If you have recently been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Michigan, you should speak with a lawyer. If a property owner fails to maintain their property within reasonable safety standards or fails to provide a warning about any hazards, you may be entitled to compensation due to your injuries. Premises liability cases can look different depending on the situation, but you’re probably wondering: What is the average slip and fall settlement amount in Michigan?
While there’s no one right answer to these questions, it is helpful to look a bit closer at how slip and fall claims are typically handled in Michigan, as well as how to increase your settlement amount and improve your chances of a positive outcome in court.
A slip and fall accident refers to an incident that results in injury due to unsafe conditions on a property. Under Michigan slip and fall law, property owners have a duty to maintain their property so that visitors are safe when on the premises. Additionally, they’re required to provide ample warning of any potential hazards on their property that could result in an injury.
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 years or older, and they impact young generations, too. In 2022, 46,653 people died due to falls, and they made up 16 percent of work-related injuries. In Michigan alone, falls have been a leading cause of workplace fatalities, with 36 deaths occurring on the job between 2019 and 2022.
When a slip and fall accident isn’t your fault, it’s crucial to understand your rights so you can recover the damages you’re owed in a premises liability case. A Michigan slip and fall lawyer can help you better understand your options when it comes to recovering damages from a slip and fall accident.
Every slip and fall accident is different, which means you can expect to see different settlement amounts on a case-by-case basis. Typically, the biggest factors that impact the settlement amount for a slip and fall accident include the determined liability, the severity of the victim’s injuries, the total economic impact, and the proven non-economic damages the victim suffered.
As the plaintiff filing a claim for an injury, you have the burden of proof, which means you have to provide ample evidence that shows a property owner’s negligence resulted in your injury. Michigan recognizes comparative negligence, which means the victim can be found partially at fault for their injuries. In this case, you can expect a percentage of your settlement amount to be taken away depending on what percentage of fault you’re found to have.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you typically have to file a claim within three years from the day you received the injury to have a viable case in Michigan. Most slip and fall cases can be settled outside of court with your Michigan slip and fall attorney negotiating with the property owner or their insurance company for a fair settlement.
If you can’t reach an agreement, your attorney can help you file your case with the Michigan District Court or Michigan Circuit Court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you settle out of court or go to trial, acting quickly is key to securing a positive outcome in court. The longer you wait, the less reliable witness statements become and the more opportunities there are for evidence to go missing.
That’s one of the reasons why it’s so beneficial to work with a Michigan slip and fall lawyer who understands how to navigate premises liability law as it pertains to your case.
While you’re not required to work with a Michigan slip and fall lawyer to file a case, it’s highly recommended. Premises liability law can be confusing, and working with a skilled attorney can make it easier to move through the process of filing a claim and fighting your case. Plus, you can count on having someone on your side who knows your legal rights and options.
The total settlement amount for a slip and fall case in Michigan can depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance company’s involvement in the case. The experience level of your Michigan slip and fall attorney can also impact your overall settlement amount because a more experienced lawyer typically has the resources to secure a larger settlement amount.
Slip and fall injuries can come from all types of hazardous conditions on Michigan properties. Some common issues people encounter that lead to injuries include broken stairs, dangerous work sites, icy sidewalks, loose rugs, slippery or uneven floors, and unstable railings. If you’ve been injured due to poor safety standards, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries.
Michigan’s premises liability law holds property owners responsible for incidents that occur on their property by allowing slip or trip and fall victims to file claims for negligence. Under Michigan law, property owners are required to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their visitors and warn them about potentially hazardous conditions with signs or other visible warnings.
Recovering from a slip and fall injury can be challenging enough on its own. Let a Michigan slip and fall lawyer help you recover the damages you’re owed, so you can focus on healing without worrying about the complicated legal process. Our team at Wigod & Falzon can guide you through the process of filing a claim and bolstering your case to achieve a positive outcome. Call our office to set up an appointment with a Michigan attorney today.