October 1, 2026
What You Need to Know About Michigan Slip and Fall Claims
Hire a Michigan slip and fall attorney to navigate premises liability claims and maximize compensation after an injury.
When Should You Call a Michigan Slip and Fall Attorney?
If a fall left you injured, get medical care, photograph the hazard, report the incident, and save your shoes and witness contact information. Then speak with a Michigan slip and fall attorney before evidence disappears or you accept an insurance offer. You may have a claim if someone responsible for the property failed to address a dangerous condition, but the facts matter.
A lawyer can investigate who controlled the area, seek video and maintenance records, and assess your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. Every case is different. Contact Marko Law for a free case evaluation or call +1-313-777-7777.
I'm Jonathan R. Marko, a slip and fall attorney and founder of Detroit-based Marko Law, where I handle premises liability and serious injury litigation. I bring trial and appellate experience to these claims, and to date, Marko Law has secured over $2 billion for clients.
Key slip and fall attorney vocabulary:
For broader context on how property owners’ duties are defined, the American Bar Association’s premises liability overview explains the general legal framework that informs Michigan claims.
Understanding Premises Liability Law and Proving Negligence in Michigan
Premises liability is the legal framework governing injuries that happen on someone else's property due to dangerous or defective conditions. Under Michigan law, a property owner or possessor owes a legal duty of care to individuals entering their land or commercial space.
Your legal status at the time of the incident determines the specific level of care owed to you:
- Invitees: Customers and patrons visiting a business or public facility. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes inspecting the premises, fixing known dangers, and warning visitors about unsafe conditions.
- Licensees: Social guests visiting private property with permission. Landowners must warn licensees of known hazards that are not obvious.
- Trespassers: Individuals entering property without legal right or permission. Landowners generally only owe a duty to refrain from willful and wanton misconduct.
For a comprehensive breakdown of these legal categories, review our legal guide to slip and fall accidents on premises.
Crucially, Michigan premises liability law underwent a major shift in recent jurisprudence. Under older rules, property owners often avoided liability if a hazard was considered "open and obvious." Following modern legal updates, the open and obvious nature of a hazard is no longer an automatic bar to an owner’s duty; instead, it is evaluated as part of comparative fault for the jury to weigh. You can read more about how the Michigan Supreme Court redefines premises liability laws to understand how this modern standard benefits injured individuals.
How a Slip and Fall Attorney Proves Property Owner Knowledge
To hold a property owner legally responsible, you must prove they had notice of the dangerous condition. Under Michigan law, notice falls into two primary categories:
- Actual Notice: The owner, manager, or employees knew about the spill, ice patch, or broken flooring because they created it, saw it, or were previously warned about it.
- Constructive Notice: The hazard existed for a sufficient length of time that a reasonable property owner conducting regular inspections should have discovered and resolved it.
Over 80% of slip and fall claims involve transitory foreign substances like liquid, tracked-in slush, or floor debris. According to data from the National Floor Safety Institute, wet floors and poor traction surfaces account for roughly 55% of all fall incidents.
Building a strong case requires concrete proof. A dedicated legal team moves immediately to secure surveillance footage, employee sweep logs, cleaning contractor schedules, and witness statements before critical evidence is deleted or discarded.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Injuries?
Determining legal responsibility requires identifying who had control and possession over the premises at the time of the fall. Depending on the location and circumstances, multiple parties may share liability:
- Commercial Property Owners: Landlords and real estate developers responsible for structural elements, exterior walkways, and common areas.
- Retail Tenants: Store operators, supermarkets, and restaurants that control the internal layout and daily floor maintenance.
- Property Management Companies: Third-party firms contracted to oversee daily building operations, security, and repairs.
- Third-Party Vendors: Commercial cleaning companies and snow removal contractors tasked with keeping surfaces clear.
- Municipal Entities: Local governments responsible for public buildings, municipal walkways, and parks.
Consult our detailed review on who can be held responsible for a slip and fall accident in Michigan to evaluate your specific accident location.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls and Comparative Fault in Michigan
Slip and fall incidents occur across a variety of settings, ranging from commercial stores in Wayne County to apartment complexes in Grand Rapids. The most frequent hazards include:
- Uncleaned liquid spills in supermarket aisles
- Tracked-in water and slush near commercial entryways lacking non-slip mats
- Uneven concrete, cracked sidewalks, and broken stair nosings
- Inadequate lighting in parking garages and stairwells
- Hidden black ice in poorly maintained commercial parking lots
Winter conditions pose severe risks throughout Michigan. When freezing temperatures arrive, commercial operators must exercise reasonable diligence to manage ice accumulation. Discover your options regarding winter weather ice hazards to protect your recovery rights during freeze-thaw cycles.
Spills in retail settings are equally dangerous. If an injury occurred in an aisle, review our analysis on grocery store wet floor accidents to see how store policies factor into negligence.
How Michigan’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule Affects Compensation
In Michigan, slip and fall cases are governed by a modified comparative fault system under MCL 600.2959. Under this rule:
- You can recover economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) regardless of your percentage of fault, but your recovery is reduced by your share of negligence.
- You can only recover non-economic damages (such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish) if your fault is 50% or less. If a jury finds you were 51% or more at fault, you are legally barred from receiving non-economic damages.
For further insights into how defense attorneys try to shift blame, read our guide on understanding fault in Michigan slip and fall cases, or learn about filing a claim when partially at fault.
Comparative Negligence Compensation Impact
The table below illustrates how assigned percentages of comparative fault directly influence total financial recoveries under Michigan's legal framework:
| Scenario / Plaintiff Fault % | Total Awarded Damages | Net Economic Recovery | Net Non-Economic Recovery | Total Net Compensation | Non-Economic Threshold Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Fault | $100,000 ($40k econ / $60k non-econ) | $40,000 | $60,000 | $100,000 | Full Eligibility |
| 20% Fault | $100,000 ($40k econ / $60k non-econ) | $32,000 | $48,000 | $80,000 | Eligible (Reduced by 20%) |
| 45% Fault | $100,000 ($40k econ / $60k non-econ) | $22,000 | $33,000 | $55,000 | Eligible (Reduced by 45%) |
| 51% Fault | $100,000 ($40k econ / $60k non-econ) | $19,600 | $0 | $19,600 | Barred from Non-Economic Damages |
| 75% Fault | $100,000 ($40k econ / $60k non-econ) | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 | Barred from Non-Economic Damages |
Why You Should Hire a Slip and Fall Attorney for Your Claim
Insurance companies handle slip and fall claims every single day, and their primary goal is minimizing payouts. Adjusters routinely argue that victims were distracted, wearing improper shoes, or should have avoided the condition entirely.
Hiring an experienced slip and fall attorney evens the playing field by:
- Sending formal spoliation letters requiring businesses to preserve surveillance video and maintenance logs
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and cross-examining store personnel regarding safety audits
- Working alongside medical providers, biomechanical engineers, and life-care planners to document the full financial extent of catastrophic injuries
- Preparing your case directly for trial so corporate insurers take negotiations seriously
Critical Steps to Take Immediately After an Incident
The actions you take immediately following a fall directly impact your physical health and your legal rights:
- Seek Prompt Medical Care: Go to an emergency department or urgent care facility right away. Documenting head trauma, fractures, and spinal injuries creates an official medical timeline.
- Report the Incident: Inform the property manager, store supervisor, or landlord in writing. Request a copy of the written incident report before you leave.
- Capture Evidence: Use your phone to photograph the exact hazard, liquid puddle, ice patch, lighting conditions, and surrounding scene from multiple angles.
- Collect Witness Information: Write down names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who saw the incident or the hazardous condition.
- Preserve Your Gear: Place the shoes and clothing you were wearing in a secure bag without cleaning or modifying them.
- Avoid Giving Recorded Statements: Do not provide recorded interviews or sign settlement releases for insurance adjusters until you consult legal counsel.
What Does It Cost to Work with a Slip and Fall Attorney?
At Marko Law, we represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to trial-tested legal representation:
- No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing out of pocket to retain our legal team.
- We Cover Litigation Costs: We advance the necessary expenses for expert witnesses, scene inspections, depositions, and court filings.
- No Fee Unless We Win: You only pay legal fees if we secure a financial recovery for you through a negotiated settlement or courtroom verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Slip and Fall Claims
What is the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit in Michigan?
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of the injury. Wrongful death claims generally carry a three-year deadline from the date of passing. However, if your fall occurred on municipal property or involved a government-operated transit agency, strict formal notice requirements can apply within as little as 60 to 120 days. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your filing deadlines.
What types of compensation can I recover after a slip and fall accident?
Victims of property owner negligence in Michigan may pursue both economic and non-economic damages. Recoverable compensation generally includes past and future medical bills, physical therapy costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, physical disability, and emotional distress.
What should I do if the property owner claims the hazard was my fault?
Property owners and insurance companies frequently attempt to deflect blame onto the victim to avoid liability. Do not accept their determination or argue with the adjuster. Document everything you remember about the scene, preserve your footwear, and retain an attorney to investigate the property’s maintenance history and counter comparative fault defenses.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights After a Michigan Slip and Fall Injury
Slip and fall injuries can cause serious physical trauma, extensive medical debt, and sudden loss of income. You do not have to confront corporate property owners or stubborn insurance carriers on your own.
With over $2 billion secured for our clients, our trial attorneys know what it takes to investigate negligent properties and hold responsible parties accountable. We provide aggressive representation backed by a client-first, contingency-fee structure.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury on unsafe property anywhere in Michigan, contact our experienced Marko Law premises liability representation team today. Call us directly at 313-777-7777 for a free, confidential case review.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized legal advice. Laws change frequently, and application depends on specific facts. Reading this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Free Case Evaluation
We Will Help You!
Complete this form for a free case review.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By providing your email and signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Marko Law Firm
Marko Law Office
Need to Talk Now?
Get in touch with a real person 24/7/365.
Consulting
If you’re a law firm owner and want help optimizing your practice for success, please email jon@markolaw.com
Testimonials
Real stories. Real results. From personal injury recoveries to civil rights victories, our clients trust Marko Law to deliver justice when it matters most. Hear what people across Michigan are saying about their experience with our legal team.
★★★★★
Big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way, and trust me, that's a high compliment coming from me. John Eads and Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs. I'll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
Erick Monzo
★★★★★
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
Jessica Kelly
★★★★★
I've been working with attorney Michael Jones for two years and couldn't have asked for a more dedicated attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you.
Tamara Murphy
★★★★★
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind, courteous and very knowledgeable on any question I have had. They always answer my questions and walk me through the process. I would recommend Marko Law and Michael to anyone who needs an outstanding law firm.
Aaron Thomas
★★★★★
From intake through the entire process, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me. Their timely responses have given me true faith in their ability. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you, Michael and Dae!
Ken
★★★★★
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
Danielle Burkes
★★★★★
I wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding Melody, who answers the phone. I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to make sure I could talk directly to the person who could best help me, and my issue was successfully resolved.
Geri Wilson
★★★★★
Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well. I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent to ensure I received the maximum payout, and his paralegal Tracey was great too. I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted law firm!
Ron Merritt II MBA, Environmental Commissioner for Van Buren Twp.
★★★★★
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. He's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process.
Tiffany
★★★★★
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in the business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. She upholds the highest standards of professionalism and is also very personable and easy to talk to. 10/10, if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Trinity Delaney
★★★★★
Having Marko Law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent; he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. His dedication guided my case to a successful settlement. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
Joe Hinkle
★★★★★
What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing, and you kept me informed on all aspects of my case. I would 100% recommend you and your firm.
M. Solomon
★★★★★
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Hothman Misane
★★★★★
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
Mike Hathaway
★★★★★
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
Camilla Barnes
★★★★★
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars!
Marissa W.
★★★★★
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice.
Joe S.
★★★★★
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even in the most laborious cases. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko Law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights.
Allie S.
★★★★★
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:)
Holly L.
★★★★★
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again!
Monique T.
★★★★★
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients.
Hamid S.
★★★★★
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team!
Lauren G.
★★★★★
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm!
Ruvayn R.
★★★★★
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
Olivia H.
★★★★★
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
Andy R.
★★★★★
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
Dawn R.
★★★★★
Big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way, and trust me, that's a high compliment coming from me. John Eads and Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs. I'll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
Erick Monzo
★★★★★
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
Jessica Kelly
★★★★★
I've been working with attorney Michael Jones for two years and couldn't have asked for a more dedicated attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you.
Tamara Murphy
★★★★★
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind, courteous and very knowledgeable on any question I have had. They always answer my questions and walk me through the process. I would recommend Marko Law and Michael to anyone who needs an outstanding law firm.
Aaron Thomas
★★★★★
From intake through the entire process, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me. Their timely responses have given me true faith in their ability. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you, Michael and Dae!
Ken
★★★★★
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
Danielle Burkes
★★★★★
I wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding Melody, who answers the phone. I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to make sure I could talk directly to the person who could best help me, and my issue was successfully resolved.
Geri Wilson
★★★★★
Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well. I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent to ensure I received the maximum payout, and his paralegal Tracey was great too. I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted law firm!
Ron Merritt II MBA, Environmental Commissioner for Van Buren Twp.
★★★★★
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. He's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process.
Tiffany
★★★★★
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in the business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. She upholds the highest standards of professionalism and is also very personable and easy to talk to. 10/10, if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Trinity Delaney
★★★★★
Having Marko Law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent; he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. His dedication guided my case to a successful settlement. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
Joe Hinkle
★★★★★
What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing, and you kept me informed on all aspects of my case. I would 100% recommend you and your firm.
M. Solomon
★★★★★
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Hothman Misane
★★★★★
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
Mike Hathaway
★★★★★
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
Camilla Barnes
★★★★★
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars!
Marissa W.
★★★★★
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice.
Joe S.
★★★★★
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even in the most laborious cases. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko Law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights.
Allie S.
★★★★★
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:)
Holly L.
★★★★★
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again!
Monique T.
★★★★★
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients.
Hamid S.
★★★★★
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team!
Lauren G.
★★★★★
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm!
Ruvayn R.
★★★★★
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
Olivia H.
★★★★★
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
Andy R.
★★★★★
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
Dawn R.
Marko Law Will Give You A Voice
At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases. we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal, because to you, it is.
- Over $2 Billion recovered for our clients
- Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
- Free, confidential consultations. you don’t pay unless we win
- Based in Detroit, Michigan; trusted Nationwide
Ready to make your voice heard?
We’re not here to play games. We’re here to win.