Slip and Fall Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI
If you’ve been injured due to slippery floors, icy sidewalks, or damaged walkways, you need an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Grand Rapids who understands Michigan’s premises liability laws and will fight for your best interests. With over 30 years of legal experience, Barrix Law Firm represents injured individuals and their families across West Michigan.
We will investigate the cause of the accident, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best deal. Whether your injuries happened due to a trip or slip and fall, improper lighting, or negligent security, Barrix Law Firm offers our trusted legal representation through every step of your claim.
Table of Contents
- Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
- Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Falls
- Duty of Care & Premises Liability Laws in Michigan
- 6 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Grand Rapids
- Types of Compensation Available for Slip and Falls
- Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Slip and Fall Case?
- Other Types of Premises Liability Claims We Handle
- Grand Rapids Slip and Fall FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Grand Rapids Slip and Fall Lawyer
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and falls and trip and falls are among the most common premises liability claims in Michigan and other parts of the United States. They can occur almost anywhere from convenience stores to big-box retailers, parking lots, post offices, schools, local parks, and neighborhood sidewalks. According to the National Safety Council, falls lead to over 8 million emergency room visits every year, and they’re a top cause of workers’ compensation claims. Here are a few of the most common causes.
- Wet or slippery floors due to rain, mopping, or spills
- Damaged or uneven surfaces, such as torn carpet or potholes
- Inadequate lighting or burnt-out bulbs, especially in parking lots or stairwells
- Clutter, merchandise, and debris, including cords and trip hazards
- Code violations or improper maintenance, such as uneven stairs or ineffective repairs
- Damaged, loose, or missing decking, floor tiles, and handrails
Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents often cause minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, but they can also lead to serious impairments, especially for older adults or individuals with preexisting medical conditions. Understanding common injuries associated with slip and falls can help you access appropriate medical care and legal services.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are very common when falling forward or backwards or being struck by a falling object.
- Falling against a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or concrete floor, can cause serious back and neck injuries, including disc herniation, vertebral damage, and paralysis.
- Bone fractures affecting the arms, wrists, ankles, or hips are likely to occur as a person tries to break their fall.
- Soft tissue injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be painful and slow to heal. These injuries are most likely to affect the legs, arms, hands, and shoulders or rotator cuff.
- Experiencing a public fall can result in embarrassment and emotional trauma. Some people may become more fearful of walking or going out due to the potential danger.
Duty of Care & Premises Liability Laws in Michigan
Michigan’s premises liability laws require property owners to protect the safety of invited guests and visitors. The duty of care varies depending on the guest’s legal status and right to be on the property.
Typically, owners must keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. They must warn visitors of dangers that are not open and obvious, and they must fix or correct known hazards in a reasonable amount of time. If the property owner fails to warn visitors or correct the hazard, they can be liable for your injuries.
6 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Grand Rapids
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall in Grand Rapids or Kent County, taking appropriate steps immediately after the accident can help to defend your rights. Here are a few ways that you can protect your health and document your premises liability claim.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, store manager, or supervisor about the accident, and make sure to get a copy of the incident report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the hazard that caused the accident, and the surrounding area.
- Identify Witnesses: Get names and contact information from any employees or witnesses who were in the area, saw the accident, or noticed the hazard that caused the fall.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit the doctor, or get checked by emergency medical technicians if they arrive on the scene. Doctors can detect fractures, concussions, and soft tissue injuries to establish your claim.
- Keep Records: Keep copies of all documents and physical evidence related to the accident, including medical bills, test results, and medical imaging. Even the shoes that you were wearing can help to prove that you were not at fault.
- Consult With an Attorney: Speak to an experienced lawyer who can value your case and explain your rights. Avoid making statements to the insurance adjuster or property owner. At Barrix Law Firm, we offer free in-depth consultations, so there’s no risk to you.
Types of Compensation Available for Slip and Falls
Medical Expenses
If another person or business was responsible for your slip and fall injuries, their insurance company should pay for all past and future medical care related to the accident, including surgery, medications, physical therapy, and travel to medical appointments.
Lost Income
Even relatively minor injuries, such as a broken arm or ankle, can limit your ability to work. Your Grand Rapids slip and fall lawyer can value your lost wages and help you file a claim for diminished earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job or complete the work that you trained for.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate you for the physical and emotional pain that you endured due to your injuries and recovery. You can also be compensated for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life if you’re unable to partake in your normal activities.
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Slip and Fall Case?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for a slip and fall case, having an experienced Grand Rapids slip and fall attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. It’s important to select the right attorney. You want someone who is knowledgeable, responsive, accessible, and cares about your case, which is exactly what we offer. Here’s how we can help.
Investigation: We can investigate the cause of your slip and fall, interview witnesses and employees, and gather evidence to support your premises liability claim.
Case Valuation: From medical bills to lost wages, we’ll work with you to gather documents that support your claim and value your losses to ensure that you’re fairly compensated.
Legal Knowledge: With over 30 years of legal experience, we have an in-depth understanding of Michigan’s premises liability laws. We can anticipate possible defenses and help clients navigate complex claims.
Negotiation Skills: We use proven strategies to negotiate with insurance companies and defense lawyers to reach a fair settlement and shut down lowball offers that undervalue your injuries.
Trial Experience: If needed, we can represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Jason Barrix is an experienced litigator who has been named a Top 100 attorney by The National Trial Lawyers.
Proven Results: Our personal injury firm has a long track record of recovering settlements for clients in West Michigan. We have hundreds of satisfied clients and 5-star reviews.
Other Types of Premises Liability Claims We Handle
At Barrix Law Firm, we represent clients in a wide range of premises liability cases beyond slip and falls or trip and falls. If your injury occurred because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, we’re ready to help you pursue justice and compensation. Learn more about the cases we handle.
Negligent Security
Assaults and personal injuries sometimes occur in parking lots, strip malls, and stairwells due to improper lighting, malfunctioning cameras, or a lack of security personnel.
Unsafe Stairs or Railings
Decks, porches, and stairways can be a frequent cause of injuries due to damaged or missing steps and hazardous surfaces that create a slip or trip risk.
Escalator Accidents
Malfunctioning or improperly maintained elevators and lift equipment can cause pinch hazards, trip and falls, amputations, or electrical shocks that result in serious injuries.
Snow and Ice Hazards
Grand Rapids receives over 5 feet of snow annually, so slip and falls are common due to icy parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways.
Falling Objects
Head and back injuries due to falling objects or merchandise are extremely common in big-box stores and on construction sites.
Pool Accidents
Injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions, improper signage, or a lack of supervision can result in premises liability claims.
Grand Rapids Slip and Fall FAQs
No. At Barrix Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations to discuss the facts of your case and determine your legal options. If you choose to hire us, you won’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no risk to you.
In general, you must file a workers’ compensation claim for injuries occurring in the workplace. This insurance system will pay for your medical care and rehabilitation until you reach maximum medical improvement. You can also receive two-thirds of your lost wages. You may be able to file a lawsuit if a third-party was responsible for the hazardous conditions, such as a property manager, janitorial service, or construction company. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to determine your legal options.
According to MCL Section 600.5805, most actions related to personal injuries are subject to a 3-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. This rule applies to slip and falls and other premises liability cases, including negligent security. There are some exceptions. For example, if you were injured on property controlled by Kent County or the City of Grand Rapids, your attorney must submit notice of your intent to sue within 120 days of the injury. Contact a premises liability lawyer in Grand Rapids to avoid missing deadlines that could affect your right to compensation.
Yes, Michigan follows the doctrine of modified comparative fault, which means that you can sue and recover damages even if you’re partially responsible for the accident. If you’re no more than 50% responsible, your economic and non-economic damages will be reduced by your level of responsibility. If you bear the majority of the responsibility (51% or more), you can still recover partial economic damages, but you’re barred from seeking non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
It depends on who owns or controls the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is maintained by the city, county, or state, it can be more difficult to sue for your injuries. Per MCL Section 691.1402a, the government is only responsible for large defects, such as vertical discontinuity of 2 inches or more or another dangerous condition of “particular character.” Additionally, the plaintiff must show that the government agency knew or should have known of the defect for at least 30 days before the accident occurred. Speak with a trip and fall attorney to determine who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in question.
Get in Touch With a Grand Rapids Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall due to slippery floors, icy sidewalks, or other hazards, stop wondering what your case is worth. Contact our office in Grand Rapids to speak with a slip and fall lawyer who can value your case and determine the best way to proceed.
We have over 30 years of experience representing individuals in personal injury and premises liability cases. We know how to hold property owners accountable and negotiate with insurance companies to recover the compensation you deserve. Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Grand Rapids. Let’s start building your case.
