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Property owners and managers have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. When they do not warn, prevent, or correct hazards, the owner or manager could be liable for resulting injuries. Our Ann Arbor premises liability lawyers may be able to help.
If you suffered injuries because of an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, you could seek compensation through a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit. The Ann Arbor personal injury lawyers with Christensen Law will guide you through the legal process. Call us today for a free case consultation.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal term that refers to an owner’s responsibility for hazardous conditions on their properties. The owner must keep their property safe and free of hazards. They must take reasonable measures to protect people from harm, which includes correcting or warning of known dangers.
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims. Examples of premises liability issues that could lead to injury include:
- Spilled liquid in a store aisle
- A pothole in a parking lot
- Frozen puddles on a walkway or parking area
- Uneven walkways or paving stones
- Elevated platforms, stairs, or landings without protective railings
- Stairs or ramps without handrails
- Loose, wrinkled, or torn carpeting
- Objects or debris in an aisle or walkway
- Poor lighting in a parking lot
- Inadequate security
Typically, a dangerous condition in a liability claim can be mitigated through prevention, repair, clean-up, or warnings. When a property owner or their agent fails to reasonably address such hazards and someone is injured, the injured person can file a claim for damages.
Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim in Ann Arbor?
In Michigan, property owners have a duty to ensure the safety of invitees and licensees on their property. Invitees are people permitted on the property for business or commercial reasons. Licensees are typically on the property to visit someone on a social basis.
Trespassers are not typically covered by Michigan premises liability laws, as they are on the property illegally. The owner does not have a duty to ensure the safety of people who are illegally on the premises, except for children.
Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Premises Liability Claim?
Premises liability claims typically hold the property owner, business owner, landlord, or property management company responsible for injuries that occur because of unreasonably dangerous conditions.
To file a claim against a property owner or another responsible party, you must typically establish the following four elements:
- Duty of care: You must show you were legally on the premises and the property owner had a responsibility to keep the property reasonably safe.
- Breach of duty: The property owner failed to keep their property reasonably free of hazardous conditions.
- Causation: The property owner’s failure to reasonably prevent or mitigate dangerous conditions caused you to sustain an injury.
- Damages: You experienced losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering because of the injuries caused by the property owner’s breach of duty.
Building the four elements of a premises liability claim requires a thorough investigation. Our premises liability attorneys in Ann Arbor know how to gather evidence, such as photos, videos, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case for compensation.
How Much Can You Recover Through an Ann Arbor Premises Liability Claim?
Every premises liability case has different factors that affect the potential outcome. While nobody can predict a settlement in advance, our legal team will build a cohesive claim that incorporates the full scope of your losses.
Damages you could claim in a premises liability case include:
Lost Wages and Reduced Income
An unexpected injury could leave you unable to work for days or weeks at a time. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be unable to return to your previous job. Our Ann Arbor premises liability lawyers will help you establish the total current and future income losses you suffered because of a property owner’s negligence.
Current and Future Healthcare Costs
Following an accident on someone else’s property, you may need emergency treatment at the University of Michigan Hospital. This could also include medical procedures and rehabilitative therapy. A premises liability claim lets you recover all medical costs related to your accident. Everything from doctors’ co-pays to assistive devices, medication, and physical therapy may be claimed. You should not have to pay the price for a property owner’s negligence. The premises liability lawyers at Christensen Law fight to recover all the losses you suffered because of the property owner’s breach of duty.
Pain and Suffering and Diminished Quality of Life
Although they are more difficult to quantify, intangible losses can be just as debilitating as financial ones. Our compassionate legal team understands the physical, mental, and emotional distress you suffer after an unexpected injury. We will fight for your right to compensation for your diminished enjoyment and quality of life.
What Are Your Options for Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Ann Arbor?
Every premises liability case differs depending on the case’s circumstances. There are usually two ways to recover compensation following a premises liability accident:
Submitting a Liability Insurance Claim
Most property owners, business owners, and property management companies maintain liability insurance for accidents that occur on the premises. You can submit a claim for medical bills, lost income, and other losses just like you would for a car accident. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements, so you benefit from working with a premises liability attorney in Ann Arbor who will negotiate on your behalf.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Depending on your accident details, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the full scope of your losses. Our premises liability lawyers in Ann Arbor are well-versed in state and local premises liability laws and regulations. We will guide you through the legal process, file a lawsuit, and manage your case while you focus on your recovery. While many cases settle out of court, we will be prepared to take your case to trial to recover fair compensation on your behalf.
How Long Do You Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in Ann Arbor?
Michigan law typically gives injured people three years from the date of their injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. The time limit can differ based on your case details. Our premises liability lawyers in Ann Arbor will review your case during your free consultation and advise you on how long you have to file with the Washtenaw County courthouse. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to recover compensation, so time is of the essence.
By immediately contacting the premises liability legal team with Christensen Law, you also give us the chance to investigate your claim before the evidence changes. The business or property owner may try to remove the hazard or alter the scene before you can make a claim. The sooner we begin the investigation, the better our chances are of recovering quality evidence for your case. Reach out to our team as soon as possible after your accident to begin the process.
What Is the Cost to Hire an Ann Arbor Premises Liability Attorney?
At Christensen Law, we know you face financial challenges after an accident. Our premises liability lawyers handle cases like yours on a contingency fee basis. We cover the cost of litigation and legal services upfront, and we only recover our attorney fees if we win your case. If we don’t win, you pay nothing for our services.
How Will an Ann Arbor Premises Liability Attorney Help with Your Claim?
At Christensen Law, we have been helping injury victims recover fair compensation since 1991. We have a track record of successful litigation, and we will not hesitate to take your case to court. Our case results reflect our commitment to pursuing justice and maximum compensation for our clients.
We Investigate Your Accident
Premises liability claims rely on proving that the dangerous condition caused your injuries. Our legal team knows how to uncover the truth about your accident. We gather videos and photos of the scene and take witness statements from people who saw the accident happen. Using this information, we build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
We Negotiate with Insurers
If the property owner has liability insurance coverage, we will submit your claim for damages and negotiate a fair settlement. Insurance companies rarely offer reasonable settlement terms immediately, and we will not settle for less than you deserve.
We Represent You in Court
Many personal injury cases settle out of court, but we prepare your case for trial from the beginning. We will handle all court filings, document requests, and legal communication regarding your case. A premises liability attorney will also represent you in hearings and other court proceedings.
Call for a Free Consultation with Our Ann Arbor Premises Liability Team Today
Whether you slipped in a grocery store or tripped on an uneven walkway, you have a right to fair compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Christensen Law’s premises liability lawyers in Ann Arbor are here to see you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today to discuss your case with a dedicated premises liability attorney. We want to hear your story and provide the guidance you need to protect your legal rights and secure your future.
