Michigan Premises Liability Lawyers

In Michigan, property owners or managers are responsible for ensuring the establishment or premises are safe for patrons and visitors. If you have been injured on public or private property due to a dangerous or defective condition on the premises, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation from a personal injury lawsuit.

Premises liability claims can be incredibly complex. If you were injured as a result of a slip and fall, dog bite, or another type of premises-related accident, you are likely focused on getting treatment for your injuries. At Grewal Law, our premises liability lawyers can handle your legal needs so that you can focus on healing. We assist clients throughout the state of Michigan and are here to answer all your questions and address all your concerns.

Contact us online or by phone at (888) 211-5798 for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding Premises Liability in Michigan

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure that their premises are safe and secure for those who enter them. This concept holds true in Michigan, just as it does in any other state. When you step onto someone else's property, be it a store, a private residence, or a commercial establishment, you should reasonably expect that the property is free from any hazards or dangerous conditions that could cause harm.

However, accidents can and do happen due to negligent property maintenance, inadequate security, or a failure to warn of potential dangers. In such cases, the property owner or occupier may be held liable for any injuries or damages sustained by visitors, customers, or even trespassers on their premises.

Premises liability cases in Michigan can take many forms. The circumstances leading to an injury can vary, but some common situations include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These are some of the most prevalent premises liability cases. Slip and fall accidents often occur due to wet or slippery floors, poorly maintained walkways, uneven surfaces, or other dangerous conditions.
• Trip and Fall Accidents: Similar to slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents result from hazardous conditions like uneven sidewalks, broken stairs, or cluttered walkways.
• Inadequate Security: If you are a victim of a crime on someone else's property, such as a shopping mall or apartment complex, and it can be proven that inadequate security measures played a role, you may have a premises liability claim.
• Dog Bites: Property owners, including dog owners, are responsible for ensuring the safety of visitors. If a dog on their property bites or attacks someone, the owner may be held liable.
• Negligent Maintenance: Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises properly. This includes ensuring that structures are safe and that hazards are repaired promptly. Failure to do so can result in injuries and liability.
• Inadequate Warning Signs: Property owners should provide clear warnings about potential dangers, such as wet floors or other hazards. If they fail to do so, it can lead to premises liability claims.

Examples of “Dangerous Conditions” on Public & Private Property

Premises liability cases hinge on the concept of “dangerous conditions,” but what exactly are these conditions? What does it mean for a property to be “unsafe?” Certain properties and types of conditions pose inherent risks. For example, when you visit a public pool, you accept that there is a certain risk of drowning.

However, the owner or manager of the property is still responsible for managing those risks and warning visitors of their existence, within reason. Examples of this include posting “swim at your own risk” signs, having a life ring or similar safety device on site and easily accessible, hiring a lifeguard during busy summer hours, etc. When property owners do not take reasonable steps to fix safety problems or warn visitors of dangers, a “dangerous condition” may exist.

Examples of dangerous conditions on public and private properties include:

• Accumulated snow or ice in front of a doorway or on a walkway
• Unrestrained dogs/lack of signs warning of a dog’s presence
• Negligent or insufficient security, leading to assaults
• Uneven flooring, carpeting, and/or defective sidewalks
• Unsafe stairs, including those that do not have adequate railings
• Fallen merchandise/spilled liquids, leading to slip and falls
• Obstructed walkways and slippery floors
• Exposed electrical wiring, leading to electric shocks
• Insufficient lighting (indoor and outdoor)
• Building code violations
• Poorly maintained premises
• Swimming pools that lack fences, gates, or proper signage

This list illustrates just some of the possible dangerous conditions that may exist on someone else’s property. If you were injured as a result of any of these or another unsafe condition, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and other losses.

How to Prove Premises Liability

To establish a premises liability claim in Michigan, you must demonstrate the following elements:

• Duty of Care: You must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care. This duty of care is typically present when you are an invitee or licensee on the property, such as a customer in a store or a guest in someone's home.
• Breach of Duty: You must prove that the property owner breached their duty of care by failing to maintain the premises in a safe condition or failing to warn of potential dangers.
• Causation: You need to establish a direct link between the property owner's breach of duty and the injuries you suffered.
• Damages: You must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the property owner's negligence. These damages may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Statute of Limitations in Michigan

It's crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations when pursuing a premises liability claim in Michigan. The statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including premises liability claims, is three years from the date of the injury. This means that you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you don't file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule, and the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. This is why it's essential to consult with an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you meet all legal deadlines.

Why Choose Grewal Law as Your Michigan Premises Liability Lawyer

When it comes to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve in a premises liability case, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney by your side. At Grewal Law, we have a track record of success in handling premises liability cases in Michigan, and we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Here are some reasons to choose Grewal Law:

• Expertise: Our team of seasoned attorneys has in-depth knowledge of Michigan's premises liability laws. We understand the nuances of the legal system in the state and use this knowledge to your advantage.
• Track Record: We have a proven track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients in premises liability cases.
• Personalized Approach: We treat each case as unique and tailor our legal strategy to your specific circumstances. Your case is not just a number to us; it's a commitment to protect your rights.
• Resources: Grewal Law has the resources to thoroughly investigate your case, consult with experts when necessary, and build a strong case on your behalf.
• Client-Focused: We prioritize open communication with our clients, keeping you informed at every step of the legal process. Your concerns and questions are important to us.
• No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Contact us today at (888) 211-5798 to schedule a free consultation.