Slip and Fall Attorney in Detroit

Slip and fall accidents have become a major public health issue, with the number of deaths from unintentional falls increasing dramatically. From 2001 to 2021, deaths rose from 15,000 to over 44,000, with the death rate climbing from 5.3 to 13.5 per 100,000 population.

Slip and fall accidents often result in serious injuries for those involved and can be caused by negligent property conditions such as slippery surfaces or uneven flooring. You can seek compensation if you are injured in a slip and fall due to a property owner’s carelessness.

Work with our slip and fall accident attorneys in Detroit at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Our Detroit slip and fall lawyers can fight on your behalf to help you win the compensation you deserve.

Some Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries, often resulting in medical issues and lengthy recoveries. Common causes include:

• Slippery surfaces. Wet floors, whether from spilled liquids, freshly waxed floors, or icy walkways, are frequent culprits of slips and falls.
• Uneven flooring. Changes in flooring levels or damaged surfaces like broken tiles or ragged carpeting can create trip hazards.
• Obstructed pathways. Clutter, electrical cords, or other obstacles often cause trips and falls.
• Poor lighting. Inadequate lighting makes it difficult to see potential hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.

Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Occur

Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in commercial businesses or public areas regularly visited by customers and the public. These can include:

• Building entryways. These locations are especially prone to accidents as water from rain or melting snow makes the floor slippery right at the threshold.
• Public sidewalks. Tripping hazards such as cracks, uneven surfaces, or patches of ice increase the risk of falls on sidewalks, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
• Parking lots. These areas can be dangerous due to potholes, oil spills, and insufficient lighting, all of which contribute to poor walking conditions.
• Staircases in office or apartment buildings. Conditions like worn or loose steps and absent handrails can lead to missteps and subsequent falls.
• Grocery store aisles. Frequent cleaning or unattended spills, especially near the produce section, often result in slick surfaces that can cause slip and fall injuries.
• Swimming pool areas. Wet surfaces around pools are slippery and can lead to falls, especially when the proper non-slip surfaces are not maintained.
• Restaurant floors. Liquids from spills in dining areas or slick floors in service areas increase the likelihood of falls, posing a risk to patrons and staff.

Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

Common injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from minor to severe, affecting various parts of the body. The impact and circumstances of the fall often determine the nature and extent of the injuries.

• Bruises and contusions. Even minor injuries from falls, such as bruises, can be painful and highlight areas of impact.
• Sprains and strains. Commonly affecting the ankles and wrists, these injuries involve damage to ligaments and muscles, potentially limiting mobility and requiring physical therapy.
• Fractures. Falls frequently cause fractures, with hips and wrists being particularly vulnerable. For older adults, these broken bones can lead to lengthy hospital stays and ongoing health issues.
• Head injuries. A fall can cause various head injuries, from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Falls are responsible for half of TBIs in children and the elderly and can have lasting cognitive effects.
• Back and spinal injuries. Injuries to the spine can range from herniated discs causing pain and discomfort to severe spinal cord injuries that may result in permanent disability.
• Cuts and lacerations. Contact with sharp objects or rough surfaces during a fall can lead to cuts, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Slip and Fall Injuries?

Under Michigan premises liability law, all property owners are liable for maintaining a safe environment for visitors and guests. If they fail to address or warn of dangerous conditions, they can be liable for any damages to the victim.

Determining liability in slip and fall cases involves identifying who was responsible for maintaining the safety of the area where the accident occurred. This can vary depending on the location and circumstances of the fall.

Our Detroit slip and fall accident lawyers at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. will review your case to determine who is liable. Possible parties include:

Our Lawyers Can Help With a Variety of Slip and Fall Claims

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., our team of skilled slip and fall accident attorneys in Detroit is dedicated to supporting clients across various slip and fall claims. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury in an apartment common area or face long-term disability from a construction site fall, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to handle your case with empathy and professionalism.

Our Michigan slip and fall lawyers specialize in cases against businesses, landlords, and government entities, ensuring your rights are protected no matter who is at fault. Trust us to navigate complex liability issues and advocate for maximum compensation, providing personalized attention and effective representation to secure the financial support you deserve.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

In slip and fall cases, you may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Your Detroit slip and fall accident lawyer can help you seek the following damages after suffering a slip and fall:

• Medical expenses. Compensation covers a wide range of costs, including your initial medical bills, ongoing hospital stays, visits to healthcare professionals, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care necessary due to your injury. It ensures that the financial burden of recovery does not fall solely on you.
• Lost wages. You can receive compensation for wages lost during your recovery period. This accounts for your time away from work for medical treatment and recovery, maintaining your financial stability.
• Loss of earning capacity. If your injury impacts your ability to work in the future, you may be eligible for compensation for reduced earning potential. This considers the long-term effects of your injuries on your career and potential earnings.
• Pain and suffering. This type of compensation covers non-economic damages, including physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident. It acknowledges the unseen but significant impact of injuries on your quality of life.
• Exemplary damages. In incidents involving gross negligence, exemplary damages may be pursued to punish the responsible party and deter similar negligent behavior in the future. These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and serve as a strong deterrent against negligence.

Determining the Value of Your Slip and Fall Case

Determining the value of a slip and fall case involves a detailed calculation of damages. Your slip and fall attorney starts by assessing all past and future medical expenses. We also evaluate lost wages, considering current income and the impact on future earnings, especially if the injury results in long-term disability.

Your legal team evaluates non-economic damages like pain and suffering by considering the severity of the pain, the recovery period, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life and mental health. This evaluation helps us multiply your economic damages by a factor between 1.5 and 5 to secure maximum compensation.

Eileen Kroll, a senior partner at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., and a registered nurse, leverages her medical expertise to assess your injuries accurately. Her medical background allows her to thoroughly understand the medical impact of your injuries and advocate for the highest possible compensation, incorporating all medical aspects into the valuation of your claim.

What Do You Have to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case?

Proving liability is crucial in a slip and fall case to secure compensation for your injuries. To claim damages successfully, you must show that the property owner or responsible party was negligent in maintaining safe conditions.

Our slip and fall lawyers can help you prove the following to win your claim:

• Duty of care. You must establish that the property owner was legally obligated to ensure the property was safe. We prove this by showing the relationship between you and the property owner, such as a business to customer or landlord to tenant.
• Breach of duty. You need to demonstrate that the defendant failed to meet their duty of care. We can gather evidence like photos of the hazardous condition, maintenance records, or witness statements to prove this element.
• Causation. You must link the defendant’s breach directly to your injury. We use medical reports and expert testimony to show that the dangerous condition on the property was the direct cause of the accident.
• Damages. You must prove that the incident resulted in quantifiable losses. Our slip and fall accident attorneys in Detroit will present medical bills, proof of lost wages, and documentation of other related expenses on your behalf to show these damages.

Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit. This legal timeframe mandates how long you have to initiate legal proceedings against the party responsible for your injuries. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this three-year period, you are typically barred from seeking compensation for your injuries.

Victims of slip and fall accidents should be aware of this deadline to ensure they preserve their right to claim damages. Consult an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all legal actions are taken within the appropriate time limits.

Evidence Needed to Prove Your Claim in Court

Documenting the right evidence after a slip and fall can bolster your case against the negligent party. The following evidence can strengthen your claim:

• Photographs of the accident scene. Capture images of the location immediately after the accident, focusing on the hazardous conditions that led to the fall. For example, if a wet floor causes your fall, take pictures showing the lack of warning signs or barriers around the slippery area.
• Witness statements. Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses to the fall. Their accounts can support your version of events and help you demonstrate the property owner’s negligence.
• Accident reports. If the fall occurred in a business or public setting, report it immediately to the manager or property owner. Obtain a copy of the accident report for your claim.
• Medical records. Secure all records related to your injury, including hospital visits, treatments received, and doctor’s notes, which detail the nature and extent of your injuries.
• Receipts and invoices. Keep all financial records related to expenses incurred because of the injury, such as medical bills, medication receipts, and costs associated with therapy or rehabilitation.
• Surveillance footage. If available, obtain any video recordings from surveillance cameras that captured the incident. This footage can demonstrate the conditions that led to your fall.

Why Hire Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. After a Slip and Fall Accident in Detroit?

After a slip and fall accident in Detroit, securing qualified legal representation can affect the outcome of your case. Hiring Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. ensures you have a dedicated and experienced team ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

• Professional legal strategy. Our attorneys know Michigan’s slip and fall laws. We craft customized legal strategies that address every aspect of your case, from state liability nuances to the specifics of your injuries. We ensure we cover every angle to maximize your compensation.
• Comprehensive evidence gathering. We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence for your claim. This includes securing video surveillance of the accident, detailed witness testimonies, maintenance records proving negligence, and consulting forensic experts to solidify the link between the accident and your injuries.
• Medical experience. Our team includes medical experts who can accurately assess the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This medical insight is vital in quantifying damages and demonstrating the long-term effects of your injuries, strengthening your claim.
• Aggressive representation. We handle negotiations with insurance companies and opposing legal teams. Our attorneys are skilled at countering lowball offers and will take your case to trial if necessary to ensure a fair settlement.
• No upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you incur no out-of-pocket expenses. We only collect fees if we win your case, aligning our success with your satisfaction and financial recovery.
• Personalized client care. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we provide personalized attention throughout your case. We keep you informed with regular updates and are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns, ensuring the legal process is as transparent and reassuring as possible.
• Proven track record. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has a winning track record, securing millions in victim compensation. Our success reflects our commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients.

Get Comprehensive Legal Support for Your Slip and Fall Case

Contact our compassionate slip and fall accident attorneys in Detroit at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. today for legal support. Our skilled team will manage every aspect of your case, from evidence collection to aggressive negotiation, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation to secure your legal representation and take the first step toward your recovery.

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.