Michigan Slip and Fall on Ice and Snow Lawsuits
Traveling by foot in icy and snowy conditions in Michigan can mean a heightened risk of slip and fall accidents. Everyday activities, like visiting the supermarket, attending class, or walking across the parking lot to work, can leave you with severe injuries like broken bones, torn ligaments, or head trauma.
- Michigan Slip and Fall on Ice and Snow Lawsuits
- Common Injuries From Falling on Snow and Ice
- When is a Business Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents in Bad Weather?
- Your Legal Options After a Slip and Fall
- How Our Attorneys Can Maximize Your Compensation
- Get Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Slip and Fall Case
If you are hurt in a slip and fall in Michigan’s winter weather, speak with our seasoned slip and fall attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. We can review your case and determine if a property owner’s negligence caused your injuries and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries From Falling on Snow and Ice
Falling on snow and ice can lead to serious injuries due to the heightened risks posed by these hazardous conditions. Common types of slip and fall injuries include:
- Sprains and bruising. Falling on snow and ice can cause ligaments to stretch or tear, resulting in painful sprains. Broken blood vessels under the skin can also cause bruising, which can cause discomfort and take weeks to heal.
- Fractures and dislocations. The impact of a fall can lead to broken bones, fractures, and dislocations, often requiring medical attention.
- Head injuries. Serious falls can result in head injuries, ranging from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), that leave you with lasting cognitive and motor coordination impairments.
- Back injuries. Impact on the spinal cord or neck can lead to various injuries, such as herniated discs or strains. Depending on the severity, it can result in temporary or permanent disability, leaving you unable to work or enjoy life.
- Cuts and abrasions. Contact with icy surfaces can result in cuts and abrasions, which may become infected if not properly cleaned and treated.
When is a Business Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents in Bad Weather?
Michigan business owners are obligated under premises liability laws to maintain safe conditions for visitors, especially during inclement weather. If a business fails to address known hazards, our attorneys at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. can help you file a slip and fall claim for compensation.
Negligent actions can include:
- Neglecting snow and ice removal. Failing to promptly clear snow and ice from walkways and parking lots, creating hazardous conditions for visitors.
- Inadequate maintenance. Neglecting casual inspections and routine maintenance of premises during winter conditions, including removing debris like branches or leaves and clearing pathways for visitors.
- Absence of preventive measures. Not implementing preventive strategies like salting, sanding, or installing anti-slip mats to prevent accidents during black ice or snowy conditions.
- Delayed response to hazards. Ignoring reports or complaints about dangerous conditions, such as icy walkways, without promptly rectifying them.
- Neglecting training and safety protocols. Failing to train staff on winter safety measures and protocols for snow and ice removal, leading to accidents and injuries on the property.
Your Legal Options After a Slip and Fall
Following a slip and fall incident, you have several legal options to seek compensation for damages. Our attorneys can help you file a claim against the property owner through their liability insurance or in an official lawsuit in court.
Liability Insurance Claim
As experienced slip and fall attorneys, our Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. team will help you pursue a fair settlement through insurance negotiations. This entails filing a claim with the business owner or landlord’s property liability insurance for damages.
The process typically requires gathering evidence such as incident reports, witness statements, and medical bills to file your claim, then negotiating with the insurer for a reasonable recovery award. Settling out of court can help resolve the case sooner.
Slip and Fall Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, our attorneys are prepared to fight on your behalf in court. Until recently, Michigan followed the open and obvious doctrine, making winning slip and fall cases at trial difficult.
This law said that if a hazard was open and obvious, it could absolve the property owner of liability. However, on July 28, 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that while open and obvious considerations still apply, they are not part of modified comparative negligence rather than a complete defense.
Our attorneys will work to prove that your slip and fall accident was effectively unavoidable due to unreasonably dangerous conditions caused by the property owner’s negligence. We can show that you could not avoid the hazard and prove special aspects such as insufficient warning signs and lack of proper maintenance to help you win your entitled compensation.
How Our Attorneys Can Maximize Your Compensation
At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we’re committed to maximizing your compensation following a slip and fall accident, especially in icy and snowy conditions. Our attorneys focus on minimizing your fault under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law, aiming to secure the highest possible settlement even if partial fault is assigned.
Eileen Kroll, our lead partner and a registered nurse, brings a unique perspective to interpreting medical records. Her ability to connect specific medical diagnoses to the mechanics of the accident strengthens our arguments for claimed damages.
With exhaustive documentation and persuasive advocacy, we strive to ensure you receive the maximum legal entitlements based on your injuries. Trust Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., to champion your rights and pursue maximum compensation in your Michigan slip and fall on ice and snow lawsuit.
Get Experienced Legal Guidance for Your Slip and Fall Case
The road to recovery can be challenging after a slip and fall incident in icy and snowy conditions in Michigan. At Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., our team is here to listen, evaluate your slip and fall case, and provide the legal support you need to move forward. Your rights matter, and we are committed to defending them.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We can review the circumstances of your slip and fall accident, determine fault, and start your claim so you can rebuild your life.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.