Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Michigan
Slip and fall accidents happen quickly, and unfortunately, the consequences can last for months or even years. Property owners are legally obligated to keep their spaces safe, and when they fail, and you get hurt because of it, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has spent decades helping victims get the compensation they deserve when they get hurt because a property owner was negligent.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents happen for preventable reasons. Business owners know their responsibilities, and they know the risks, but they don’t always act the way they should. Here are the most common hazards we see.
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Spilled liquids, tracked-in snow, and freshly mopped floors with no hazard signs create danger zones. Stores and restaurants need to post warning signs and clean things up quickly.
Uneven Flooring or Hazards
Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, and loose floorboards catch people off guard, and parking lots with potholes are especially dangerous in winter. Property owners need to inspect regularly and fix problems right away, so accidents don’t happen.
Poor Lighting in Public Places
Adequate lighting is required by law in most commercial spaces, since dim stairwells, dark parking garages, and unlit walkways make it hard to see where you’re stepping.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws in Michigan
Michigan follows premises liability rules that protect visitors on someone else’s property, and the law says property owners have to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries.
Invited customers get the highest level of protection, and social guests get moderate protection. Either way, it’s the victim’s job to show that the property owner knew about the issue, or should have known, and failed to fix it or warn you about it. Our slip and fall attorney team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. knows how to investigate these details to build your case.
How a Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation
Insurance companies love it when injured people try to defend themselves without lawyers, because they know you’ll probably settle for less. Here’s what we do to maximize your recovery.
Investigating the Scene and Gathering Evidence
We visit the accident site ASAP to get photos, videos, and measurements to document the hazard, and we interview witnesses and request maintenance records. Plus, we get surveillance footage, which often shows what really happened.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters will get in touch with you fast, as soon as they hear of the accident, and even though they seem friendly and helpful, you’ve got to watch what you say, because it’s their job to pay you as little as possible.
You’re better off refusing to give a statement and letting our personal injury lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. deal with insurers.
Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit
Most cases settle out of court, but sometimes it takes going to trial to get fair compensation. We’re prepared to do that.
Types of Compensation Available to Victims
Slip and fall accidents cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and other issues that require extensive treatment. So, you can include medical expenses from emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and future care needs in your claim. Lost wages, too, from time off work for treatment and recovery. And if you can’t go back to your old job because of your injuries, you can claim lost earning capacity.
Pain and suffering are part of your claim, too, and that includes the physical and the emotional. Plus, if you had belongings that were broken in the fall, a slip and fall lawyer can help you get compensated for property damages.
Why Choose Cochran Law for Your Slip and Fall Case
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. focuses on results, not billable hours, so every case gets personal attention from a team of experienced attorneys who actually care about your outcome.
We are paid on contingency, which means you don’t pay up front. We only get paid if your case is successful and you receive compensation. The money comes from your payout, not out of pocket.
We’ve got offices in Livonia and Flint that serve clients across Michigan, and if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve from Our Slip and Fall Lawyer Team
Hiring an experienced slip and fall attorney near me gives you the best chance at getting fair compensation. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. knows Michigan premises liability law inside and out, and we won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can review your case and answer all your questions.
Call our law firm now at 1-866-MICH-LAW any time, 24/7, to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a slip and fall accident under Michigan law?
A slip and fall accident happens due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, so we’re talking about slipping on ice or wet floors, tripping over obstacles, falling down unsafe stairs, etc. These are preventable accidents because Michigan law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?
Michigan gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, or you won’t get any compensation. That might seem like plenty of time, but you really need to contact a slip and fall lawyer fast, since evidence disappears and insurance companies push for quick, lowball settlements.
What evidence is needed for a premises liability lawsuit?
Photos and videos of the hazard to prove the dangerous condition existed, witness statements, medical records that link your injuries directly to the fall, and maintenance logs to show that the property owner either knew or should have already known about the problem.
Can I sue a business for injuries on its property?
Yes, if the business failed to keep the place safe or warn you about known hazards. Stores, restaurants, and hotels are required to regularly inspect their property for dangers and fix problems promptly. Our premises liability lawyer Michigan team handles claims against all types of property owners.
Do slip and fall attorneys work on contingency fees?
Most slip and fall attorneys, including Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., are paid by what is known as a contingency basis. There’s no need for you to pay a dime out of pocket when we start working together. We only get paid if you get a settlement, so if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
How much compensation can I get for a slip and fall injury?
Every case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, how long you need to recover, and how the accident affects your life. We take your medical bills, lost income, future expenses, and pain and suffering to determine what your case is worth.
