Michigan Slip And Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall claims are usually evidence cases first

People often know right away that they were badly hurt, but they do not always realize how fast the proof can disappear. Store conditions change, snow and ice melt, video gets overwritten, and witnesses move on. That makes early documentation especially important in Michigan slip-and-fall and broader premises-liability claims.

Baldori Law helps clients evaluate whether an unsafe condition, poor maintenance, inadequate response, or another property issue may support a claim. We also keep the page grounded in practical next steps rather than abstract doctrine.

What these cases often involve

• Falls in stores, restaurants, and parking lots
• Apartment, rental, and common-area hazards
• Wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, and poor lighting
• Snow, ice, slush, and winter walkway conditions
• Disputes over notice, maintenance, and what the property owner knew

The 2023 change in Michigan premises law

For decades, Michigan property owners argued that an "open and obvious" hazard like ice ended a case before it began. In July 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court's decision in Kandil-Elsayed v F & E Oil, Inc changed that: an obvious hazard no longer eliminates the owner's duty of care. Obviousness now goes to comparative fault, which is usually a question for the jury.

In practical terms, cases that would have been dismissed under the old rule can now be heard — but your own share of fault still reduces any recovery, and much of what the internet says about Michigan slip-and-fall law predates this change. Michigan's general injury deadline of three years under MCL 600.5805 still applies.

Why Michigan winter cases need careful proof

Ice and snow claims often turn on details: where the fall happened, what the surface looked like, what the weather was doing, whether the condition had been treated, and how quickly the area changed after the incident. The more specific the early documentation is, the better.

Questions people ask after a fall

Do I still have a case if there were no witnesses?

Possibly. Witnesses help, but they are not the only form of proof. Photos, incident reports, video, medical records, and the condition of the area can all matter.

Should I give a recorded statement right away?

It is usually better to slow down and understand what is being asked before giving a detailed statement. People often minimize pain or miss important facts in the first hours after a fall.

What if I fell on government property, like a city sidewalk?

Different, shorter rules can apply. Claims involving government entities often require formal written notice within months — for some claims against the State, within six months — and missing the notice window can end an otherwise valid claim. If any public entity may be involved, have the timeline reviewed as early as possible.

Is this only a slip-and-fall page, or does it cover premises liability too?

This page is meant to cover both. The primary focus is Michigan slip-and-fall intent, but the same page also supports broader unsafe property and premises-liability concerns.

If your injuries came from another kind of negligence claim, you can also review our broader personal injury page.

Winter falls have their own rules — our guide to Michigan snow and ice claims walks through them. Related owner-liability work includes dog bite cases and, when a fall proves fatal, wrongful death claims.