According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips, trips, and falls also cause 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicles.

Many of these injuries are preventable when companies do their jobs and maintain high safety standards. Our Michigan slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Fieger Law are experienced in premises liability cases. We’ve won millions of dollars for victims of slip-and-fall accidents caused by the negligence of business owners, managers, custodians, and employees. Now, we’re ready to fight and win for you.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents often happen due to unsafe conditions on commercial properties, like stores, restaurants, and office buildings. Causes typically include:

  • Wet, waxed, or icy floors
  • Spilled substances on store floors
  • Uneven floors
  • Sidewalk defects
  • Holes in pavement or floors
  • Loose or broken steps or handrails
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Elevators and escalators
  • No posted warning signs

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal principle that holds property owners responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for visitors. It requires property owners and managers to address potential hazards to prevent accidents and injuries.

The duty of care can vary depending on the visitor’s status, like invitees (customers in a store), licensees (people like utility workers), or trespassers. Typically, businesses owe an implied duty of care to patrons, which means they must perform regular property inspections, promptly repair known hazards, and provide adequate warning signs around potential dangers.

If you are injured due to a property owner’s negligence, Fieger Law can help you hold them liable for the resulting damages in a premises liability lawsuit.

Injuries in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

When a person slips or trips and falls, they can suffer multiple injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to debilitating head trauma. We’ve represented all kinds of injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents, including:

No one should have to endure pain and suffering, lost wages, and excessive medical expenses due to someone else’s negligence. At Fieger Law, we’re not afraid to fight, and we always fight to win. We can work to get you the financial compensation you deserve after a slip-and-fall accident.

The Impact of Slip-and-Fall Injuries on Quality of Life

Slip-and-fall injuries can affect your quality of life, often with long-term or irreversible effects. Chronic pain can limit mobility and everyday activities, impacting your ability to live independently and overall happiness.

In cases of severe falls, like ones that cause spinal cord damage or broken bones, you might face disabilities that require changes in lifestyle and increased dependence on others. You may also be unable to return to your former employment, requiring new job training or a career change.

These accidents can also lead to psychological struggles. Conditions like anxiety and depression are common, along with a debilitating fear of falling again, which can prevent you from enjoying daily life. This emotional distress adds to the physical challenges you face.

Filing a legal claim against the negligent party can provide financial support for medical bills, lost income, and compensation for your reduced quality of life.

Compensation and Damages in Slip-and-Fall Cases

At Fieger Law, we help slip-and-fall victims claim various types of compensation and damages to address the impact of their injuries. These include: 

  • Medical Expenses: Covers costs for hospital visits, treatments, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work following the injury—includes loss of future earning capacity and potential raises or bonuses you may have received
  • Pain and Suffering: Acknowledges the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury that impacts your daily life
  • Emotional Distress: Addresses psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the incident
  • Punitive Damages: If the negligence was malicious or wanton, punitive (exemplary) damages punish the responsible party.

Comparative Fault in Slip-and-Fall Accidents

In Michigan, comparative fault can impact your slip-and-fall claim. This rule means that if you are found to be partly at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced proportionally to the degree of fault.

Take, for example, a situation where you are found to be 30% at fault for a fall. You can claim 70% of the total damages awarded in this case. You cannot claim compensation under Michigan’s modified comparative fault rules if your responsibility exceeds 50%.

These rules can get quite complex, especially when dealing with different types of damages and varying degrees of fault. The application of these rules might also vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.

Our team at Fieger Law can gather evidence, such as witness statements or photographs, to prove you were not at fault for the incident, maximizing your compensation.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

If you’ve experienced a slip-and-fall accident, taking the proper steps immediately afterward can protect your health and potential legal claim. We can guide you through this process and safeguard your rights every step of the way. Here’s what you should do:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and get a professional assessment of any injuries. This ensures proper diagnosis and treatment and provides documented evidence connecting your injuries to the fall.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of where the fall occurred, including any hazards. Capture the surrounding area for a comprehensive view of the accident site.
  • Collect Witness Information: Get contact details of anyone who saw the incident, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask if they are willing to provide a statement to your attorney.
  • Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager of the property and get a copy of any report they make for your records.
  • Keep a Record of Expenses and Impacts: Document all medical expenses and how the injury affects your daily life. Maintain a physical or digital journal detailing your daily recovery and struggles.
  • Contact Fieger Law: Reach out to us for legal advice and to discuss the next steps in your case.

Nationally Recognized Slip-and-Fall Lawyers Fighting for You

For over 70 years, the premises liability experts at Fieger Law have fought for victims’ rights. If you or a family member have suffered from a slip-and-fall accident, Geoffrey Fieger and the battle-ready attorneys at Fieger Law can help. Contact Michigan’s top personal injury law firm today for help with your injuries.