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Slip and fall accidents can have devastating consequences that instantly change victims’ lives. If you were injured in a slip and fall, you face a long road to recovery, and you may be missing time away from work because of your injuries. If you’re wondering how you’ll cover your medical bills and make ends meet, you may be able to get compensation for your costs.
The Dearborn slip and fall lawyers at Christensen Law can offer you the legal support you need to make the most of your personal injury claim. Slip and fall claims can be complicated in Michigan, but we know how to build a strong case for your compensation. Call our legal team or fill out our online contact form if you suffered injuries in a slip and fall that was caused by negligence. We are here to help.
Can You Sue for Slip and Fall in Dearborn, Michigan?
Yes, you can sue for compensation after a Michigan slip and fall accident if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In the past, Michigan law limited slip and fall liability in certain cases, which made it difficult for victims to receive compensation for their injuries. However, recent rulings changed the interpretation of these cases’ critical aspects, making it easier for victims to seek justice.
To bring a strong slip and fall insurance claim or lawsuit in Michigan, working with a legal professional with experience in this area is key. A personal injury attorney can investigate fault, prove negligence occurred under state premises rules, show duty failures on the property owner’s behalf, and calculate damages related to your injuries and losses.
With supporting evidence and legal guidance navigating complex Michigan statutes, victims can potentially recover compensation through settlements or court awards. These cases can be complex, but a Dearborn personal injury lawyer will break down the steps to make it easy for you to understand what is happening at each stage.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Affect Victims’ Lives
Living with injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident can deeply affect one’s quality of life, independence, and emotional well-being. Some of what you are experiencing right now may include:
- Physical pain: Constant aches, soreness, throbbing, reduced mobility, and fatigue from injuries plaguing daily life. Discomfort may disrupt sleep, concentration, and routine tasks.
- Financial strain: Expensive medical bills, reduced income due to missing work, and costs associated with rehabilitation/assistive equipment add up quickly, causing money worries.
- Isolation and dependence: Immobility requiring more reliance upon caregiver assistance leads to loss of autonomy and strained relationships, and the inability to participate in former social events breeds loneliness.
- Anxiety and depression: Coping with trauma associated with falls, especially fear associated with walking/balance issues, stokes ongoing unease and mental health declines.
- Frustration and anger: Coming to terms with a “new normal” defined by limitations resulting from someone else’s negligence sparks resentment and outrage at the injustice.
- Hopelessness: The perpetual uphill battle to heal while fighting for adequate compensation takes a heavy toll, leading victims to despair feeling defeated by circumstance.
One of the hardest aspects of recovering from a slip and fall that was caused by negligence may be knowing that the accident didn’t have to happen, and it wouldn’t have if it weren’t for someone else’s carelessness. If you were injured through no fault of your own, you should not be left with holding the bills.
How the ‘Open and Obvious’ Doctrine Can Affect Your Dearborn, MI, Slip and Fall Claim
The “open and obvious” doctrine is a legal defense that property owners sometimes raise when responding to Michigan slip and fall lawsuits. It stems from state law precedents that business proprietors cannot be held liable for injuries that resulted from potentially dangerous conditions on their premises that were obvious to a reasonable person.
For example, a visibly spilled liquid, icy sidewalk, torn carpeting, broken step, or other conspicuous hazard may allow the business to claim it was “open and obvious.” As such, they may argue the victim should have noticed the condition and avoided it. If the court agrees it was open and obvious, the case could be dismissed.
However, slip and fall attorneys understand there are key exceptions to defeating this defense. Factors like distraction, obstructed views, poor lighting, or not realizing the risk despite visibility can negate the open and obvious doctrine. Proving the proprietor still failed their duties to patrons, given particular accident circumstances, allows the claim to proceed.
How Negligence Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Michigan
Slip and fall incidents often result from improper maintenance, poor visibility, clutter, or lacking safety features. Here is an overview of some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Michigan:
- Wet or icy surfaces: During Michigan winters, snow, sleet, and ice buildup lead to extremely slippery walking conditions if not properly cleared from sidewalks, store entrances, parking lots, etc. Even a small patch of wet flooring can cause a fall.
- Spills and debris: Spilled liquids or foods, loose products, boxes, or other debris not cleaned up promptly pose tripping hazards in stores, offices, etc.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, basements, storage rooms, or exterior walkways obscures potential hazards.
- Cluttered walkways: Merchandise, wires, cables, or other objects obstructing aisles or other walk zones, lead people to accidentally trip.
- Damaged flooring: Torn carpets, broken tiles, uneven walking surfaces, or steps in disrepair put pedestrians in danger.
- No handrails or guardrails: Unsecured stairs, platforms, and balconies lacking grasp bars or ledges to prevent falls from heights during a slip.
Commercial properties must regularly inspect for defects and promptly fix issues or clearly cordon off problem areas to avoid accidents. Neglecting reasonable duties of care makes them liable for any resulting injuries.
What Is the Maximum You Can Be Awarded in a Slip and Fall Case in Michigan?
There is no strict maximum dollar amount set in Michigan state law for slip and fall accident compensation. The potential value depends on the specific details and injuries involved in each unique premises liability case. Some factors that influence slip and fall payouts in Michigan include:
- The severity of your injuries and medical treatment required – severe injuries generally lead to higher damages.
- Income loss from missed work time while you were recovering.
- Calculations of your pain and suffering damages based on the impact of injuries on your quality of life.
- Whether the injuries caused permanent impairment or disability.
- If the case involves additional damages like property reimbursement.
A Dearborn slip and fall attorney thoroughly documents all accident effects and negotiates or argues in court for the full compensation you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call our personal injury team or contact us online to learn more about how Christensen Law can help you.
How a Dearborn Slip and Fall Attorney Proves Liability in a Claim
Securing compensation after a slip and fall begins with proving liability and negligence. Dearborn premises accident lawyers start by investigating the accident scene, photographing hazards, gathering witness accounts, and preserving key evidence. Such evidence can include surveillance video footage and expert testimony.
Demonstrating how unaddressed dangers directly caused your physical injuries establishes the property owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions. Laws generally require mitigating known risks or warning patrons, so proof they didn’t take adequate care, fix problems, or prevent access makes them financially responsible for damages.
Figuring out who is at fault in slip and fall accidents takes time and careful work. A Michigan slip and fall lawyer can create a case that clearly shows how the property owner made careless mistakes that led to your fall. This shows they were negligent and are legally liable for your losses.
Michigan’s Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims
According to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805, slip and fall accident victims generally have three years from the accident date to file a claim. There are some exceptions, which our injury lawyer will explain to you if they apply to your claim. It’s best to contact an attorney to begin building a strong claim as soon as possible after an accident.
If you delay seeking justice after a slip and fall, you risk losing your right to compensation if the statute of limitations passes. Reaching out to a Christensen Law slip and fall lawyer in Dearborn promptly will help ensure that no aspect of your claim is overlooked. We can work on your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case.
Why Hire Christensen Law for Your Dearborn Slip and Fall Case
When you must cope with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, it helps to have a legal advocate by your side. You can count on the Christensen Law team to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for your compensation.
Our Dearborn slip and fall accident lawyers understand the frustrations you are experiencing. We listen to your concerns and provide compassionate guidance with exceptional legal services. Put our experience and dedication to work for you by contacting us for a free consultation.
Our proven record of results stems from a meticulous investigation of liability and negotiation tactics and a willingness to litigate cases. When it comes to fighting for your rights in Michigan, we leave no stone unturned.
Get a Free Consultation With a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Dearborn, MI
At Christensen Law, we are dedicated to advocating for Michigan injury victims. We know how to prove negligence and liability to win slip and fall cases.
Don’t go through this trying process alone – our Dearborn slip and fall accident lawyers can handle your insurance battles. Our consultations are always completely free for injured victims and their families. Call us or reach out to us online to get started.
