring
Ripped carpet
Defective railings
Broken cement or asphalt
Defective doors
Defective shelving or display
Smashed or spilled food items
Failure to put out mats or signs to warn

What Is the Duty of Care in Michigan?

The owner of a property has a duty to exercise ordinary care to protect people from unreasonable risks of injury. If a person falls, slips, or trips upon a condition that is considered to be unreasonably dangerous, that person may be entitled to recover compensation for bodily injures as well as other damages sustained, including economic losses and damages. Again, this is a common challenge for residents and business owners located in Michigan during the winter months.

Owners or possessors of land, premises, or a place of business are responsible under the law for maintaining the premises in a reasonably safe condition. In some cases, individuals who may not own the property but were responsible for a decision that led to a slip and fall injury, such as a manager or a cleaning company, may be determined to be a fault as well.

As a business, that sidewalk or entryway out in front of your public entrance is your responsibility. As a homeowner, your driveaway, path to your house, and that back deck that can get slippery any time it gets wet can be a liability.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Falls in Michigan?

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause serious injuries that range from minor bruises to severe head trauma. In fact, slip and fall accidents are responsible for over a million emergency room visits each year, making them one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States. Many factors contribute to the severity of these injuries, such as the height of the fall, the surface of the ground, and the position of the body upon impact.

The most common slip, trip, and fall injuries suffered in Michigan can range from minor to severe and include:

Broken Bones: When an individual falls, they may suffer from broken bones, such as a fractured hip, wrist, or ankle. These injuries can be particularly severe for older adults, who may be more susceptible to bone fractures and have a longer recovery time.
Sprains or Strains: A sprain is an injury to the ligament, while a strain is an injury to the muscle or tendon. These injuries can occur when an individual twists, turns, or falls in an awkward position. Common sprains or strains may happen in the ankle, knee, or wrist.
Concussions: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when an individual’s head strikes a hard surface or object during a fall. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
Cuts or Bruises: When an individual falls, they may suffer from cuts or bruises. These injuries can be particularly severe if the individual falls on a sharp or hard surface, such as a broken tile or concrete surface.

Slip and fall injuries can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, causing them to miss work, undergo medical treatments, and experience long-term pain or disability. Even a simple slip on a wet floor can cause broken bones, sprains, and strains, while a fall from a high place can result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. It is therefore important to take necessary precautions and seek legal help when injured in such accidents, and that is where slip and fall accident attorneys in Michigan come in to help.

How Can Slip and Fall Attorneys in Michigan Help the Injured?

If you or a loved one has suffered from a slip and fall injury in Michigan, it’s essential to seek legal advice to determine your options for compensation. Medical bills can quickly grow, potentially causing financial hardships for consumers that can include bankruptcy. Under some circumstances, a slip and fall may be considered the fault of the property owner. However, there is a fine distinction as to when a property owner is at fault rather than the individual, such as a defect or condition on the property that is visible.

Michigan law regarding slip and falls can be complicated — what is clear is the financial burden on the injured party can be debilitating. Our experienced lawyers not only understand the law and will come up with options for clients to consider, but we’re empathetic to the physical and financial challenges that our clients face.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Bashore Green Law Group. Our team understands the slip and fall laws in Michigan and can help you determine the best course of action. We are here to protect your rights. Remember: Bashore Green Law Group guarantees there is NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN!