Slip-And-Fall Attorney Serving Negaunee And Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
A sudden fall can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills and time away from work. Property owners and insurance companies may try to blame you for not seeing the hazard. I am attorney Jonny Waara, and I use more than 30 years of experience to investigate what happened and determine who may be responsible.
At Waara Law, I represent people injured on unsafe property in Negaunee and throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I know my way around the courtroom and prepare each case with the possibility of trial in mind.
When Is A Property Owner Responsible For A Fall?
Property owners and businesses must take reasonable steps to address dangerous conditions. A strong slip and fall injury claim may show that the owner created the hazard, knew about it or should have discovered it through reasonable care.
Common causes of falls include:
- Snow or ice that was not properly addressed
- Wet or recently cleaned floors
- Spills in stores and restaurants
- Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
- Loose rugs, mats or flooring
- Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
- Broken steps or missing handrails
- Clutter, cords or merchandise in walkways
The property owner’s duty and the available legal options depend on why you were on the property and the facts surrounding the fall.
Do Not Let The Insurance Company Blame You
Insurance companies often argue that an injured person should have noticed the danger or taken greater care. They may point to your shoes, where you were looking or how quickly you were walking. A visible hazard does not automatically excuse a property owner’s conduct under Michigan law. However, your own actions may still affect the case.
As your slip and fall lawyer, I will look beyond the insurer’s version of events. I can examine whether the owner inspected the area, followed cleaning procedures, repaired known defects or gave visitors a reasonable warning. I will also consider whether employees created the condition or allowed it to remain long enough that they should have found it.
Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears
Conditions can change within minutes. Employees may clean a spill, remove a damaged mat or clear snow and ice soon after an accident. When possible:
- Photograph the hazard and surrounding area
- Report the fall to the owner or manager
- Request a copy of the incident report
- Collect witness names and contact details
- Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing
- Seek medical care and follow treatment advice
- Avoid giving a recorded statement before seeking legal guidance
Surveillance video and maintenance records may also help show how long the danger existed. Contacting an attorney early can help preserve this evidence.
Questions About Michigan Slip And Fall Claims
People often have questions about what they must prove and whether a warning sign defeats their case. The answers below offer general guidance:
How do I prove a property owner was negligent in a slip and fall accident?
Evidence may show that the owner or an employee created the hazard, knew about it or had enough time to discover and correct it. Photos, video, witness accounts, inspection records and prior complaints can help establish what the owner knew.
Can I still recover compensation if there was a “wet floor” sign posted?
Possibly. A sign does not always provide an adequate warning. Its location, visibility and wording matter, as does whether you had a reasonable way to avoid the hazard. I can review the full scene rather than allowing the insurance company to rely on the sign alone.
Call Johnny From Negaunee For A Free Consultation
Speak with a slip-and-fall attorney who will listen to your story and take your injuries seriously. Call Waara Law at 906-351-5545 or contact me online for a free consultation.