Construction Site Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Michigan

You were just walking—headed to work, crossing a street, or navigating the sidewalk. Then suddenly, without warning, your life changed.

In Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing, construction zones are everywhere. But while projects move forward, safety for pedestrians often falls dangerously behind. Blocked walkways, unmarked trenches, and falling debris from overhead scaffolding are not just annoyances—they’re serious threats to public safety.

We’ve seen cases where:

• A pedestrian was struck by unsecured building materials dropped from several stories up.
• A mother pushing a stroller tripped over an uncovered utility trench with no signage or cones.
• A man walking to work was hit by a construction truck backing up without a spotter or warning alarm.

These aren’t freak accidents. They are the result of careless oversight, rushed timelines, and companies cutting corners on safety protocols.

The truth is, pedestrians are often an afterthought in construction planning. But when a site isn’t properly secured, and you get hurt as a result, you have rights.

At Marko Law, we understand the trauma and the frustration. We know the medical bills pile up fast, the pain is real, and the road to recovery is steep. That’s why we hold negligent contractors, property owners, and municipalities accountable—and we don’t back down.

Who’s Liable When a Pedestrian Is Injured?

Construction Companies & General Contractors

These entities control much of the day-to-day site activity and are legally obligated to maintain safe conditions not just for workers—but for the public. When they cut corners or fail to post warnings, they can and should be held accountable.

Property Owners & Developers

The people or companies funding the construction project have a duty to ensure safety measures are in place. If they knew (or should have known) the site was dangerous to pedestrians and failed to act, they may be found negligent under Michigan premises liability law.

Subcontractors & Site Managers

Individual crews—like electricians, roofers, or equipment operators—are often directly responsible for hazards that arise. If a subcontractor drops tools from scaffolding or leaves debris on a walkway, they may be personally and professionally liable.

City or Government Agencies

If the construction zone is part of a public works project—such as road widening or sidewalk repair—municipal or state agencies may be liable. Special rules apply in these cases, including tight notice requirements (as little as 120 days) and shorter deadlines for filing suit.

Equipment or Tool Manufacturers

If your injury was caused by defective machinery, tools, or vehicles—such as a backhoe with faulty brakes or scaffolding that collapsed without warning—you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.

Legal Basis for a Claim

Negligence

This is the backbone of most personal injury claims. A party is negligent when they fail to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances—especially when they owe a duty to protect public safety.

For construction zones, this could mean:

• Failing to post warning signs
• Leaving heavy equipment near pedestrian pathways
• Not securing scaffolding or loose materials
• Allowing debris to block sidewalks or walkways

Negligence claims focus on showing that the construction site was unreasonably dangerous, and that someone in charge should have prevented it.

Premises Liability

If the property owner didn’t take steps to make the site safe for people passing by, you may have a premises liability claim. Under Michigan law, property owners have a duty to protect people from foreseeable dangers on or near their land—including from construction-related hazards.

Respondeat Superior

This legal doctrine holds employers responsible for the actions of their workers—if those actions occurred while the worker was doing their job.

For example:

• A construction worker drops tools from scaffolding while on duty
• A dump truck driver runs over a pedestrian due to poor training

Under respondeat superior, the company may be liable even if the individual worker made the direct mistake.

Government Claims

If your injury occurred near a city-run construction project, like a road repair or sidewalk overhaul, your claim may involve a government entity.

That means:

• You must file a notice of claim within as little as 120 days
• You may face damage caps or limited immunity
• Legal deadlines are tighter—and the legal process is more complex

But don’t let that scare you off. At Marko Law, we’ve taken on government agencies, big developers, and major contractors—and we don’t back down.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Injury

Call 911 or Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured right away, adrenaline can mask pain. Head injuries, internal bleeding, and fractures may not show symptoms immediately. Get checked out—your health and your case depend on it.

Take Photos of the Scene

Document everything. Focus on:

• Debris, tools, or construction materials on walkways
• Lack of warning signs or barricades
• Damaged or uneven pavement
• Nearby equipment, vehicles, or active work zones

Time-stamped photos can become powerful evidence when the defense tries to downplay what happened.

Get Witness Contact Info

If anyone saw your fall, the equipment malfunction, or the lack of safety precautions—get their name, number, and a brief statement if possible. Independent witnesses are key when construction companies deny responsibility.

Report the Incident

Depending on the location, you may need to report your injury to:

• Local police
• The city or municipality (for public works sites)
• A nearby building manager or security team

Always ask for a copy of any incident report.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Construction sites get cleaned up fast—and with them, the evidence. By contacting a skilled work zone injury attorney right away, you give your case the best chance to succeed.

At Marko Law, we move fast to:

• Preserve surveillance footage
• Investigate the site
• Request OSHA reports or inspections
• Identify the responsible parties
• Protect you from early lowball insurance offers

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Medical Bills

From the emergency room to long-term rehabilitation, we’ll pursue compensation for:

• Ambulance and ER costs
• Surgeries and hospital stays
• Physical therapy or occupational rehab
• Medications and assistive devices
• Future medical care, if needed

Lost Wages & Loss of Future Earning Capacity

An injury may put you out of work temporarily—or permanently. You may be entitled to recover:

• Income lost while you recover
• Lost benefits or bonuses
• Future lost earnings if you’re unable to return to your job
• Career re-training costs (if needed)

Pain and Suffering

Construction site injuries often come with intense physical pain and emotional distress. Michigan allows compensation for:

• Chronic pain
• Emotional trauma
• Anxiety or depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Scarring, Disfigurement, or Permanent Impairments

Some injuries leave visible scars or permanent disabilities. These aren’t just cosmetic—they impact confidence, mobility, and quality of life. We’ll demand compensation that reflects those realities.

Punitive Damages

In rare but egregious cases—like when a contractor ignored multiple safety warnings, falsified logs, or covered up hazards—Michigan courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter the behavior.

Special Considerations in Michigan Construction Injury Cases

Shared Fault: Michigan’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law

Under MCL 600.2959, Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. This means:

• You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault for not using a marked detour, you would receive $80,000.

Statute of Limitations: Time is Not on Your Side

In Michigan, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. But don’t wait. Key evidence—like site conditions, surveillance footage, and witness memories—can disappear fast.

Expert Inspections & OSHA Record Reviews

To win these cases, we often rely on:

• Engineering or construction safety experts to assess the site
• OSHA violation reports for documented safety failures
• Contractor logs, shift reports, and surveillance footage

Construction companies don’t admit fault easily—but evidence doesn’t lie. We know where to look—and how to use it in court.

You Didn’t Walk Into Danger—It Was Put in Your Path

Construction zones should never become traps for unsuspecting pedestrians. You weren’t taking risks. You were doing something ordinary—walking to work, crossing a street, heading home—when someone else's negligence changed your life.

At Marko Law, we’ve seen how powerful construction companies, developers, and city contractors try to shift blame and silence victims. They rely on you not knowing your rights. They hope you’ll move on quietly. But you don’t have to.

We don’t just file lawsuits—we fight for real change. We shine a light on unsafe practices, hold negligent parties accountable, and demand justice for people who’ve been injured, ignored, and overwhelmed.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation Today

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com