Slip and fall injuries in Michigan are often caused by preventable hazards, not personal carelessness. Recent changes in Michigan law have weakened common defenses that once shut these cases down before the facts were examined. Knowing how duty, evidence, and comparative fault really work can determine whether an injured person is dismissed or fully heard.
In Michigan, danger doesn’t take a season off. Icy sidewalks in winter, wet store floors year-round, crumbling stairs, uneven pavement, and unsafe work environments can turn an ordinary day into an injury claim in seconds. These hazards show up everywhere—apartment buildings, grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, office buildings, and job sites.
Slip and fall injuries are also far more serious than most people realize. These falls can cause concussions, broken wrists and hips, torn ligaments, back injuries, and long-term mobility problems. What looks like “just a fall” in the moment can become months of treatment, missed work, and permanent limitations.
Michigan law still allows injured people to hold negligent property owners accountable. Understanding how the rules actually work can be the difference between getting brushed off and getting compensated fairly.
This is one of the first things insurance adjusters want you to believe. If they can get you thinking you “must’ve messed up,” they can discourage you from making a claim, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you understand what the property owner did wrong.
A fall can happen fast. That doesn’t mean it was inevitable, and it doesn’t mean the injured person caused it.
Michigan premises liability law is built around reasonableness. People who possess or control property generally owe a duty to use reasonable care to protect invitees from an unreasonable risk of harm caused by a dangerous condition of the land. The practical issue is whether the property owner took reasonable steps to prevent injury—especially when the hazard was predictable, recurring, or known.
Property owners can be responsible when they fail to take reasonable steps to correct hazards or warn people. Examples that commonly come up in Michigan slip and fall cases include:
For years, defendants leaned on a familiar line: if the danger was “open and obvious,” they owed no duty and the case should be dismissed. That approach let property owners turn a serious injury claim into a one-sentence defense.
In Kandil-Elsayed v. F & E Oil, Inc. (with the companion case Pinsky v. Kroger Co. of Michigan), the Michigan Supreme Court changed how courts analyze open-and-obvious hazards in premises liability cases.
The Court made clear that “open and obvious” should not be used as a shortcut to erase duty in the way older precedent allowed. The analysis is now more squarely focused on whether the property owner acted reasonably and whether the hazard was addressed in a reasonable way.
Visibility still matters, but it usually shows up in different parts of the case. After Kandil-Elsayed, whether a condition was open and obvious is generally treated as part of the breach and comparative fault analysis, not an automatic end to the lawsuit.
Slip and fall cases are usually hard-fought. Businesses and landlords defend them aggressively because admitting fault can be expensive, and because these cases often come down to proof—proof that the hazard existed, proof it was there long enough to matter, proof that reasonable steps were not taken, and proof that the injuries are real and connected to the fall.
If you don’t have evidence, the defense will try to turn the claim into speculation.
To establish negligence in a premises liability slip and fall case, the core elements usually include:
Strong slip and fall cases are built with documentation. That often includes:
Insurance companies don’t approach slip and fall claims like a neutral referee. They use adjusters to shape the narrative early, then defense lawyers to attack liability, causation, and the value of the injury. Their playbook is consistent: push for quick statements, question the seriousness of the injury, and argue you caused your own fall.
A slip and fall case is usually won or lost on details that disappear fast. A lawyer helps by building the case before the defense can bury it.
The value of a slip and fall case depends on injury severity and how much it disrupts your life. Compensation can include:
Michigan uses comparative fault. If you’re found partially responsible, damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If your percentage of fault is greater than the combined fault of the other parties, Michigan law bars noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering), while economic damages are reduced by your percentage.
Slip and fall injuries are not minor events, and Michigan law does not treat them like they’re nothing. When a landlord, business, or property owner cuts corners on safety and someone gets hurt, the law can allow the injured person to pursue accountability and compensation. These cases are about preventable danger—conditions that should have been fixed, treated, blocked off, or clearly warned about.
Marko Law handles serious injury cases across Michigan, including slip and fall claims where property owners try to dodge responsibility. We move fast to preserve evidence, push back against blame-shifting, and demand a result that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.
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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!
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
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.
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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
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.
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.
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!
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:)
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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