Defendant's Attorney: Detroit, Michigan insurance defense lawyer represented the Defendant.

Description: Detroit, Michigan personal injury lawyer represented the Plaintiff who sued the Defendant on a premises liability slip and fall negligence theory.

This case was filed in the Shiawassee County Circuit Court, 23-007808-NOm and was removed to federal court by Wal-Mart.

Navigating Michigan's premises liability law can be complex, but understanding its key aspects can empower you to understand your rights and potential legal options. Here's a breakdown:

Duty of Care: Property owners in Michigan have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for anyone lawfully on the property. This duty varies depending on the visitor's classification:

Invitees: (Customers, business guests, etc.) are owed the highest duty of care. Owners must actively inspect for hazards and take reasonable steps to fix them.
Licensees: (Social guests, etc.) are owed a lower duty of care. Owners must warn of known dangers and avoid creating new ones through reckless acts.
Trespassers: Generally, owners owe no duty to trespassers unless:
They're aware of the trespasser's presence and fail to warn of hidden dangers.
They intentionally or recklessly injure them.
Their property has an "attractive nuisance" like a swimming pool that lures children.

Breach of Duty: To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must prove the owner or occupier:

Failed to maintain the property in a safe condition (broken stairs, slippery floors, etc.).
Failed to warn of known dangers (unmarked construction zones, hidden potholes, etc.).
Created a new hazard through their actions (leaving tools unattended, spilling liquids, etc.).

Proximate Cause: The breach of duty must be the direct cause of your injury. In simpler terms, your injury wouldn't have happened but for the owner's negligence.

Damages: If you can prove both breach of duty and proximate cause, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

Unique aspects of Michigan law:

Open and obvious dangers: Property owners generally have no duty to warn of "open and obvious" dangers. However, this rule can be complex and applied based on specific circumstances.
Comparative fault: Under Michigan's modified comparative negligence system, your recoverable damages may be reduced if you were partially at fault, but not if you're more than 50% at fault.
Statute of limitations: You generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a premises liability lawsuit in Michigan.

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Outcome: Settled for an undisclosed sum and dismissed with prejudice.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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