Westland Public Park Slip and Fall

A sunny Saturday afternoon in Westland should be simple—a family barbecue at Jaycee Park, kids laughing at the playground in Holliday Park, or a couple walking hand-in-hand through the trails of Tattan Park. But one unnoticed hazard—a cracked sidewalk, a hidden hole in the grass, or a slick patch of concrete near the splash pad—can instantly turn a peaceful outing into an ambulance ride.

For too many residents, that’s the reality after a Westland public park slip and fall. What starts as a joyful day quickly becomes a painful and expensive ordeal—fractured bones, torn ligaments, or long-term back injuries that make even simple movements difficult.

Public parks exist to bring communities together, not to put people in harm’s way. These spaces are publicly maintained, meaning the City of Westland and its contractors have a duty to ensure they are safe, clean, and hazard-free. When they fail to do so—and someone is hurt as a result—they can and should be held accountable.

At Marko Law, our attorneys don’t just handle slip and fall cases—we fight for justice. Led by Detroit-based trial attorney Jon Marko, our firm stands up for injury victims across Wayne County and Metro Detroit who were harmed because those in charge failed to maintain safe public property. As a Westland park injury lawyer and Wayne County premises liability law firm, we know exactly how to navigate Michigan’s complex governmental liability laws to get results.

Common Hazards in Westland Public Parks

Westland is known for its beautiful network of public parks—each one offering open spaces, walking paths, and family recreation. But beneath that charm, there are hazards that the city and its maintenance crews too often overlook.

Some of the most common causes of Westland park slip and fall injuries include:

• Cracked walking paths and broken pavement: Many of Westland’s parks, like Jaycee Park or Hix Park, have aging sidewalks that have gone years without repair, creating trip hazards that can send anyone—young or old—crashing to the ground.
• Icy sidewalks and unshoveled trails: Michigan winters are brutal, and public walkways can quickly become dangerous if snow and ice aren’t cleared promptly. Failing to salt or maintain these surfaces puts everyone at risk.
• Unmarked holes or uneven grass: Poor drainage or incomplete landscaping can cause ground collapse or hidden pits, especially after rainfall.
  
  
• Slippery surfaces near restrooms and splash pads: During summer, wet concrete around recreational water areas becomes a hazard if not properly drained or marked with warning signs.
• Poor lighting: Many parks have dim or broken lights that hide hazards at dusk or after dark.
• Playground maintenance failures: Loose equipment, unstable rubber mulch, or missing handrails can turn a child’s playground into a danger zone.

Westland Parks & Recreation and Wayne County are legally obligated to maintain their parks under Michigan’s premises liability laws, including MCL 691.1406—the “Public Building Exception.” When government agencies or contractors know—or should know—about unsafe conditions and fail to act, their negligence can make them legally responsible for your injuries.

Understanding Liability in a Westland Public Park Slip and Fall

Slip and fall cases involving public property—like parks, trails, or recreation centers—are not the same as private property claims. They’re more complex because governmental entities often try to hide behind immunity laws that protect them from certain lawsuits. However, Michigan law provides exceptions when the injury results from negligence in maintaining public property.

Here’s who may be held accountable:

• The City of Westland or Wayne County: These entities are responsible for maintaining parks, sidewalks, and playground areas. If they ignored reports of hazards, failed to perform inspections, or neglected repairs, they may be liable.
• Private maintenance companies: The city often hires outside contractors for tasks like snow removal, grass cutting, or pavement repair. If their poor work caused or contributed to the hazard, they can also be held accountable.
• Construction or landscaping contractors: If a third-party project left behind unsafe conditions—like uneven ground, debris, or unmarked holes—they can share liability.

Governmental Immunity & the Public Building Exception

Under Michigan’s Governmental Immunity Act, public entities are usually immune from lawsuits—but there are critical exceptions. One of the most important is the Public Building Exception (MCL 691.1406), which allows injury victims to recover damages if they were hurt due to defective or dangerous conditions on public property.

However, the law is strict:
If you were injured in a Westland park, you must file written notice of your injury within 120 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently block your right to seek compensation.

Proving Negligence After a Westland Park Injury

Winning a public park injury case takes more than sympathy—it takes evidence, skill, and persistence. At Marko Law, we approach every slip and fall claim as a trial-ready case from day one.

To win, we must prove that:

1. A dangerous condition existed in the park (e.g., broken pavement, hidden hole, slippery surface).
2. The city, county, or contractor knew or should have known about the condition through inspections, complaints, or reports.
3. The hazard directly caused your injuries.
4. You suffered actual harm, whether medical, emotional, or financial.

Gathering Powerful Evidence

We don’t rely on what the city says—we find the truth ourselves. Our team gathers and analyzes:

• Photos and videos of the scene, including the hazard and your footwear.
• Witness statements from anyone who saw the incident or knew of the dangerous condition.
• City or county maintenance records, previous complaints, and inspection logs.
• Medical documentation that ties your injuries directly to the fall.

We also work with safety engineers, maintenance experts, and accident reconstruction specialists who can testify about what went wrong—and how it could have been prevented.

What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in a Westland Park

In the chaos after a fall, it’s easy to feel embarrassed or unsure about what to do. But your actions in those first few hours and days are crucial to protecting both your health and your legal rights.

Seek Medical Help Immediately

Get checked out by a doctor—even if you think you’re “okay.” Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, may not show symptoms right away. Medical documentation will be vital in proving the severity of your injuries later.

Report the Fall to Westland Parks & Recreation or City Hall

Make an official report as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of the incident report or note down who you spoke with. This step creates a paper trail showing the city was notified.

Photograph the Area and Hazard

Take pictures of the exact location, including any uneven pavement, ice, debris, or poor lighting. Include close-ups of the hazard and wider shots that show context (benches, paths, or nearby signage).

Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw the fall or helped you afterward, get their name and contact details. Witnesses can help confirm the conditions that caused your injury.

Don’t Talk to Insurance or City Representatives Without a Lawyer

Government adjusters and risk managers often reach out quickly to limit liability. Anything you say can be used to weaken your claim. Politely decline and contact an attorney before giving any statement.

Call Marko Law Immediately

Our team will launch an immediate investigation—preserving evidence, identifying all responsible parties, and filing the proper legal notices.

Possible Compensation After a Public Park Slip and Fall

The aftermath of a slip and fall is more than just physical recovery—it’s a financial and emotional battle. Michigan law allows victims to pursue compensation for the full scope of their damages.

At Marko Law, we fight to recover every dollar you deserve, including:

• Medical Costs – Emergency room care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages or Reduced Earning Capacity – If your injuries keep you from working or force you into a lower-paying job.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional impact of your injury and recovery.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – For the inability to enjoy hobbies, family activities, or daily routines you once loved.
• Loss of Consortium – If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or partner (Cornell Law definition).
• Emotional Distress – Anxiety, depression, or trauma from the incident itself or the limitations that followed.

Don’t Let Negligence in Westland Parks Go Unanswered

A walk in the park shouldn’t end in an ambulance. If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions in a Westland public park, you have the right to demand accountability. Don’t let red tape, excuses, or government bureaucracy stand in your way.

Marko Law has built a reputation across Michigan for standing up to powerful entities—from state agencies to city governments—and winning. Our team knows how to navigate complex public liability cases and has recovered millions of dollars for clients across Wayne County.

When you work with us, you’re not just another case number—you’re family. We treat your recovery as our mission, your fight as our fight, and your justice as our goal.

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.