Wayne County Public Park Slip and Fall

You set out for a relaxing day in one of Wayne County’s beautiful public parks—maybe tossing a football at Rouge Park, walking the trails in Hines Park, or enjoying a picnic at Elizabeth Park—when suddenly, the day takes a devastating turn. One wrong step on a broken sidewalk, a slippery walkway, or a hidden hole in the grass, and you find yourself in the emergency room instead of the sunshine.

At Marko Law, we understand how fast an ordinary day can turn into months of pain, medical bills, and lost income. Public parks are meant to be safe spaces—maintained for families, children, and visitors to enjoy without fear of injury. But when a city, county, or maintenance company fails to repair hazards or warn the public, their negligence can lead to devastating falls and serious injuries.

If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury in a Wayne County public park, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Detroit premises liability firm stands up for victims hurt on unsafe public property. As an experienced Wayne County park injury lawyer, Attorney Jon Marko and his team know how to hold public entities accountable and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Wayne County Parks

Parks across Wayne County—from Detroit to Dearborn to Livonia—see thousands of visitors every week. Unfortunately, many of these parks suffer from neglect or poor maintenance, which can create serious safety hazards. Common causes of public park slip and falls include:

• Uneven sidewalks or cracked pavement: Older parks like Rouge Park or Hines Park often have aging infrastructure, creating tripping hazards that go ignored for years.
• Icy or unmaintained walkways: During Michigan’s long winters, snow and ice can make trails and paths treacherous if not properly salted or cleared.
• Poor lighting: Dimly lit walkways and parking areas increase the risk of nighttime accidents and make hazards nearly invisible.
• Hidden holes or debris: Park maintenance projects, tree roots, or neglected lawns can leave dangerous holes or uneven ground.
• Wet surfaces: Restrooms, splash pads, and playground areas can become dangerously slick without proper drainage or signage.

Wayne County, its municipalities, or contracted park maintenance companies have a legal duty to maintain safe public spaces. Under Michigan’s premises liability laws, including the Public Building Exception (MCL 691.1406), public entities can be held liable when defective property or dangerous conditions cause injury. That means when the government fails to fix a hazard—or ignores it altogether—you have rights.

Who’s Responsible for a Slip and Fall in a Public Park?

In Michigan, holding a public entity accountable isn’t always simple. Government agencies often claim immunity, meaning they can’t be sued unless your case falls within a specific legal exception. But there’s good news: one of those exceptions—the Public Building Exception—covers many slip and fall injuries on public property.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Wayne County, cities, and townships (like Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, or Canton) can be liable if your injury was caused by negligent maintenance or a defective condition on public property.
• Under the Michigan Governmental Immunity Act, injuries that result from unsafe public buildings or grounds may qualify for compensation.
• Private contractors hired to maintain or repair park facilities can also share responsibility if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Deadlines are critical. When suing a government entity, Michigan law requires that you file a formal notice of injury within 120 days of the accident. Missing that window can destroy your right to recover compensation.

If you’re unsure who’s responsible, don’t wait. The legal team at Marko Law knows how to uncover every responsible party—from county departments to third-party vendors—and pursue your claim before time runs out.

Proving Negligence After a Park Injury

Winning a Wayne County public park slip and fall case means proving that negligence occurred—and doing it with evidence that stands up in court. At Marko Law, we build each case as if it’s going to trial, starting with a meticulous investigation.

Here’s what needs to be shown:

1. A dangerous condition existed (e.g., broken pavement, unmarked hazard, ice, or debris).
2. The public entity or contractor knew—or should have known—about it. This could be proven through maintenance records, past complaints, or inspection logs.
3. The condition caused your injury. Medical documentation and photos help establish the connection.
4. You suffered actual harm. That includes physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses like medical bills or lost wages.

Evidence Matters

We urge every victim to act fast:

• Photograph the scene and hazard immediately.
• Get witness names and statements.
• File an incident report with park management or local authorities.
• Seek medical care—and keep all records.

Our team conducts independent investigations to secure surveillance footage, maintenance reports, and expert evaluations. Evidence can vanish quickly—especially in public spaces—so don’t delay. With decades of courtroom experience and a record of multi-million-dollar verdicts, Marko Law is the firm you want in your corner when government negligence causes harm.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Wayne County Park

In the moments after a fall, it’s easy to feel disoriented, embarrassed, or even unsure about what just happened. But what you do immediately following a Wayne County park slip and fall can make or break your legal claim. These steps not only protect your health—they also protect your right to hold those responsible accountable.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, internal bleeding, concussions, and soft-tissue damage often go undetected at first. Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as possible, and document everything. Medical records will later serve as powerful evidence linking your injuries to the park’s unsafe conditions.

Report the Incident to Park Authorities or the Wayne County Parks Department

Notify park staff or the local authority responsible for the property—such as Wayne County Parks, Detroit Parks and Recreation, or the city/township department overseeing that location. Ask for a written copy of any incident report and note the names of anyone you speak with.

Take Photos of the Scene and Hazard

If possible, photograph the area where you fell—before it’s repaired or altered. Capture:

• The exact spot of the fall.
• Any cracks, holes, puddles, or debris.
• Nearby landmarks (benches, signs, restrooms).
• Your footwear and any injuries or torn clothing.

Time-stamped images are essential for proving how dangerous the area was when your injury occurred.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw your fall or helped you afterward, write down their contact information. Eyewitness statements can corroborate your story and show that the hazard existed long enough for park management to have known about it.

Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

After the accident, a park employee, insurance representative, or county risk manager may ask you to fill out paperwork or make a statement. Don’t do it. Anything you sign could limit your rights or minimize your claim. Talk to a lawyer first—especially when dealing with government entities that have strict rules and short deadlines.

Call Marko Law Immediately

The sooner you involve a Wayne County park injury lawyer, the better your chances of success. Evidence fades fast, witnesses move, and public entities often act quickly to fix hazards once someone’s been hurt. At Marko Law, we’ll step in right away to preserve evidence, document the scene, and protect your rights from day one.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

A slip and fall in a public park can derail your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Michigan law allows victims of negligence to recover for their full range of losses. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future).
• Lost wages or reduced earning ability if you can’t work.
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life—if you can no longer engage in activities you once loved.
• Loss of consortium for your spouse or partner (Cornell Law).
• Emotional distress caused by trauma, anxiety, or fear of future injury.

Every case is unique, and your recovery depends on the facts and damages involved. Speak to a lawyer to understand your rights and the true value of your claim.

Don’t Let a Park’s Negligence Go Unchallenged

If you or someone you love suffered a slip and fall injury in a Wayne County public park, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the county or its insurers by yourself. Marko Law has built its reputation on standing up to powerful institutions and winning justice for everyday Michiganders.

We’ve taken on cities, state departments, and major corporations—and we win because we care, we prepare, and we never settle for less than justice. We know Michigan’s public liability laws inside and out, and we’re ready to fight for the truth and the compensation you deserve.

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.