Michigan Slip And Fall Injury Lawyer
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Slips and falls happen to all of us, but getting back up afterward isn’t always easy. Falls often cause serious injuries, including head injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. In some cases, falls can even be fatal. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths.
Unfortunately, many falls every year could have been prevented by simple property maintenance. For example, burned out lights in a parking lot can make it very hard for people to see patches of ice. Potholes and other pavement cracks that aren’t quickly repaired can pose a trip hazard. Or if spills aren’t cleaned up right away, it’s very easy for someone to slip.
Michigan Slip or Trip & Fall Accident Laws
For a long time, Michigan businesses and property owners were shielded by a law which said they were not responsible for protecting people from hazards that were considered “open and obvious.” However, these “open and obvious” hazards weren’t always so obvious. Let’s say you’re in a grocery store parking lot, pushing a cart full of groceries. That full shopping cart can make it hard to see something like a pothole or a patch of ice in front of you.
In July 2023, a Michigan Supreme Court decision changed things and gave slip or trip and fall or trip and fall victims more power to file a lawsuit and hold negligent businesses and property owners accountable. This decision took a burden that had, for so long, been on accident victims and put it back where it belongs. Now, fall victims have a better chance to get compensation for their injuries. Very importantly, this decision applies retroactively up to three years, meaning that if your fall occurred within the past three years, you may still be able to file a lawsuit for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a slip or trip and fall, don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Scott Goodwin Law, we have experience taking on insurance companies and businesses to hold them responsible so that our clients get the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you.
Slip and Fall Injury FAQ
What Are Some Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can be tragically common no matter how careful you are, and they can occur both at work or simply out in public. While a number of things can contribute to slip-and-falls, a few of the most common ones include:
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Wet floors
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Uneven floors
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Spills
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Unfinished concrete
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Splashed grease or oil
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Potholes
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Unsalted ice
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Missing handrail on stairs or ladders
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Broken stairs
among others. These falls can be encountered in a number of environments, from the busiest restaurant to the quietest after-hours parking lot, and can have serious impacts on your health and well-being.
What Injuries Are Commonly Caused By Slip And Falls?
Slip and fall injuries can be surprisingly dangerous for how common they are, and they can range in severity from simply painful to potentially paralyzing and life-threatening. Among other types of injuries, some of the most common include:
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Soft tissue damage
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Knee damage
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Cuts and bruises
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Shoulder dislocations
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Muscle strains
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Spinal injuries
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Traumatic brain damage
What Should I Do After A Slip And Fall Accident?
The steps to take after a slip and fall accident are crucial, and may vary slightly depending on where exactly the accident occurred. As many slip and falls happen in businesses such as retail stores and restaurants, the first step should be to contact the owner of the property or the manager of the business. From there you should seek immediate medical attention, as seeking the proper care can help your chances of recovery as well as increase your chances of being able to seek pain and suffering damages under your claim. Once you’ve begun your medical recovery, you should contact the services of a slip and fall injury attorney at Scott Goodwin Law P.C. to help you fight for justice against the property owner and big insurance companies.
While all this is going on, you should remember to never talk to the property owner or the insurance companies without a lawyer present, as these people may later testify against you.
How Long Do You Have To Report A Slip And Fall?
When it comes to handling a slip and fall accident, the time limits can vary depending on what you want to do. You should report all accidents immediately to the property owner or manager, but to file a claim, the state of Michigan provides up to three years to seek damages. You should act as quickly as possible however, as the physical environment can change over time, and it can become more difficult to prove the causes and facts behind your injury if you wait. Contact a slip and fall injury lawyer immediately to start verifying the facts behind your case and working to resolve your claims.