Michigan Slip & Fall Accident FAQs

Slip and fall accidents, no matter where they occur, can be painful and costly incidents. What’s more, the legal process afterward can be complicated and overwhelming, especially as you deal with injuries, medical expenses, and other damages that resulted from the accident.

Sometimes, these accidents occur due to poor weather conditions on a property that has not been adequately maintained. Other times, slip and falls happen because a property has not been kept to prevent uneven surfaces or slick floors.

Regardless of the circumstances that lead to an accident, they can leave a person requiring extensive medical care and drastic changes to their normal way of life. For some, slip and falls can cause a new—and possibly severe—injury, while for others it can worsen an existing injury.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a slip and fall accident, you may want to reach out to experienced legal counsel. These cases can be difficult for individuals to handle on their own, especially if the case occurred on private or government property. What’s more, the legal nuances can be confusing to understand, which is why our attorneys are here to help you through your slip and fall claim to reach the compensation you may be owed.

However, we understand that you may want some questions answered before you move forward with a claim. Asking the right questions can help you feel more prepared for what lies ahead and can even help you find the right legal team for your case.

Answering the Questions That Matter Most After a Slip and Fall in Michigan

Our Michigan slip & fall accident lawyers recognize that victims of these types of accidents have many questions about their legal rights and how the process may work with their individual case. We attempt to answer many of these questions below to help guide you and those you love through this situation.

Some of these questions include:

When should I hire an attorney for my accident?
How much time do I have to file a slip and fall claim?
Could a slip and fall case go to court?
How do I report a slip and fall?
What kinds of compensation could I get for my accident?
How do I collect evidence for my claim?
Who pays my medical bills and treatment costs?

Of course, these are just a few of the questions that are frequently asked to our slip and fall lawyers in Michigan. You probably have some questions or concerns that are unique to your individual case that requires the attention of an experienced attorney. This is why picking the right legal team, compiling the questions that you have, and sitting down for a consultation can be crucial for you to feel more comfortable and confident in your next steps.

Schedule a Consultation to Have Your Questions Answered

Our attorneys are frequently asked questions after slip and fall cases and we are more than happy to answer them all. At Buckfire & Buckfire, we are here to aid you through the entire legal process after an injury.

With our experienced attorneys by your side, you could be assured that your case is being handled with dedication, compassion, and perseverance to bring you towards a favorable outcome.

Call us after your slip-and-fall injury for a free, no-obligation case review to tell us your story. Whether you have a question that you would like answered, or if you would like to enlist one of our attorneys to help you with your unique slip and fall case, we are ready to take your call. Our lawyers have knowledge of how to deal with these types of accidents and could not only help you understand the process, but also help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.

Call us now. We are waiting to help you demand the justice you deserve.

Can I sue if I fell on black ice in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can sue for a fall on black ice in only a limited number of situations. You must prove that you were unable to see the icy condition before stepping on it. And, you must also prove that the condition was unavoidable. This means there were no other routes you could have taken to avoid the black ice.

Is a city liable for a fall on a broken sidewalk?

A city or other governmental entity may be liable if you fell on a broken or uneven sidewalk. In general, it must be a significant defect that caused your fall. For a sidewalk, the law requires a 2” height differential if you are suing for a trip on a raised piece of cement. Photographs are important evidence to prove your case.

What is the statute of limitations for a Michigan slip and fall case?

There is a three-year statute of limitations to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Michigan. If you miss this deadline, your case will be barred forever. It is important to call an attorney immediately after your fall to give you the best chance of winning a settlement.

Do most slip and fall cases settle out of court?

More than 90% of all slip and fall cases settle out of court. However, you must first have a good case to start. Judges often even dismiss lawsuits on issues of negligence after they are filed. So, if an attorney accepts your case and it is not later dismissed by a judge, it is very likely that you will be paid an out of court settlement.

Can I sue if I fell down a stairway due to broken steps?

If you were injured on a broken step or a fall down a staircase due to defective railing, you can likely purse a claim. It must be proven that there was an actual defect on the step or stairway that caused your fall. The fact that you fell alone is not enough to pursue a case if there was nothing wrong with the condition of the property.

How do you prove negligence in a slip and fall case?

Negligence is proved by the specific facts of each case and depends on the condition that caused the fall. If a fall is due to a wet floor in a grocery store, negligence can be proven by showing the liquid was on the floor for a long time and not cleaned up. You can also show that the employees did not put out a “wet floor sign.”

For a fall on snow and ice, you can use weather records to show when the icy condition formed. Maintenance and snow plowing records can prove nothing was done to melt the ice or shovel the snow before the slip and fall.

Do I need to report a slip and fall?

It is smart to report a slip and fall accident. This way, you have documented proof at a later time if you decide to make a claim. Otherwise, the business will contend that it never happened because you did not file a report.

What is the compensation in a slip and fall settlement case?

The amount of a slip and fall payout depends on the seriousness of the injury and the medical treatment for the condition. Other factors include the amount of medical bills and lost income caused by the injury. Every case is different and there is no “average” or “typical” slip and fall compensation payout amount of money.