Detroit Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

A Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensation

Property owners in Michigan have a duty to make sure that their property is safe for the people they invite there, whether it is for business or just a simple social call. Unfortunately, some property owners do not take that responsibility seriously and allow conditions such as slick surfaces, broken walkways, uneven paths, and unmarked spills to exist, resulting in slip and fall injuries on their property. Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, severe lacerations, broken bones, concussions, and even death.

If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died as a result of tripping and falling because of someone else’s negligence, failure to maintain their property, or correct hazards, you may be entitled to compensation through insurance or a slip and fall lawsuit.  However, Michigan laws are complex when it comes to proving negligence, and property owners and their insurance companies will often try to deny claims and even put the blame for the accident on you, so you should not try to go it alone.

Fortunately, there is help available from the Detroit slip and fall accident lawyers at Goodman Acker. Our attorneys have had significant experience in thoroughly investigating these claims and have a proven track record of obtaining maximum compensation for slip and fall accidents.

The team at Goodman Acker has a success rate of 99% for cases we conclude.

How Our Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers in Detroit Work for You

Why Choose Us

We know how painful and challenging it can be to suffer from an slip and fall accident. It affects not just you, but your children, spouse, and families. We know you just want to get well and stop the physical and emotional pain as much as the financial. As a personal injury law firm, Goodman Acker  consistently proves our commitment to legal excellence through unparalleled knowledge of personal injury law and the civil court system in Macomb County and throughout Michigan. Our legacy and reputation depend on our experience and our successes. And that’s why you choose Goodman Acker to represent you or your loved one: because every injured person entitled to compensation deserves strong, consistent representation so that they can recover that compensation.

What sets our personal injury firm apart from the rest in Warren, Michigan? It’s our standard of excellence, which includes:

• More than 150 years of combined experience
• A 99% success rate for settled cases
• Case results resulting in millions of dollars for our clients and their families
• Client-focused representation that produces strong client testimonials
• Featured regularly in the news with media outlets like Fox 2 News and Local 4 Detroit
• Commitment to and aggressive-yet-ethical, high-performing firm culture
• Availability 24/7 for client emergencies
• Free initial consultations

Our standard of excellence and the quality representation it fosters get noticed by our clients and our peers. We are consistently recognized as top personal injury lawyers by:

• Super Lawyers
• AV Martindale-Hubbell
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

This recognition does not come easy, but we continue to receive it because we work diligently to build compelling cases. We fight for our clients when others might retreat.

Time is of the essence if you’ve been in an injury accident. According to Michigan statutes (section 600.5805), there is a statute of limitations, a deadline that is generally 3 years after the time of the death or injury to file a lawsuit. When you have Goodman Acker on your side, we will get to work for you immediately.

• Meet with you to discuss the circumstances of the accident, who the negligent parties may be, and determine what your case may be worth
• Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence, such as from surveillance videos, police and accident reports, and eyewitness interviews, to find where another party was negligent and show why you were not at fault
• Deal with insurance companies and aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement
• Hire experts in accident reconstruction and experts, if necessary, to testify as to your costs and the care you will need into the future
• Build your case and take it to court if an agreement with insurance cannot be reached.

Whether negotiating with insurance, or investigating, building, or arguing your case in court, our Detroit slip and fall accident lawyers will handle all legal requirements and hurdles to take the burden off you, so you can concentrate on recovery.

Compensation Our Detroit Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys May Recover

You May Receive an Award for All Your Damages

The compensation award you receive for your injuries, known as damages, depends on the circumstances of your accident, the injuries you suffered, and how the injuries will affect your life. In Michigan, slip-and-fall damage awards fall under the following categories:

• Economic damages: for expenses and costs such as medical and rehabilitation bills, lost income from being unable to work, and any property damage
• Non-economic damages: for losses that do not have a specific dollar value, including your pain and suffering, loss of consortium and enjoyment of life, and emotional and mental anguish
• Punitive damages: may also be awarded in some rare cases to punish a defendant who acted in an especially reckless or egregious manner and to deter such behaviors in the future.

Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys in Detroit Must Prove Negligence

Under Michigan premises liability laws, property owners and managers have what is known as a duty of care to make sure their property is properly maintained to prevent injuries to others and to fix unsafe conditions in a timely manner. If they fail to do so and you are injured due to this negligence, you may have a valid slip and fall case.

To win the case, your attorney must be able to establish there was negligence by a defendant because:

1. The defendant had a duty of care to keep the property in a safe manner.
2. There was a dangerous condition on the property that posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
3. The defendant knew or should have known about the condition.
4. The defendant had time to remedy the condition but failed to do so.
5. The defendant was negligent and failed to properly fix or warn about the defect which caused your accident.
6. You suffered damages as a result.

Here are some examples of negligence that can lead to slips and falls:

• No warning signs posted about dangerous conditions
• A wet floor that wasn’t clearly marked
• A loose rug that should have been nailed down
• Floors that are broken, cracked, have holes, or are uneven
• Stairs that have broken or missing railings
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and outside pathways.

In a slip and fall lawsuit, the negligent party is frequently the property or business owner or manager, but there may be multiple parties involved, such as joint owners and management companies, or even a municipality that had a duty to fix a broken sidewalk. Our attorneys will strive to prove that any or all of these parties, the defendants in the case, were negligent and at fault, as they all may have assets and insurance that can go toward a settlement.

Slip and Fall Injury Attorney Answers Frequently Asked Questions

After a slip and fall injury, it’s natural to feel confused and have questions.  Many of these can best be dealt with at your free initial consultation, but here are some answers to common questions to get you started.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

No, insurance companies are not on your side – they are out for profit and their bottom line. They will often try to deny your claim, get you to accept a lowball offer for less than your case is worth, or trick you into saying something that makes it seem as if the fall was your fault.  Tell the insurance company to speak to your attorney, and let Goodman Acker handle all dealings with them.

Can I sue my employer for a slip and fall?

In Michigan, employees are covered under worker’s compensation for injuries that occur while on the job. Some scenarios are an exception, and it may be possible to file a claim. A discussion with one of our experienced attorneys will help you decide whether you can file a lawsuit.

Can I sue the government for slips and falls on a public property?

The short answer here is “yes.” But in reality it may be a big hassle and challenging to prove that the government entity is at fault. You’ll need a highly experienced lawyer to navigate through a slip and fall claim against the government.

What if I had a slip and fall on snow and ice in Michigan?

In Detroit, we often experience increased amounts of snow and ice in the winter months, which significantly increases the risk of slip and fall injuries. These accidents occur due to snow and ice buildup on parking lots, stairways, entrances to buildings, and sidewalks. Generally, you’re not allowed to file a claim due to the owner’s failure to remove snow and ice accumulation, but there are certain instances where you can. Consulting with an attorney can help you determine whether or not you should file a claim.

How long will my slip and fall case take?

The length of your slip and fall case depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident and the severity of your injuries. Some claims can be resolved quickly if the person or business being accused of negligence agrees to pay. That doesn’t always mean you should take this offer, as you don’t always know the long-term impact and what a fair compensation amount would be.

Should I hire a slip and fall lawyer after an accident in Detroit?

An attorney can play a crucial role in the outcome of your slip and fall injury. If you decide to file a claim, you can rest assured that our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your slip and fall to help build a strong case in your favor. We will file all claims and paperwork on your behalf and do so in a timely manner. We will work aggressively in order to ensure you receive the care you need and the compensation you deserve. At Goodman Acker, we’re passionate about providing our clients with representation that will make a difference in their lives.

This is just a start — call our slip and fall attorneys today to have all your questions answered and get started on fighting for your rights and the just compensation you deserve.

Call Our Detroit Slip and Fall Lawyers for Help

We Boast an Impressive Track Record

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important that you not wait to consult with one of our lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C., as evidence can disappear and it may be harder to acquire photographs or video surveillance of the scene. At Goodman Acker, our legal team has helped many slip and fall victims in the Detroit metro area receive justice — and we can help you, too.

Some of our case results include:

• A $102,000 trial verdict in Oakland County for a woman who slipped and fell at a night club, resulting in a fractured ankle.
• A $400,000 judgment In Wayne County for a delivery man who suffered a painful shoulder injury in a fall.
• A $519,000 trial verdict in Livingston County for a subcontractor who was injured due to lack of guardrails.

See What Our Clients Have to Say About Us!

Mr. Acker has done an amazing job with his expertise, his caring attitude and kindness. He does not treat you as a number and he really listens to you. His assistant, Tammy, is awesome. Every time I saw or talked to her she was kind and has compassion for you that most people would not. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone that needs legal help. He has patience and understands what you are going through during the whole process of litigation. Just call for a consult and you will truly understand what I am saying about this firm.
– Linda