Sidewalks are supposed to be safe. They’re built for kids walking to school, seniors heading to appointments, and everyday people just trying to get from point A to point B. But in Genesee County, from Flint to Grand Blanc, too many sidewalks are cracked, uneven, or flat-out dangerous.
A raised slab jutting two inches out of the ground. A crumbling curb. Ice or snow left to pile up without warning signs or maintenance. These aren’t just unfortunate “accidents”—they’re preventable hazards, and they’re injuring pedestrians every day.
If you tripped and fell on a broken sidewalk in Genesee County, you’re probably left with more than just bruises. You may be dealing with:
- A broken wrist or hip
- Torn ligaments
- Head trauma
- Mounting medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lingering pain and anxiety
And worst of all? Cities, property owners, and insurers love to claim it’s your fault.
Here’s the truth: Michigan law protects you—but the clock starts ticking fast.
Michigan’s Sidewalk Liability Laws
Municipalities Have a Duty to Maintain Sidewalks
Every city or township in Michigan, including those in Genesee County like Flint, Davison, and Burton, has a legal obligation to keep public sidewalks in “reasonable repair” so they’re safe for pedestrians.
This duty means identifying dangerous conditions—like cracks, raised slabs, and crumbling concrete—and fixing them within a reasonable amount of time.
The Two-Inch Rule
Michigan law includes a strict measurement guideline: If a defect in the sidewalk is more than two inches in height or depth, it is presumed to be unsafe.
That means:
- A slab jutting 2.5 inches above the next one?
- A pothole deeper than 2 inches?
That meets the legal threshold for being a hazard. If your injury was caused by a defect this large, your case may be viable under the statute.
Actual or Constructive Notice
You can’t just prove the defect existed—you also have to show that the city knew, or should have known, about it.
- Actual notice: The city was informed directly—through resident complaints, inspection logs, or prior injury reports.
- Constructive notice: The defect was there so long, or was so obvious, that the city should have known about it.
Cities may claim they didn’t know about the hazard, but a good attorney can dig into maintenance records, incident reports, and resident testimony to prove otherwise.
Reasonable Time to Repair
Even with notice, the municipality gets a reasonable amount of time to fix the defect. But if they dragged their feet or flat-out ignored the problem? That’s negligence—and you may have a valid claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
City or Township Governments
If the sidewalk is public property—and most are—the responsibility typically falls on the local government.
Under MCL 691.1402a, the city, village, or township must maintain sidewalks in a condition safe for public use. This includes:
- Inspecting regularly
- Responding to citizen complaints
- Repairing known defects in a reasonable time
Property Owners
In many business districts and residential areas, local ordinances shift responsibility to the property owner. That means if a sidewalk hazard exists in front of a storefront or rental property, the business or landlord could be liable—especially if:
- The defect violates city code
- The owner knew about it and failed to fix it
- The area was under their control
Snow/Ice Maintenance Contractors
Slip-and-fall cases involving ice or snow often bring another party into the equation: the private contractor hired to do snow removal or salting.
If a third-party company:
- Failed to treat the sidewalk,
- Used improper equipment, or
- Left dangerous ice buildups,
The 120-Day Rule: Notice Requirement
MCL 691.1404: The Clock Starts Ticking
Under Michigan’s Governmental Tort Liability Act, you must provide written notice of your injury within 120 days of the incident if the sidewalk is owned or maintained by a governmental entity (city, village, or township).
This is not optional. It’s a legal requirement—and failing to meet it could destroy your claim entirely.
Your Notice Must Include:
To comply with the law, your notice must clearly spell out:
- The exact location of the defect (intersection, street address, or specific landmarks)
- The nature of the injury (broken bones, concussion, etc.)
- The date and time the incident occurred
Cities often deny claims on technicalities—so precision matters. Even a small mistake or vague description can get your case tossed.
What to Do After a Sidewalk Fall in Genesee County
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Don’t try to “walk it off.” A hard fall can lead to:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Head trauma
- Soft tissue damage
Seek medical treatment right away, even if the pain seems manageable. Not only is this vital for your health—it also creates documentation that connects your injuries to the fall.
Take Photos of the Defect and Your Injuries
Before the city covers it up or repairs it, take clear photos:
- The defect (from multiple angles)
- The area around it (showing no warning signs or cones)
- Your visible injuries
- Your shoes and clothing (if damaged or bloodied)
Collect Witness Information
If anyone saw you fall, get their name, phone number, and a short statement. Witnesses help prove that:
- The sidewalk was unsafe
- You didn’t trip due to distraction or clumsiness
- There were no warnings present
Report the Incident
Submit a report to the city, township, or property owner right away. Be clear but cautious. Do not accept blame, downplay your injuries, or speculate.
This starts a paper trail that shows the municipality had notice—which is crucial for your claim.
Don’t Sign Anything or Accept Blame
City reps, property managers, or insurers may reach out to “check in” or offer quick settlements. Don’t fall for it.
- Don’t sign release forms.
- Don’t agree to recorded statements.
- Don’t let them shift the blame onto you.
Contact a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Immediately
Your window to act is short—120 days to file notice if it’s a public sidewalk. The sooner you call, the better your chances of preserving evidence, meeting deadlines, and building a strong case.
At Marko Law, we move fast and fight hard. From Flint to Fenton, we represent Genesee County residents hurt by negligence—and we don’t let cities or insurers off the hook.
What Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Medical Bills
This includes:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Mobility devices or prosthetics
- Ongoing care for chronic pain or disability
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If your fall forces you to miss work—or makes it impossible to return to the same job—you can recover damages for:
- Days or weeks of missed pay
- Lost earning potential
- Career changes caused by disability
Pain and Suffering
This is more than physical pain. It’s the toll that a serious injury takes on your life—emotionally, mentally, and socially.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
- Sleep disruption
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If your injury leads to:
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of a limb
- Reduced physical function
Emotional Distress
The emotional aftermath of a sudden, violent fall can be profound—especially for older adults or those already managing health conditions.
If your fall has left you anxious, withdrawn, or unable to enjoy the life you once had, you may have a right to recover for emotional suffering.
Don’t Wait—The Law Is on Your Side
Injured on a broken sidewalk in Genesee County? Don’t brush it off. Don’t assume it was “just an accident.” And definitely don’t wait. Michigan law gives you a real chance to hold negligent cities or property owners accountable—but that opportunity comes with a hard deadline.
You have just 120 days to file a formal notice with the municipality. Miss it, and your case could be over before it begins—no matter how severe your injuries.
At Marko Law, we’ve taken on city governments across Michigan and won. We understand the strict procedural rules, the legal traps cities use to dodge responsibility, and the real-life impact these injuries have on you and your family.
Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation
📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com
