Michigan Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. While movies often portray them as lighthearted or comical, the reality is far from funny. A slip or trip and fall can cause serious, life-changing injuries, especially for older adults and vulnerable individuals.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to car accidents. Each year, millions of people seek treatment in emergency rooms after falling on unsafe stairs, ramps, sidewalks, or wet floors.

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, our slip and fall injury lawyers have been representing Michigan residents for decades. Families across Detroit, Oakland County, Berkley, Battle Creek, and throughout the state trust our experienced fall attorneys to hold negligent property owners accountable and recover the compensation clients need to move forward.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a slip and fall, don’t wait to protect your rights. Call Olsman MacKenzie Peacock today at 1-800-366-8653 for a free consultation with an experienced Michigan slip and fall lawyer.

We charge no fees unless we win compensation for you.

When Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall in Michigan?

Not every fall gives rise to a lawsuit. To succeed in a premises liability case, you must generally prove four things:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property.
• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
• The owner failed to fix the hazard or provide a warning.
• The dangerous condition caused your injuries.

If these elements can be established, you may have a valid slip and fall claim.

Slip and Fall Liability for Commercial Establishments in Michigan

In commercial settings such as stores, slips (or trips) and falls often occur because of the failure of the store owner to make the property safe, such as not clearing ice or not placing signs on floors after a floor has been cleaned (when the ground is still wet and dangerous).

An individual who is injured as a result of slipping (or tripping) and falling may have a claim against a property owner who negligently allows a dangerous condition that caused a slip or trip to exist.  A fundamental question will be whether the property knew (or should have known) about the unsafe condition that caused the slip or trip and fall, and whether the owner could have taken action to rectify such unsafe condition prior to the accident.

What Are Common Examples of Dangerous Conditions?

Slip, trip, and fall accidents often occur because a property owner failed to correct or warn about hazards such as:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Snow and ice that is not cleared in a reasonable time
• Broken or uneven stairs
• Missing or unstable handrails
• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
• Potholes or cracked sidewalks
• Loose carpeting or floor mats

If you were injured because a property owner neglected these duties, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call our office at 1-800-366-8653 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Michigan flip and fall attorney.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Happen?

Slip and fall claims can arise in many different settings. What they all have in common is that a property owner, landlord, or manager failed to keep the area safe for visitors. Some common examples include:

Slip and Falls in Grocery or Retail Stores

Shoppers have the right to expect that a store will be safe. Yet falls often happen when staff fail to promptly address hazards such as:

• Spilled liquids in an aisle that remain uncleaned for an unreasonable amount of time.
• Produce that falls onto the floor and creates a slipping hazard.
• A cluttered or overcrowded aisle that makes it difficult to navigate safely.
• Merchandise stacked too high that falls into walkways, causing a trip or fall.
  For example, if a jar of salsa breaks in a supermarket and employees leave the spill unattended, or fail to post warning cones or signs, the store may be liable for resulting injuries.

Restaurant and Bar Slip and Falls

Food and drink establishments are frequent locations for slip and fall injuries. Liability may arise when:

• A waiter spills a drink but does not immediately clean it up or mark the area.
• Wet bathroom floors are not mopped or marked with caution signs.
• Stairs or entryways are poorly lit, making it hard for customers to see where they are stepping.
• Outdoor patios are not cleared of snow, ice, or rainwater that accumulates.
• If a bar fails to clean up a spilled beer for twenty minutes while customers continue to walk through the area, they may be held responsible for injuries that occur.

When May a Landlord Be Liable for a Tenant’s Trip and Fall?

Landlords and property managers must keep common areas safe for tenants and guests. They may be liable when:

• Staircases have broken steps or loose carpeting that are not repaired.
• Parking lots and sidewalks are not cleared of ice, snow, or standing water.
• Hallways have poor lighting, making hazards difficult to see.
• Leaks from pipes or roofs cause slippery puddles that are left unaddressed.
  For example, if a tenant reports water leaking in a hallway and management ignores the complaint, they may be liable when someone slips and falls on that water days later.

Trip and Fall Accidents at Workplaces and Construction Sites

Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from unsafe working conditions. Slip and fall claims may arise when:

• Floors are left covered in oil, grease, or other slick substances.
• Construction sites fail to secure walkways from debris, tools, or cords.
• Safety rules requiring mats, railings, or warning signs are ignored.
• Loading docks or warehouses are not kept clean of spills or tripping hazards.
  For example, if a factory floor has recurring puddles from leaking machinery and management chooses not to fix the leak or post warning signs, an injured worker may pursue a claim.

Trip & Fall Injuries in Public Spaces

Cities and government entities are also responsible for maintaining public property in safe condition. Liability may exist when:

• Sidewalks are cracked or uneven and not repaired.
• Snow and ice are not cleared within a reasonable period of time.
• Parks contain poorly maintained walkways or hidden holes.
• Government buildings fail to address leaks, spills, or other hazards inside.
  For instance, if ice accumulates on the steps of a courthouse and is not salted or shoveled, and someone falls, the government entity may be liable.

Why Choose Olsman MacKenzie Peacock?

For decades, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock has been at the forefront of personal injury litigation in Michigan. Our team includes nationally recognized leaders in injury law, including:

• Jules B. Olsman is a veteran trial lawyer with more than 40 years of experience representing injured plaintiffs throughout Michigan. He is widely respected for his strategic judgment, trial skills, and longstanding commitment to client advocacy.
• Donna M. MacKenzie is an experienced personal injury attorney known for her thorough case preparation and client-focused approach. She works closely with injured individuals and their families to pursue fair and meaningful compensation.
• Emily Peacock is a skilled trial attorney who represents individuals harmed by unsafe conditions and negligence. She is recognized for her attention to detail, strong litigation skills, and clear communication with clients throughout the legal process.
• Christina Hagen is a personal injury attorney dedicated to helping injured individuals navigate the legal process after serious accidents. She focuses on understanding the real-world impact of injuries and building strong, well-supported cases for her clients.

Our mission is not only to recover damages for our clients but also to improve safety standards across Michigan to prevent future injuries.

If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured from a Slip (or Trip) and Fall, Please Contact Us Today so that We May Learn About Your Case.

Once we understand the facts and circumstances of your case, we can advise you as to whether you may have a case against a property owner for your injuries.  We can also explain the legal alternatives for recovery that you may have, and how the litigation process works.

There is no fee for this consultation, and there is no obligation for you to hire our firm.  In slip and fall cases, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they do not owe us any fees unless and until we recover for them.

Call 1-800-366-8653 to Schedule A Free Consultation

FAQs About Slip and Fall Cases in Michigan

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Take photos of the hazard and your injuries.
• Collect names and contact information of witnesses.
• Seek medical treatment, even if you feel “okay” at first.
• Contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Michigan?

Michigan law generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the claim involves a government entity, you may have a much shorter deadline. It’s important to act quickly.

What compensation may I be entitled to recover for slip and fall injuries in Michigan?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died from a fall)

What if the property owner blames me for the accident?

Michigan uses a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages; however, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Talk to a Michigan Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Today

At Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, we handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees unless and until we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident in Michigan, contact us today for a free consultation. Call 1-800-366-8653 or fill out our online form to get started