The grill’s sizzling, the sky’s bursting with fireworks, music fills the streets, and families line up for the parade. It’s the kind of day that’s supposed to feel effortless—joyful, connected, safe. But in one split second, the celebration shatters.

A hot grill tips over and scorches a child’s arm. A neighbor’s firework misfires, sending sparks into a crowd. Someone slips on an unmarked wet patch of pavement and breaks a hip. Now you’re in the ER, not the backyard. The only sound is the beeping of monitors, not music. The shock is instant—and the aftermath, overwhelming.

At Marko Law, we understand the chaos that follows these moments—the emotional, physical, and financial toll. We know that a summer day gone wrong can mean surgeries, missed work, trauma, and more. And we’re here to tell you this: You’re not alone. You’re not at fault. And you may be entitled to justice.

These injuries aren’t just “bad luck.” Many are the direct result of negligence—whether it’s a defective grill, a reckless event organizer, or a property owner who failed to fix a hazard they knew about.

Michigan Premises Liability Laws

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility a property owner has to prevent harm to people legally on their property. That includes:

• Guests at a house party
• Customers at a public event
• Pedestrians on a sidewalk maintained by the city

If you were injured on someone else’s property during a holiday event—a grill exploded, a deck collapsed, or you slipped on an unmarked hazard—you may be entitled to compensation.

Where Does Liability Apply?

This duty to maintain safe conditions isn’t limited to private homes. It extends to:

• Public spaces: Parks, sidewalks, parade routes
• Commercial spaces: Restaurants, club patios, event venues
• Residential spaces: Backyards, driveways, patios, porches

In every case, the property owner or occupier has a legal obligation to fix known hazards or warn you about dangers they knew (or should’ve known) about.

Examples of Premises Liability on Holidays

• Hidden grill hazards: A hot grill placed too close to foot traffic or left unattended
• Slippery decks: Rain-soaked wood with no traction or signage
• Loose extension cords across walkways at a block party
• Unstable seating or collapsing furniture at a family BBQ

When these risks lead to injury, the owner’s neglect is the cause—and they can be held legally and financially responsible.

Public Events & Government Liability

The Government Has a Duty to Protect You

When a local government or public entity hosts an event, they have a duty of care to make sure it’s safe for everyone. That means:

• Securing walkways and seating areas,
• Controlling crowds and traffic,
• Providing adequate lighting and signage,
• Preventing foreseeable hazards like blocked exits or unstable stages.

If they fail to do any of this—and you’re injured as a result—you may have a claim for negligence.

But Suing a Municipality Is Different

Unlike private individuals or businesses, government bodies in Michigan have legal protections, including what’s called “governmental immunity.” However, that immunity isn’t absolute. There are clear exceptions—especially when the government’s gross negligence or failure to maintain public property causes harm.

Here’s what makes these cases urgent:

• You may be required to file a Notice of Intent to Sue within 120 days of the incident.
• The deadline to file a formal lawsuit can be much shorter than in typical personal injury cases.
• The evidence—like surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness statements—can disappear fast.

The clock starts ticking immediately after your injury. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to hold the city accountable—no matter how strong your case is.

What Can You Recover?

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses,
• Lost income and earning potential,
• Pain and suffering,
• Costs for rehabilitation or long-term care.

And if the city’s actions were especially reckless? You may be able to pursue additional damages.

Alcohol, Fireworks & Social Host Liability

Social Host Liability: It’s Not Just About “Being a Good Host”

In Michigan, social hosts (private individuals throwing parties) have a legal duty to protect guests and others from foreseeable harm. This means:

• Not serving alcohol to minors under 21.
• Not continuing to serve someone who is visibly intoxicated.
• Taking steps to stop guests from driving drunk or acting dangerously.

If a host ignores these responsibilities and someone leaves the party and causes a car crash—or injures someone at the gathering—that host can be held liable under Michigan civil law.

Dram Shop Act: When Alcohol Is Sold, Not Just Served

If the event involves a bar, club, or party where alcohol is sold, Michigan’s Dram Shop Act (MCL 436.1801) may come into play. This law holds licensed alcohol vendors responsible if they serve:

• Visibly intoxicated individuals, or
• Minors

...who later go on to cause injury or death.

Whether it’s a vendor at a fireworks event or a club hosting a holiday special, they can be sued if their negligence contributes to someone getting hurt.

Fireworks and Legal Liability

Fireworks are a summer staple—but when used carelessly, they become weapons.

Common causes of fireworks injuries include:

• Setting off illegal fireworks in residential areas,
• Allowing children access to fireworks without supervision,
• Failing to secure the launch area or warn guests of danger,
• Homemade explosives or altered firework devices.

If you were burned, hit, or injured by a firework at someone’s home or a public display, the property owner or organizer could be held liable for your injuries.

Children and Fireworks: Heightened Duty of Care

If a child is injured, Michigan courts impose a higher duty of care. Parents or guardians may be able to file a claim on behalf of a child hurt by:

• Another child’s misuse of fireworks,
• A negligent adult,
• Or unsafe conditions at a public fireworks show.

Your Right to Compensation

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, out-of-pocket costs you’ve already paid—or will pay—in the future:

• Medical bills: ER visits, surgeries, prescriptions, follow-ups, rehab.
• Lost income: Time off work, missed opportunities, reduced earning capacity.
• Future care costs: Long-term physical therapy, prosthetics, in-home care.
• Transportation expenses: Mileage for treatment, ambulance rides, medical equipment rentals.

We don’t just ask for receipts—we calculate what this injury will cost you long-term.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain isn’t always visible. But it’s very real—and Michigan law recognizes that. You may also be compensated for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life—the hobbies, moments, and relationships impacted by your injury
• Scarring or disfigurement, especially in burn or facial injury cases

We work closely with you and your doctors to document the full emotional and psychological impact of your injury. You don’t have to prove a broken spirit to prove a legal claim—but we know how to show the court you’re more than your x-rays.

Punitive Damages

In rare but severe cases—like when a host knowingly let a drunk guest get behind the wheel, or a company sold a defective firework with no warning—you may be entitled to punitive damages.

These aren’t just about paying your bills. They’re about punishing outrageous conduct and making sure it never happens again.

According to Cornell Law, punitive damages are awarded to deter future misconduct and signal that reckless behavior has real consequences.

The Party’s Over—Now It’s Time to Protect Your Rights

The cookout has gone cold. The fireworks are done. But your pain? It’s just beginning. If you were hurt because someone failed to act responsibly—whether it was a reckless host, a careless city official, or a company that cut corners—you are not powerless.

Holiday accidents aren’t just unfortunate—they’re often preventable. And when negligence turns celebration into crisis, you have every right to demand accountability. Legal action isn’t about revenge—it’s about making things right. It’s about covering your medical bills, recovering your wages, easing your pain, and making sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else.

At Marko Law, we don’t just see a file—we see your fight. We understand the emotional trauma, the physical recovery, and the financial strain that comes after an unexpected injury. We take that personally—and we fight with everything we’ve got.

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
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