Injured On Someone Else’s Property?

Last updated on October 13, 2023

In Michigan, private and public property owners have a responsibility to everyone who lawfully sets foot on their land. Property owners must conduct reasonable property maintenance and ensure all hazards are promptly removed, repaired, or made known to visitors. When they fail to take these measures, innocent people can suffer serious and even life-threatening injuries.

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, and you believe the property owner was negligent, do not hesitate to reach out to the Lansing and Metro Detroit premises liability lawyers at Bahrie Law, PLLC.

Since 1979, we have been proudly representing clients throughout Michigan. Our team provides personalized attention and support throughout the legal process, coupled with aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.

We are ready to fight for you. Contact us online or call 888-473-1289 to schedule a free initial consultation today.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds negligent property owners legally liable for injuries and damages caused by unsafe property conditions. Unsafe property conditions are any hazards that pose a risk of foreseeable harm to others, meaning any reasonable person would know that the condition could cause bodily injury or death.

Premises liability claims commonly involve the following types of accidents and injuries:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Dog bites and attacks
• Improper or insufficient property maintenance
• Defective property conditions
• Swimming pool accidents
• Snow and ice-related falls
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Property fires and explosions
• Improper storage

Note that this is not an exhaustive list; any time a property owner is negligent and/or fails to adequately repair, remove, or warn others of dangerous conditions and hazards, leading to injury or death, the victim and/or their family members may take legal action by filing a premises liability claim.

How Do You Prove a Premises Liability Case?

There are several elements involved in successfully proving a premises liability case in Michigan.

First, you must prove that the property owner owed you a duty of care based on your status as a visitor at the time of the accident.

There are three visitor statuses:

• Invitees: Someone who has received the property owner’s express or implied permission to be on the property; examples include friends, family, and customers
• Licensees: Someone who is on the property lawfully but for their own purposes, such as a salesperson, delivery person, or inspector
• Trespassers: Someone who does not have express or implied permission to be on the property but, rather, is there unlawfully

Generally speaking, property owners in Michigan owe the greatest duty of care to invitees, a somewhat lesser duty of care to licensees, and no duty of care to trespassers with some exceptions. While Michigan property owners are not generally responsible for harm experienced by trespassers, they are liable for injuries/deaths resulting from willful or wanton misconduct.

They are also liable when they know or should have known about a trespasser’s presence or likelihood to enter the property but failed to exercise ordinary and reasonable care to prevent injuries or harm. This includes instances involving “attractive nuisances,” meaning property features that are likely to attract children and minor teenagers to the property.

To successfully bring a premises liability case, you must prove the following:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care based on your status as a visitor
• You were injured while on the property due to an unsafe condition or poor property maintenance
• The property owner was aware of (or should have been aware of) the dangerous condition
• The property owner failed to take ordinary/reasonable measures to remove, repair, or warn others of the dangerous condition
• Your own negligence did not cause your injuries
• The dangerous condition was not so open and obvious that you could have easily avoided it
• You suffered measurable damages

As you can see, proving a premises liability case in Michigan is quite complicated. We can help you with every aspect of your claim, from gathering supporting evidence to negotiating with the property owner’s insurance provider for a fair settlement. If we are unable to secure a favorable settlement on your behalf, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Feeling Overwhelmed? We Can Help.

Whether you slipped and fell on a wet floor in a grocery store or were attacked by a dog on private property, you should not have to suffer the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a property owner’s negligence on your own.

At Bahrie Law, PLLC, we understand just how devastating these accidents can be, as well as the immense challenges you are facing. Serious accidents can lead to severe, debilitating injuries, from head and brain injuries to broken bones, burns, and paralysis.

We are prepared to aggressively fight for the maximum compensation you are owed so that you can get back on your feet and move forward with your life.

Reach out to our firm today to speak to one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys. We have multiple offices located throughout Michigan to better serve you, and we are happy to meet with you in person or by phone/video conferencing.

Get started today by calling 888-473-1289 or filling out and submitting an online request form.