Dearborn Heights Public Park Slip and Fall

It’s a beautiful afternoon in Dearborn Heights. You’re taking a walk through Central Park or watching your kids play at Van Houten Park, surrounded by laughter and sunshine. The ground may be a little uneven, but you don’t think much of it—until your foot catches a cracked slab of concrete, and in an instant, you’re on the ground. Pain shoots up your leg, people rush over to help, and what was meant to be a peaceful day outdoors suddenly turns into a trip to the emergency room.

That’s the reality for many Michigan residents who suffer slip and fall injuries in public parks. The emotional and physical aftermath is overwhelming—shock, embarrassment, pain, confusion, and fear. One moment you’re enjoying your day; the next, you’re left wondering who’s responsible and how you’ll pay for the medical bills.

Slip and fall accidents in public parks can cause broken bones, spinal injuries, concussions, or long-term mobility issues. The physical pain is often compounded by financial stress—lost wages, medical costs, and weeks or months of recovery. And for many victims, there’s also the emotional toll: feeling powerless when the responsible party is not an individual or business, but a city government.

At Marko Law, we fight for those who’ve been injured in public spaces that should have been safe. Based in Detroit, our firm has extensive experience holding Michigan municipalities accountable for dangerous conditions in public parks, sidewalks, and recreational areas.

We understand that these cases aren’t easy. Michigan’s governmental immunity laws often make it difficult to sue a city or county, even when they’ve failed to maintain safe property. But complex doesn’t mean impossible. There are legal exceptions that allow victims to pursue compensation—and at Marko Law, we’ve spent years mastering the laws that make that possible.

Who’s Responsible? Understanding Government Liability in Michigan

When someone is injured in a public park in Dearborn Heights, the question of “who’s responsible” isn’t always straightforward. Most parks in the city—including Central Park, Van Houten Park, Hines Park, and Caroline Kennedy Park—are maintained by the Dearborn Heights Parks & Recreation Department or Wayne County. These government entities are responsible for keeping park grounds, sidewalks, buildings, and equipment safe for the public.

However, government entities in Michigan are often protected by a law known as the Michigan Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL 691.1407). This law grants cities, counties, and other government bodies a certain level of immunity from lawsuits. In other words, you generally can’t sue the government for every injury that happens on public property.

But there are important exceptions—and these exceptions can make all the difference in your case.

Here are some of the key exceptions that may allow an injured park visitor to pursue compensation:

• Public Building Exception (MCL 691.1406):
  This applies when an injury occurs in or around a public building, such as a recreation center, park restroom, or pavilion, that is unsafe due to poor maintenance or structural defects.
• Sidewalk Exception (MCL 691.1402a):
  This exception allows claims against a city or county for defective sidewalks, trails, or paved walking paths open to the public—like those in and around Dearborn Heights parks. If a sidewalk has cracked, buckled, or shifted and the city knew (or should have known) about it, the government can be held liable.
• Highway Exception (MCL 691.1402):
  If your injury occurred in or near an adjoining road, parking lot, or access driveway maintained by the city or county, this exception may apply.

Each of these exceptions has strict requirements and tight deadlines. Under Michigan law, you must often file written notice within 120 days of the injury—something most victims don’t know until it’s too late. Miss that window, and your case could be dismissed, no matter how serious your injuries are.

How to Prove Negligence in a Public Park Slip and Fall

Winning a slip and fall case against a city or township requires more than showing that you got hurt. Under Michigan law, you must prove that the government’s negligence caused your injury—and that requires evidence, expertise, and precision.

Here’s what it takes to build a strong claim:

1. Duty:
   The city or township had a legal responsibility to maintain the park in a reasonably safe condition for public use.
2. Knowledge:
   The city knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. This can be proven through maintenance records, inspection logs, or prior complaints from residents.
3. Failure to Act:
   Despite knowing about the danger, the city failed to repair, correct, or warn visitors about the hazard in a reasonable time frame.
4. Causation and Damages:
   That failure directly caused your injuries—such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or emotional distress—and resulted in financial losses like medical bills and missed work.

Proving each of these elements takes strategy and hard evidence. That’s why Marko Law takes an aggressive, investigative approach from day one. Our attorneys and legal team go beyond surface-level reports to uncover what really happened—and who’s responsible.

Here’s how we do it:

• Conducting on-site inspections of the accident area to document hazards before they’re repaired or removed.
• Obtaining maintenance and inspection logs from the city or county to show whether the area was properly maintained.
• Reviewing public records, prior complaints, and weather reports to prove that the city had notice of the hazard and failed to act.
• Working with engineers, safety experts, and forensic specialists to reconstruct the accident and confirm how negligence caused the fall.

Our team knows that local governments move quickly to protect themselves when someone gets hurt in a public park. They may repair the hazard, erase digital records, or deny that the problem existed at all. That’s why immediate legal action is critical.

From filing timely notice under Michigan’s Governmental Tort Liability Act to presenting expert testimony in court, we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Dearborn Heights Park

After a fall in a Dearborn Heights park, you may be in shock, in pain, or unsure what to do next. But your actions in the minutes and days after the accident can make or break your claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and the city’s lawyers and insurance teams move fast to protect their interests—not yours. That’s why it’s critical to act immediately and protect your rights.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a slip and fall in a Dearborn Heights public park:

1. Report the accident right away.
   Notify Dearborn Heights Parks & Recreation or local law enforcement as soon as possible. Ask that an incident report be created and request a copy for your records. The official documentation helps establish that your injury occurred on city property.
2. Take photos and videos of the scene.
   Capture everything—the hazardous condition that caused your fall, surrounding areas, lighting, weather, and any warning signs (or lack thereof). These images can serve as crucial evidence before the city rushes to fix the problem.
3. Get witness information.
   If anyone saw your fall or knew about the dangerous condition before your accident, collect their names, phone numbers, and statements. Witness testimony can be invaluable when proving negligence.
4. Seek medical care immediately.
   Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor or visit the emergency room. Many injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records also link your injuries directly to the fall.
5. Do not give statements or sign anything.
   After an accident, city officials or insurance representatives may reach out quickly. Don’t sign any documents or give a recorded statement without legal counsel. They may try to use your words against you later.
6. Contact an experienced attorney immediately.
   Under Michigan law, you must file written notice to the municipality within 120 days of the injury (MCL 691.1404). Missing that deadline can destroy your case, no matter how serious your injuries are. An experienced lawyer will make sure your claim is filed properly and on time.

At Marko Law, we take immediate action to preserve your rights. We send preservation letters to secure evidence, investigate city maintenance records, and build a strong claim before deadlines expire. You only get one chance to do this right—don’t risk it alone.

You Deserve More Than an Excuse—You Deserve Justice

If you were injured in a Dearborn Heights public park slip and fall, don’t let city hall or their insurance adjusters convince you that nothing can be done. Public parks are meant to be safe for everyone—and when the city fails to maintain them, they can and should be held accountable.

At Marko Law, our Detroit-based trial lawyers have helped injured Michiganders recover full and fair compensation for their medical costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and long-term pain. Whether your injury occurred on a walking path, playground, or recreation area, we’ll uncover the truth, expose negligence, and fight for the justice you deserve.

We know how to take on city governments—and win.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation
📞 Phone: +1 (313) 777-7777
📍 Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com

You deserve more than a settlement. You deserve justice. Let’s get to work.