Ypsilanti Public Park Slip and Fall

A warm afternoon in Ypsilanti should mean peace and relaxation. Families gather for picnics in Riverside Park, students from EMU unwind near Frog Island Park, and joggers make their rounds through Rolling Hills County Park—each enjoying a piece of Michigan’s beauty. But sometimes, a quiet moment outdoors can take a devastating turn.

One step on a cracked path, a slick patch of moss by the riverwalk, or an unmarked hole hidden by grass—and suddenly, that joyful day becomes a trip to the ER. What should have been an ordinary stroll becomes months of recovery, medical bills, and lost work.

These accidents are far too common in Ypsilanti’s public parks. Cracked sidewalks, icy trails, and poorly lit paths create serious hazards for visitors. And when a city or county neglects its duty to maintain safe public property, people get hurt.

Ypsilanti’s public spaces exist for everyone’s enjoyment—not as danger zones. When those in charge fail to repair, inspect, or warn about hazards, they can and should be held accountable.

That’s where Marko Law comes in. As a Detroit-based trial firm representing clients throughout Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, our attorneys have built a reputation for standing up to powerful institutions—including cities, counties, and state agencies—to demand justice for injury victims.

Understanding Liability in a Ypsilanti Public Park Slip and Fall

A slip and fall in a public park may seem simple, but when it involves government property, the law becomes complex. That’s because Michigan’s Governmental Immunity Act often protects public entities from being sued. However, there are key exceptions—and this is where an experienced Ypsilanti public park slip and fall attorney becomes essential.

Who Can Be Held Liable

• City of Ypsilanti or Washtenaw County: These entities are responsible for maintaining public parks, walkways, and recreational facilities. If they failed to inspect or repair a known hazard, they could be held liable.
• Contracted Maintenance Companies: Cities often outsource snow removal, landscaping, and repairs. If a contractor failed to salt an icy trail or left uneven surfaces after a repair, they may share responsibility.
• Event Organizers or Vendors: When festivals, concerts, or markets are held in public parks, private organizers can also be liable if their setup—such as cords, tents, or temporary flooring—causes injury.

Michigan Governmental Immunity & The Public Building Exception

Under Michigan law, government agencies generally can’t be sued—unless your injury falls under a specific exception. One of the most important is the Public Building Exception (MCL 691.1406).

This exception allows victims to sue if they’re injured due to defective or unsafe public property, such as deteriorated park pathways or poorly maintained facilities. In other words, if the government failed to keep its property in reasonable repair, they can be held responsible.

However, the law also imposes a strict deadline:
If you were injured on public property, you must file a written notice of your injury within 120 days of the accident. Missing that window can completely bar your claim.

Proving Negligence After a Ypsilanti Park Injury

When you’re injured in a Ypsilanti park, it’s not enough to simply say you fell—you have to prove why it happened and who’s responsible. That’s where the experience and persistence of the legal team at Marko Law make all the difference.

Slip and fall claims involving public property are complex because government agencies often deny responsibility, claiming they didn’t know about the hazard or that they’re immune from liability. But under Michigan law, cities and counties can be held accountable when they fail to keep public property safe.

To Win a Ypsilanti Park Slip and Fall Case, We Must Prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on public property — for example, a broken sidewalk, icy path, or unmarked hole.
2. The city, county, or maintenance company knew—or should have known— about the condition. This can be proven through maintenance records or prior complaints.
3. The hazard caused your fall and injury.
4. You suffered real, measurable harm — whether physical, emotional, or financial.

Gathering the Right Evidence

Winning a case against a city or county requires solid, detailed proof. At Marko Law, our attorneys and investigators collect every piece of evidence possible to build a compelling case, including:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene, showing the hazard and the surrounding conditions.
• Images of your footwear and injuries to demonstrate the fall’s impact.
• Witness statements from other park visitors who saw your fall or noticed the hazard before your accident.
• Maintenance logs and complaint records obtained from Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation or Washtenaw County, which often reveal a pattern of neglect.
• Medical documentation showing the nature of your injuries and your treatment timeline.

Marko Law’s Investigative Advantage

At Marko Law, we don’t take the city’s word for what happened. Our legal team conducts independent investigations—often uncovering evidence that government officials would prefer to keep hidden. We work with:

• Safety engineers who analyze whether park conditions meet legal safety standards.
• Accident reconstructionists who can explain exactly how the fall occurred.
• Maintenance and municipal operations experts who can testify about what the city should have done to prevent the accident.

When public officials fail to protect the community, we make sure the truth comes out—and we make them answer for it.

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

After a fall, confusion and pain often take over—but your next steps are critical to protecting both your health and your legal rights. The choices you make in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can make or break your case.

Here’s What to Do:

1. Get Medical Help Immediately
   Even if the pain seems manageable, injuries like concussions and internal bruising often appear hours later. Getting prompt care creates an important record linking your injuries to the fall.
2. Report the Incident
   Notify Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation or Washtenaw County Parks as soon as possible. Ask for a written incident report, and get the name of the employee who takes it.
   
   
3. Take Photos of the Scene and Hazard
   Before the city repairs the problem or covers it up, photograph everything—the hazard, surrounding area, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
4. Collect Witness Information
   Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who saw the fall or the hazard. Their testimony can strengthen your claim.
5. Don’t Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters or City Officials
   They may seem helpful, but their goal is to limit liability. Never sign anything or give a statement before speaking to a lawyer.
6. Contact Marko Law Immediately
   The sooner we begin investigating, the better. We can secure evidence before it’s lost, file the required legal notices, and handle communications with the city so you don’t have to.

Possible Compensation for a Ypsilanti Public Park Slip and Fall

A slip and fall can cost far more than medical bills. The pain, emotional trauma, and loss of normal life can take a devastating toll on you and your family. Under Michigan law, victims of negligence are entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.

At Marko Law, we pursue every form of recovery available, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and long-term treatment.
• Lost Income: For the time you missed from work—or if your injury limits your ability to work in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional strain caused by your fall and recovery process.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of hobbies, activities, or independence you once enjoyed before the injury.
• Loss of Consortium: For the impact your injuries have on your spouse or partner. (Cornell Law definition)
• Emotional Distress: For the anxiety, depression, and trauma that often follow serious or life-changing injuries.

Remember—every case is different. The amount and type of compensation you may be entitled to depends on your specific injuries, recovery time, and how the fall has affected your daily life.

That’s why it’s crucial to speak directly with an experienced Ypsilanti public park slip and fall attorney at Marko Law. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and fight to secure every dollar you deserve.

Don’t Let Negligence in Ypsilanti Parks Go Unchallenged

If you or someone you love was injured in a Ypsilanti public park slip and fall, you don’t have to go up against city hall alone. The system is complex, but Marko Law knows how to hold government entities accountable for the harm they cause.

Our firm has spent years representing victims of governmental negligence throughout Michigan. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, often in cases other attorneys were afraid to take. We understand the tactics cities use to dodge responsibility—and we know exactly how to beat them.

When you’re hurt, your focus should be on recovery, not red tape. Let Marko Law handle the legal battle so you can heal with peace of mind.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Casge 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.