An unexpected injury can happen to anyone: a slip on a wet floor, a fall on a poorly-maintained staircase. While falls may look funny in the movies, in real life, they are no joke. In an instant, you can suffer a broken bone, a spinal injury, a concussion, or some other disabling injury. Though these accidents happen quickly, their effects can last for months, years, or a lifetime.

Premises liability cases can be challenging to prove, because property owners often argue that the injury was not due to an unsafe condition on the premises. For instance, they may allege that the injury was due to the victim’s inattention or reckless behavior.

Michigan Premises Liability Law

In Michigan, a property owner’s liability for someone’s injury on their premises depends on what category the injury victim falls into.

• Invitees are on the premises for a commercial purpose, like shoppers in a store. A premises owner may be fully liable for an invitee’s injury.
• Licensees are people who are on the property with the owner’s permission, like a visiting neighbor or friend. A property owner may be held liable for the injuries of a licensee.
• Trespassers are on the premises without permission. Property owners are often not required to make their premises safe for trespassers, but there are some exceptions.

It’s not always clear what category an injury victim falls into. If you are not sure whether you were an invitee or a licensee when you were injured on someone’s property, a slip and fall lawyer can investigate this and the other facts of your injury to build the strongest possible case.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

Personal injury cases that happen due to an unsafe condition on the property are called “premises liability” cases. Slip and fall cases are a common type of premises liability case, but there are many situations in which a property owner or manager can be held responsible for a dangerous condition on their property:

• Poor lighting or insufficient security that allows criminal behavior to take place
• Not having accessible exits in case of a fire
• Creating an “attractive nuisance,” like a swimming pool that is likely to attract children without proper fencing

If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property, the owner of the property is usually the one who should be held responsible. However, there may be other responsible parties, such as a landlord or commercial tenant, or a property management company.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyer

At Michigan Injury Attorneys, we take premises liability injuries seriously. A slip and fall can make you unable to work, care for your family, or enjoy your favorite activities. These cases aren’t just about getting you the help you need to pay your bills and recover your health. They are about getting justice.

It may take a skilled slip and fall lawyer to hold a responsible property owner or manager accountable. Our attorneys have years of litigation experience and know how to build a strong case. We may very well be able to negotiate a favorable settlement for our clients in premises liability cases. However, if it is necessary to take your case to trial to get you what you need and deserve, we are prepared to do so. To learn more about what we can do for you and your family, contact Michigan Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a slip and fall lawyer.