Understanding Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Injury in Michigan

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

If you’ve ever walked into a grocery store on a rainy day and nearly slipped on a wet floor, you know how quickly an ordinary trip can turn dangerous. In Michigan, slip and fall accidents occur often than most people realize. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that these accidents top the list for unintentional injuries statewide, leading to everything from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries—and in the worst cases, death.

When you’re dealing with a serious slip and fall injury in Michigan, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Maybe you can’t work for weeks, or you’ve had to give up activities you love. Hospital bills accumulate, and the recovery process takes longer than expected. The emotional toll can be just as heavy as the physical pain.

That’s why understanding Michigan slip and fall laws becomes crucial. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, a slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident happens when you lose your footing on a walking surface and fall, usually because of dangerous conditions that shouldn’t have been there. Think wet floors without warning signs, icy sidewalks that haven’t been salted, dim lighting that makes it hard to see where you’re going, or areas where water pools due to poor drainage.

Slip and fall accidents differ from trip and fall accidents, though both can cause serious injuries. When you trip and fall, your foot catches on something—maybe a broken piece of sidewalk, an uneven floor, loose carpeting, or debris someone left lying around. While the mechanics differ, the potential for injury remains just as real.

What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Slip and Fall Laws

Michigan handles slip and fall cases under premises liability law, which places the responsibility on property owners to maintain safe premises. This applies whether you’re shopping at a retail store, working in an office building, visiting someone’s apartment, eating at a restaurant, or even walking through a private home.

Michigan’s premises liability laws also extend protection to people who are invited onto the property. But here’s where things get interesting—and better for accident victims.

For years, Michigan property owners could dodge responsibility for slip and fall accidents by claiming the hazard was “open and obvious.” Under this old rule, if you could reasonably see the danger that caused your fall, the property owner wasn’t liable. This left many injured people without recourse, even when property owners had clearly failed to do their job.

Fortunately, Michigan repealed this doctrine. Now, even if a hazard seems obvious, you can still file a slip and fall lawsuit in Michigan. To win your case, you’ll need to prove four key elements: the property owner had a duty to keep you safe, they failed to meet that duty, their failure caused your injury, and you suffered real damages because of it.

Michigan law even provides some protection for trespassers. Property owners can’t intentionally create dangerous conditions that might seriously injure or kill someone, even if that person isn’t supposed to be there. They also have special responsibilities when it comes to child trespassers who may be drawn to attractive features such as swimming pools, playground equipment, or abandoned vehicles.

Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident

Understanding your rights after a slip and fall accident puts you in a much stronger position to protect yourself and get the compensation you need.

If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to sue for damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

But timing matters. In Michigan, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. Miss that deadline, and you’ll likely lose your right to compensation forever. The timeline can be even shorter if your accident happened on government property, so don’t wait to explore your options.

When to Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Michigan

You may be able to handle a minor slip and fall case on your own, but many situations require professional legal assistance. Knowing when to hire a slip and fall lawyer can make the difference between receiving fair compensation and walking away with nothing.

Definitely consider hiring an attorney if your accident happened on government property—these cases involve special rules and shorter deadlines. You’ll also want legal representation if you suffered serious injuries that require extensive medical care, if your injuries resulted in permanent disability, if there are disputes about who was at fault, or if the property owner has their own legal team.

A skilled premises liability attorney in Michigan brings valuable advantages to your case. They understand local laws, know how the courts operate, and have the time and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

What you do after a slip-and-fall accident will have major implications on your ability to recover slip and fall compensation later. Here’s what you should do:

First, make sure the property owner or manager knows about your accident. This isn’t just courtesy—it creates an official record. Always ask for a copy of any incident report they file.

If you’re able, gather evidence right away. Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, get contact information from any witnesses, and document anything else that might help your case. Details fade from memory quickly, so the more you can document at the scene, the better.

Don’t skip medical attention, even if you feel okay initially. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and waiting to see a doctor can make it harder to connect your injuries to the slip and fall accident. Getting prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal claim.

Finally, contact an attorney who handles slip and fall cases to guide you through the claims process, help you understand your options, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Find a Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, speak with our compassionate and knowledgeable lawyers at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. We can review your case and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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 1-866-642-4529 and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.