If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to hazardous or unsafe conditions, you are likely eligible to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered through a premises liability claim. It can be highly beneficial to work with a skilled Jackson premises liability lawyer to file your claim and to navigate the legal processes that follow.
For over 20 years, personal injury lawyer team at Wigod & Falzon has been protecting our clients throughout Michigan by helping them recover the damages they’re owed through settlement negotiations with insurers or complete trials in the Michigan District Court or Michigan Circuit Court. We’ll evaluate your case and strategize to provide you with the right avenue to legal recourse.
If you’re wondering about your potential slip and fall settlement amount, our team can help you understand what your claim may be worth based on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Premises liability law in Michigan protects anyone visiting a property owned by another party in the case that they are injured due to some hazard or unsafe condition on the premises. Under this law, property owners are required to maintain their property to meet reasonable safety standards for visitors and provide ample warning of any potential hazards when they arise.
Unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death in Michigan in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for safety and accountability. Increasing premises liability cases in Jackson, MI play a crucial role in holding property owners responsible and helping injured individuals seek justice—while promoting safer environments for everyone.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property and suspect you have a premises liability case, it can be daunting to figure out what steps to take to file your claim and recover your damages. Before you can file the claim, however, it’s important to do the following:
Seek medical attention. It’s important to prioritize your health after an injury, even if you don’t suspect you were severely injured. By visiting a doctor, you can start a medical paper trail regarding the accident, which can serve as critical evidence down the road. Plus, a doctor can clear you of any potential injuries that your adrenaline may be masking in the wake of the accident.
Report the incident. After an injury, it’s crucial to notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible. This first step of the process allows the property owner to try to resolve the issue on their own. In the event this doesn’t happen, it also serves as a paper trail to show that you reported the incident when it happened.
Document everything. From incident reports to medical records to police statements, be sure to get copies of all important documents pertaining to your case. It’s also wise to take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident and get statements from any witnesses, too. Anything that you think you can use to build your case, save it.
Meet with an attorney. A Jackson premises liability lawyer can guide you through your case and help you reach the maximum settlement amount. Negotiating with insurance companies, filing court actions, and collecting key pieces of evidence can be a lot without the help of a skilled professional.
Gather evidence. In addition to everything you’ve already documented, it’s important to collect more evidence to strengthen your case. A Jackson premises liability lawyer has the skills and resources to help gather as much proof as possible on your behalf, including maintenance records, prior incident reports and complaints, professional testimony, and more.
While you are not required to work with a Jackson premises liability lawyer on your case, it’s highly recommended. An experienced attorney can stay on top of important deadlines and ensure you’re taking the right steps in the right order to file your claim and receive compensation.
Plus, they can give you a better chance at the maximum settlement amount available to you so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Insurance adjusters can try to minimize your claim if you talk to them on your own, and a Jackson premises liability lawyer can keep things on the right track.
Generally speaking, a property claim is filed to deal with the damage that is done to your or someone else’s property. A premises liability claim, on the other hand, deals with damages or injuries that a person incurs while on someone else’s property. Property claims focus on property, while premises liability claims focus on people.
Premises liability law and negligence law are related but not entirely the same. Premises liability is a category that falls under the umbrella of negligence that deals specifically with injuries related to dangerous property conditions. General negligence, on the other hand, can pertain to any neglectful acts by the property owner and not just those pertaining to the property itself.
In Michigan, you have to file a premises liability claim within three years of an incident occurring to retain your right to recover damages. If you’re filing a claim for an accident that happened on public property, you must also submit a notice of intent within 120 days of the incident before officially filing the case against them.
The amount of time it takes to reach a settlement for a premises liability case depends entirely on the specific situation. The severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case can impact the time and the responsiveness of the at-fault party and their insurance company. An experienced lawyer can help guide you through the process.
When you’ve suffered an injury on someone else’s property in Michigan, it’s wise to get in touch with a Jackson premises liability lawyer who can help you recover the damages you’re owed. At Wigod & Falzon, we can give you an honest assessment of your case and come up with a plan to get you the maximum settlement amount whenever possible. Contact our office to set up an appointment with a Jackson premises liability lawyer today.