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A serious fall can lead to life-altering injuries. Those injuries can force you to take time off work or leave you with mounting medical bills. For many accident victims, the only way to get fair compensation in Van Buren Charter Township is with help from an experienced slip and fall lawyer.
Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers offers guidance and support for Van Buren Charter Township injury victims. With a slip and fall attorney from our firm, you can fight to recover the compensation and money damages you deserve. We’re here to help, and you pay no fees unless you win.
Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation. Call us 24/7 at (888) 821-0102.
Table of Contents
- Role and Benefits of Hiring a Van Buren Charter Township Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Van Buren Charter Township
- Proving Negligence in Van Buren Charter Township Slip and Fall Cases
- Michigan Laws Affecting Slip and Fall Cases
- Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries
- Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Van Buren Charter Township, MI
- Responsibilities of Van Buren Charter Township, MI Property Owners
- Our Difference
- More About Van Buren Charter Township, Michigan
- Health and Legal Resources in Van Buren Charter Township
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
Role and Benefits of Hiring a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Van Buren Charter Township
The state of Michigan has strict rules for property owners, ensuring those who visit their properties can do so safely. Under the state’s premises liability laws, you have protection against economic hardships should you be injured in a slip and fall accident caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. Our trusted Van Buren Charter Township slip and fall law firm can help.
By working with our slip and fall injury lawyers, you increase your chances of:
- Fair compensation
- Faster settlements
- Better understanding of your rights
- Getting justice for the accident
If you do not partner with an experienced slip and fall attorney, or if you choose an attorney who only dabbles in slip and fall accident cases, you run the risk of mistakes in your case that can cost you thousands of dollars – or more – in compensation. Missing filing deadlines or overlooking at-fault parties could mean your case is dismissed. Negotiating with insurance companies without an attorney’s help could lead to a lower settlement than you deserve. You can avoid these risks by partnering with our slip and fall lawyers.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Van Buren Charter Township
One of the benefits of working with an attorney is knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident. Some of the first steps you need to take include:
- Seek medical care as quickly as possible
- Take pictures or video of the area where the accident occurred
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer to help you protect your rights
- Tell the property owner about the accident
- File an incident report if required
Sometimes, property owners or their insurance companies may want you to record a statement or agree to a settlement offer quickly. They may also try to make you apologize or accept fault. Don’t fall victim to these tactics. Always talk to a slip and fall accident lawyer before taking these actions, talking to claims adjusters, or negotiating with insurance companies. These parties do not have your best interests in mind – our Van Buren Township lawyers do.
Proving Negligence in Van Buren Charter Township Slip and Fall Cases
One of the key factors in slip and fall accidents that affect your ability to seek compensation is the question of negligence. Under Michigan’s premises liability laws, property owners must be negligent of their duty to property visitors for you to seek compensation. At Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers, we will help you prove negligence to support your claim.
Elements of a Successful Claim for Slip and Fall
Under current Michigan law, proving negligence means providing evidence of the following:
- The owner or manager of the property had a duty of care to visitors
- The owner or manager breached that duty of care
- That breach caused your fall
- Your injuries were severe enough to require monetary damages
Our team will gather evidence to prove all four of these elements of negligence in your case.
Classification of Property Visitors
When you visit a property, your legal rights depend on your visitor status. Michigan law recognizes three types of visitors, each with different protections under the law.
Michigan law defines the three visitor statuses as follows:
- Invitees: If you’re visiting a business as a customer or client, you have the strongest legal protection. Store owners, businesses, and property managers have “a duty to exercise reasonable care,” meaning they must take reasonable steps to keep you safe from harm. This includes regularly checking for hazards and fixing dangerous conditions that could cause injury.
- Licensees: Licensees are invited to a property as personal or social guests of the property owner. When you visit someone’s home as a guest, the homeowner must warn you about any hidden dangers they are aware of. For example, if there’s a loose step on the stairs, they must tell you. However, they aren’t required to inspect their property or make improvements specifically for your visit. (Stitt v. Holland)
- Trespassers: If you enter someone’s property without permission, you have minimal legal protection. The property owner only needs to avoid deliberately causing you harm by “wilful and wanton” misconduct. They are not required to warn you of dangers or make the property safe for you. (Stitt v. Holland)
Michigan Slip and Fall Law How Timing and Notice Requirements Affect Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, time is crucial. Michigan law sets strict deadlines for filing your claim, and missing these deadlines could prevent you from receiving compensation. These deadlines can be even shorter in special cases, such as:
- When your fall occurred on government property
- When specific entities are involved that require special notification
- When state laws mandate earlier notice of your accident
A Van Buren Charter Township slip and fall attorney can protect your rights by:
- Tracking all important deadlines
- Sending required notices on time
- Making sure your claim is properly filed
- Handling all legal paperwork correctly
The sooner you reach out to an attorney after your accident, the better they can help preserve your right to compensation. Our Van Buren Township attorneys will guide you through each step, ensuring you don’t miss any critical deadlines that could affect your case.
Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in Michigan – Don’t Miss the Deadline
Michigan law gives you three years from the date of your fall to take legal action.[1] This might seem like plenty of time, but between medical treatments, recovery, and dealing with insurance companies, time can slip away quickly. After this deadline passes, you lose your right to seek compensation. This is one reason why the help of an experienced lawyer is crucial. Our team can help ensure no critical deadlines are missed.
Michigan Comparative Negligence
Michigan follows what’s called “comparative fault” in slip and fall cases. This means that if you’re injured in a fall, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage you’re found to be at fault for your injury.[2] Insurance companies often try to use this law to their advantage to pay less for injuries caused by unsafe property conditions.
Let’s say you’re taking your kids to Van Buren Park and glance at your phone right before stumbling on a damaged sidewalk. The City of Van Buren Charter Township’s lawyers will likely argue you were partially at fault for your injuries because you weren’t fully focused while walking. If you were found 25% at fault for checking your phone, and your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $75,000 to account for your share of responsibility.
Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries
If you fall on someone’s property due to negligence, you are likely eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. A Van Buren Charter Township slip and fall attorney from our firm will help you consider all potential sources of compensation. The types of compensation recoverable by Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include bills, including medical expenses, that result from the accident. Non-economic damages are the less quantifiable costs, such as pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional turmoil after a serious injury.
Potential Slip and Fall Compensation and Damages
While your medical bills and costs may be an obvious choice to pursue, there are several more to consider, including:
- Lost wages
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing medical or therapy needs
- Loss of use of an injured limb
- Loss of future earning potential
- Disfigurement or disability
Slip and Fall Accidents at Work
For workplace slip and fall incidents, it’s essential to understand the distinct legal pathways available through Workers’ Compensation and personal injury claims. Workers’ Compensation provides coverage for workplace accidents through a no-fault system that offers benefits regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage, however, is strictly limited to injuries arising from workplace accidents.
Workers’ Compensation benefits typically encompass medical treatment coverage and partial wage replacement benefits. However, Workers’ Compensation does not provide compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Personal injury claims, while requiring proof of negligence, can yield more comprehensive compensation, including damages for pain and suffering. Importantly, even in cases where Workers’ Compensation bars a claim against an employer, you may still pursue personal injury claims against other responsible parties not protected by Workers’ Compensation immunity. For instance, if your workplace fall resulted from a third party’s negligence, you may have grounds for additional compensation through a personal injury claim while simultaneously receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Slip and Fall Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation provides essential benefits to injured employees, including comprehensive medical treatment coverage, partial wage replacement during recovery periods, and vocational rehabilitation services when necessary. To qualify for these benefits, you must meet specific eligibility requirements: you must be classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor, your injury must be work-related, and you must promptly report the incident to your employer.
While Workers’ Compensation typically serves as the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries, there are specific circumstances where additional legal action may be permissible. These exceptions allow an employee to pursue direct claims against their employer in cases of intentional harm, the worker is actually an “independent contractor” not an employee, or in instances where the employer lacks mandatory Workers’ Compensation coverage.
Additionally, employees retain the right to pursue compensation, including damages for pain and suffering, against negligent third parties who are neither employers nor coworkers. This creates an important avenue for additional recovery beyond Workers’ Compensation benefits. For example, if your workplace injury was caused by a defective piece of equipment, you might be able to pursue both Workers’ Compensation benefits and a separate claim against the equipment manufacturer.
Pain and Suffering Compensation in Work-Related Slip and Falls
Standard Workers’ Compensation claims do not include compensation for pain and suffering. However, when circumstances allow for a personal injury lawsuit, such as cases involving third-party negligence or intentional acts, you may qualify to pursue compensation for these non-economic damages. For example, if an outside maintenance company’s negligence caused your workplace fall, you might be entitled to pursue both Workers’ Compensation benefits through your employer and a separate personal injury claim against the maintenance company for additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Given the complex interplay between Workers’ Compensation and personal injury law in workplace accidents, it’s crucial to have experienced legal guidance. Our legal team possesses the expertise to evaluate your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and advocate for your interests throughout the legal process. We ensure you understand your rights and options while working diligently to help you secure the full compensation you deserve under Michigan law.
Slips, Trips, and Falls Causes in Van Buren Charter Township, MI
The cause of your slip and fall accident can also impact your claim. Slip and falls can be caused by countless hazards in Van Buren Charter Township. Some common dangers we see in the community include:
- Faulty steps or railing
- Ice and snow on walkways
- Poorly maintained sidewalks and paths
- Tripping hazards
- Insufficient lighting
- Slippery floors that are not marked
Responsibilities of Van Buren Charter Township, MI Property Owners
Michigan property owners are responsible for providing a safe place for invitees and licensees to visit. State law requires them to find and fix hazards that could lead to falls. For example, a retailer with a store in the Lakewood Shopping Center must keep walkways clear of tripping hazards, such as ladders or electrical cords. Property owners with outdoor walkways must reasonably remove snow or salt ice to protect their visitors. The law in Michigan changed in 2023, eliminating property owners’ ability to use the “open and obvious” doctrine to avoid being held accountable. [3]
Previously, when Michigan followed the open and obvious doctrine, property owners would argue that if a hazard was “open and obvious,” the victim was to blame for falling. This often incentivized property owners to leave hazards and dangerous conditions unresolved, as the more open and obvious it was, the more of a legal shield it would create. Because of this change, victims can more fairly hold property owners accountable for their actions.
Liability for Slip and Falls Government Property
Government properties like city halls, public parks, and state buildings have special legal protections under governmental immunity laws. However, these protections are not absolute. In Michigan, you can pursue a slip and fall claim against a government entity if your case falls under specific exceptions to governmental immunity. One key exception is the “public building exception,” which applies when a dangerous or defective condition in a public building leads to injury.
Time is especially critical in government property cases. Michigan law mandates strict notification deadlines that are much shorter than standard filing deadlines:
- You must file a notice of intent to sue within 120 days of your slip and fall if it occurred as a result of “any dangerous or defective public building.” (MCL 691.1406)
- You must file a notice of intent to sue within 6 months of your slip and fall if you intend to sue the State of Michigan for your slip and fall. (MCL 600.6431(1) and (4))
These notice requirements must be complied with in addition to the filing deadlines under the statute of limitations. It’s important to understand that missing these notification deadlines could prevent you from pursuing your claim, regardless of how strong your case might be. The requirements for these notices are specific and technical, which makes it particularly important that you seek legal support early on.
Our Difference – Call a Skilled Slip and Fall Injury Attorney in Van Buren Charter Township, MI
Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers has a long track record of success recovering and winning settlements for our clients. Our focus is exclusively on slip and fall accidents, and we have successfully litigated more than 300 slip and fall, trip and fall, and premises liability cases throughout Michigan. When you need strong legal representation after a slip and fall accident in Van Buren Charter Township, our proven track record speaks for itself.
Our expertise in slip and fall law has earned national recognition, with our attorneys regularly sharing their specialized knowledge through educational programs for other lawyers across the country. This depth of experience and knowledge directly benefits our clients, as we understand the nuance of premises liability law and how to build the strongest possible case.
We provide comprehensive legal support throughout your entire case. Our team is available around the clock to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process. Whether your case resolves through settlement negotiations or requires litigation, we stand beside you every step of the way, fighting to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Read Reviews from People We've Helped
Our Metro Detroit Farmington Hills office is conveniently located on the south side of Northwestern Highway, just west of Inkster Road in the Michigan Auto Law building. We also have a West Michigan law office located in downtown Grand Rapids to serve you if that is more convenient for you.
-Tory Mitchell
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How We Can Help
Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers serve the entire state, including Van Buren Charter Township. We can also assist clients throughout the country, co-counseling with trusted attorneys in other states when necessary. Our experienced attorneys can help you:
- Evaluate, build, and help you to properly document your case
- Gather and analyze critical evidence to win your case
- Negotiate and achieve the highest slip and fall settlements with the insurance companies
- Represent you in court and win your case
Why Choose Us?
When you choose Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers, you’re selecting a team with a specialized focus on slip and fall cases. Our proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts speaks to our commitment, focus, and skill in this specialized area of law. Our attorneys have earned national recognition in the field of slip and fall litigation, setting us apart from the rest.
Throughout your case, we provide comprehensive legal support, ensuring you have the guidance and advocacy you need through every step of the process. Our dedication to slip and fall cases, combined with our experience and client-centered approach, makes us the trusted choice for those seeking justice after a slip and fall accident.
More About Van Buren Charter Township, Michigan
Livonia, Michigan, is a vibrant suburban city located northwest of Detroit in Wayne County, with a population approaching 100,000 residents. Livonia was incorporated as a city in 1950 and covers an area of about 36 square miles, with over 1,400 acres of parks, including golf courses, recreational centers, and walking trails.
Civil Courthouses Near Van Buren Charter Township for Slip and Fall Personal Injury Cases:
11129 Wayne Rd
Romulus, MI 48174
29th District Court
34808 Sims St
Wayne, MI 48184
7200 S Huron River Dr
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Centers in Van Buren Charter Township
Athletico Physical Therapy – Belleville MI
11816 Belleville Rd
Belleville, MI 48111
11650 Belleville Rd, Ste 102
Belleville, MI 48111
540 Main St
Belleville, MI 48111
Disclaimer: These centers are listed for informational purposes only. Our law firm is not affiliated with these entities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Buren Charter Township Slip and Fall Cases
Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
You should not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first talking to your lawyer. Insurance companies do not have the best interests of victims in mind and are likely to offer you less than you deserve.
How do weather conditions (like snow and ice) affect slip and fall cases in Van Buren Carter Township?
Residential property owners in Michigan have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice hazards within a certain amount of time. Property owners may be liable for injuries if they fail to address snow and ice hazards through proper maintenance like plowing, salting, or warning signs.
Can security camera footage help my slip and fall case?
Video evidence can provide crucial documentation of exactly how your fall occurred and the conditions that caused it. Security footage can also establish how long a hazard existed and whether the property owner had reasonable time to discover and address it.
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Contact Us - Free Case Review with a Van Buren Charter Township Slip and Fall Law Firm
Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyers serve the entire state. Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys in Van Buren Charter Township, MI. We help clients nationwide. We will help you understand your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation and money damages to help pay for your medical bills and lost wages. You pay no fees unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose. Reach our team at (888) 821-0102 to schedule today.
Meet Our Attorney
Tim Holland is arguably Michigan’s most experienced and successful slip and fall lawyer. You can read more about Tim Holland’s experience and success here.
What Is Your Slip and Fall Case Worth?
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