Detroit Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

A slip-and-fall accident can happen anywhere in Detroit, from the busy Greektown sidewalks and the shops of Midtown to neighborhood grocery stores or parking lots in Corktown. A moment’s distraction by a property owner can leave you dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and significant disruptions to your daily life.

At Goodman Acker, we understand how stressful this experience can be. That’s why our team of skilled attorneys is here to help. We are committed to providing you with honest, ethical, and experienced representation to recover the compensation you need and deserve. If you’re looking for guidance, an experienced Detroit slip and fall accident lawyer from our team is ready to fight for you. We are here to help you rebuild your life, one step at a time.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help with your case.

Why Choose Goodman Acker for Your Detroit Slip and Fall Accident Case

When you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you deserve a legal partner who not only understands Michigan’s laws but also genuinely cares about your well-being. At Goodman Acker, we make your recovery and justice our top priorities. Here’s what makes us the right choice for your case.

• Proven Results: With over 150 years of combined legal experience, we’ve secured numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. While we cannot promise the outcome of your case, we can promise to bring every resource, ounce of energy, and piece of experience to achieve the best possible results.
• Personalized Attention: We know every client’s story is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to you and approach your case with compassion and tailored strategies designed to suit your needs.
• Honesty and Transparency: Navigating a legal case can feel confusing, especially when legalese clouds the answers you’re seeking. We avoid jargon and communicate clearly because we believe you deserve straightforward, honest guidance every step of the way.
• No Upfront Fees: Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. This allows you to focus on healing rather than worrying about legal fees.

When you choose Goodman Acker, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a team that will fight for your right to compensation while providing the attentive care and respect you deserve during this challenging time.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

A slip and fall accident claim is a type of premises liability case that occurs when someone is injured due to hazardous conditions on another person’s property. This could involve anything from wet floors, icy walkways, poorly maintained stairs, or uneven surfaces. Property owners, whether they are business owners, landlords, or homeowners, have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their premises. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that occur.

If you’ve suffered injuries after a fall, you may have grounds for a legal claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards

Slip and fall accidents can result from a variety of hazards, many of which are entirely preventable. Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors from spills or mopping without proper warning signage
• Uneven pavement, cracks in sidewalks, or potholes in parking lots
• Loose or torn carpeting
• Cluttered walkways in stores or offices
• Poor lighting, especially in stairwells or parking garages
• Ice and snow that has not been properly removed

Negligent property maintenance may not just lead to physical injuries but also emotional and financial distress. If you believe a property owner’s carelessness contributed to your accident, Goodman Acker can help you hold them accountable.

Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case in Detroit, Michigan?

After a slip and fall accident, it’s understandable to question whether you have a legal case. Determining liability often depends on the details of your accident and whether negligence played a role. While every case is unique, you may have a valid legal claim if the following factors are present:

• Hazardous Conditions: There was a dangerous condition on the property (e.g., wet floors, faulty railings) that caused your fall.
• Knowledge of the Hazard: The property owner (or their employee) either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner.
• Resulting Injury: You sustained injuries as a direct result of the hazardous condition on the property.

Michigan law requires that property owners exercise reasonable care to keep their premises safe for visitors. Whether you were injured at a grocery store, restaurant, office building, or apartment complex in Detroit, Goodman Acker can investigate your case to uncover evidence of negligence. Security footage, property maintenance records, and witness testimony are just some of the tools we may use to strengthen your case.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Detroit, MI Slip and Fall Claim?

After a slip and fall accident, one of the most pressing questions is determining who is legally responsible for your injuries. Liability often falls on the property owner or the party responsible for managing the premises, but it can vary depending on the circumstances.

Those who may be held liable in a Detroit slip and fall claim include:

• Property Owners: Owners of homes, businesses, and multi-unit residences are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
• Landlords or Property Managers: If a landlord or property manager is tasked with maintaining the property, they may be liable for hazards like icy sidewalks, broken stairs, or poor lighting in common areas.
• Tenants: When a business rents space, such as a retail store or restaurant, the tenant occupying the space may be responsible for keeping it safe.
• Government Entities: If your fall occurs on public property, such as a city-owned sidewalk or park, state or local government entities may be liable. However, pursuing claims against government bodies can involve special rules and limitations.

At Goodman Acker, our lawyers work diligently to identify all potential defendants in your case by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your accident. Our goal is to ensure every negligent party is held accountable.

Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers

Under Michigan premises liability law, the extent of a property owner’s responsibility to prevent accidents depends on the legal status of the person who entered their property. These statuses include invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

• Invitees are individuals who enter a property for a mutual benefit, such as customers shopping at a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, including regular inspections and timely maintenance to address any hazards.
• Licensees are individuals who enter property with the owner’s permission but for their own purposes, such as social guests. Property owners owe licensees a duty to warn them of known dangers that are not obvious.
• Trespassers are individuals who enter a property without permission. Generally, property owners owe no duty of care to trespassers except to avoid causing willful or wanton harm.

If you’re unsure how your status may affect your claim, our knowledgeable team can explain your rights and help you pursue compensation from the responsible party.

What Damages Are Available to Detroit Slip and Fall Accident Victims?

A slip and fall accident can lead to financial strain, physical hardship, and emotional distress. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation for the losses you’ve endured. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to recover the following damages:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes past, current, and future costs for medical treatment related to your injuries, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
2. Lost Income: If your injuries prevented you from working, you may seek compensation for lost income. If your injuries have affected your ability to work in the future, loss of earning capacity can also be included in your claim.
3. Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your injuries.
4. Rehabilitation Costs: This could include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other treatments needed to regain mobility and independence.
5. Property Damage: If your personal property, like a phone or glasses, was damaged during the fall, you could recover repair or replacement costs.

The value of your case will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, and the overall impact of the accident on your life. Goodman Acker PC is here to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Detroit Slip and Fall Accident FAQs

If you’ve recently been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you likely have questions about your rights and the legal process—here are some answers to help guide you.

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

Michigan has a statute of limitations of three years for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents. This means you must file your claim within three years of the date of your accident. Failing to meet this deadline will likely result in losing your right to seek compensation, so it’s important to act promptly.

How much does it cost to hire a Detroit slip-and-fall accident lawyer?

The personal injury lawyers at Goodman Acker work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees upfront. You only pay us attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for your case. We believe finances shouldn’t be a barrier to justice and stand by your side without adding financial stress.

What if I’m partly to blame for my accident?

Michigan follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault for your slip and fall accident, but your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, you would receive $8,000.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

After a fall, try to document the scene as best as you can. Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, collect contact information from witnesses, report the incident to the property owner or manager, and seek medical attention immediately. Then, contact an experienced attorney like those at Goodman Acker to review your case.

How long does it take to resolve a slip and fall case?

The timeline for resolving your case depends on its complexity and whether it goes to trial. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while others may take a year or longer if negotiations with the insurance company don’t lead to a fair settlement. Rest assured, Goodman Acker PC will guide you and keep you informed at every stage.

Contact Our Trusted Detroit Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today

The legal process of a slip-and-fall accident claim can feel exhausting, especially when you’re focused on healing. A trusted attorney can handle the heavy lifting and be the advocate you need. Here’s how Goodman Acker PC can help support your case:

• Investigate the incident and gather evidence, including photos, witness accounts, and maintenance records.
• Identify the parties responsible for your injuries.
• Negotiate aggressively with the property owner’s insurance company to maximize your compensation.
• Handle all legal paperwork and filing deadlines to ensure your claim stays on track.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

We want you to feel empowered and supported during this difficult time. Our compassionate and skilled team is here to take the burden off your shoulders while fighting for the justice you deserve.

Begin your recovery journey today. Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and ready to help you move forward with confidence.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]