Property owners in Detroit can be held at fault for icy slip-and-falls. However, the property owner’s responsibility for a fall will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
If you or someone you love suffered a fall injury due to icy conditions, our law firm’s slip and fall lawyers in Rochester and Sanford, MI, could help you prove fault and seek compensation. We may be able to help you recover a settlement or verdict to pay for your medical expenses and other losses.
When Is a Property Owner at Fault?
Property owners are at fault, or liable, for an icy slip-and-fall in Detroit if they were negligent. Negligence in property ownership is a failure to keep premises in a reasonably safe condition.
In the case of a slip and fall due to ice and snow, negligence may include:
- Failing to clear snow and ice in a timely fashion
- Failing to remove snow and ice properly or thoroughly
- Failing to address unnatural accumulations of snow and ice caused by maintenance issues, like faulty drainage
- Failing to warn visitors or patrons about the hazardous condition
There could also be other negligent conditions involved, including:
- Broken or cracked sidewalks or flooring
- Potholes
- Wet or slippery floors caused by melting snow and ice
- Lack of adequate lighting
To win compensation for your injury, you must show that the property owner’s negligence was a direct cause of your fall. Our legal team could help you collect case evidence, which may include photographs of the scene, video footage of the accident, and property maintenance records.
When Is a Property Owner Not at Fault?
Property owners may not be at fault for falls caused by ice if they took reasonable steps to clear the ice and snow. They may also not be liable if they have not had a reasonable amount of time to clear their property, or if the fall occurred while the weather was still ongoing.
Additionally, a property owner may not be financially responsible for a fall injury if the injured party was trespassing or their own negligence caused or contributed to the accident. For example, if you were intentionally trying to run and slid on an icy patch and fell, the property owner may not owe you compensation for your injury.
Damages You Could Seek for a Slip and Fall Injury
Many slip and fall accident cases begin with a claim against the at-fault party’s property insurance. You may be able to seek a settlement for the following through a homeowner’s, renter’s, or business insurance policy:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
Falls can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are the leading cause of injury death in adults aged 65 and older. If your loved one died because of a fall on ice, our slip and fall attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for their wrongful death.
Our firm could file your insurance claims, help you build your case, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. If necessary, we could help you pursue compensation with a lawsuit in civil court.
Contact a Rochester, MI, Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Heather Atnip founded Atnip & Associates, PLLC on the principle that all clients are family. We take every case personally and fight to ensure that insurance companies provide full and fair compensation to injury victims.
We are proud to serve people from all walks of life, including those with limited resources or who have been marginalized. We can help you get started on your claim with a free initial consultation. We have offices in Rochester and Sanford and serve clients across the Detroit metro area. Contact us today.
