Michigan Premises Liability Lawyers

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.