Southfield Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer

GOODMAN ACKER. GOOD DECISION.

Slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter. Whether you’ve taken a tumble at the Southfield Pavilion, slipped on a poorly maintained walkway at Lawrence Technological University, or encountered a hazardous condition at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, the resulting injuries can be severe and long-term.

If your slip and fall accident was due to a property or business owner’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. 

A Southfield slip and fall lawyer from Goodman Acker P.C., understands the profound impact these unexpected incidents can have on your life. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to Goodman Acker P.C. today to discuss your case for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you concentrate on your recovery.

Southfield Slip-and-Fall Accidents Guide

• Do I Have Grounds for a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
• Who May Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
• Slip and Fall Accidents at Work
• Common Slip and Fall Hazards
• What Damages Are Available to Southfield Slip and Fall Accident Victims?
• How Can a Lawyer Help with My Southfield Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
• Southfield Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
• Contact the Southfield Slip and Fall Lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Today

Why Choose Goodman Acker P.C. for Your Southfield Slip and Fall Case?

The stakes are always high with slip and fall and other personal injury cases. Injuries lead to significant losses that destroy people’s lives. Goodman Acker always pursues the maximum compensation for its clients, and 99% of the time, we win.

After years of fiercely representing clients, the Goodman Acker Firm has earned respect and the reputation of being a fierce client advocate ready to go to trial whenever necessary.

When you choose the Goodman Acker to fight for you, you get a firm with:

• Nearly 200 years of combined experienced
• Years of representing Southfield, Grand Rapids, and other Michigan communities
• A track record of multimillion-dollar wins for clients
• Free initial consultations and complimentary case reviews
• Round-the-clock availability for clients
• Award-winning and industry-recognized attorneys
• The top slip and fall lawyers in Southfield, MI.

As many in the past have, you can also trust Goodman Acker to fight to get you every bit of compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Southfield personal injury lawyer from our team today.

Do I Have Grounds for a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

Determining whether you have grounds for a slip and fall accident claim involves evaluating several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you assess the strength of your case and decide whether to pursue legal action.

Consider the following criteria to help determine if you may have a valid claim:

• Property owner’s negligence: The property owner or occupier must have failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions. This could include not addressing known hazards or failing to conduct regular inspections.
• Dangerous condition: Your fall must have been caused by a hazardous condition, such as wet floors, icy walkways, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
• Knowledge of the hazard: The property owner should have known about the dangerous condition or should have discovered it through reasonable care.
• Lack of warning: If the hazard couldn’t be immediately fixed, the property owner should have provided adequate warning signs or barriers.
• Your own actions: Your behavior during the accident will be considered. If you were distracted or in an area where you shouldn’t have been, it might affect your claim.
• Injuries and damages: You must have suffered actual injuries or losses as a result of the fall.
• Timely reporting: Reporting the incident promptly and seeking medical attention can strengthen your claim.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

Identifying the correct liable party or parties is crucial for a successful claim. This process is usually complex as multiple parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances. These claims often require a thorough investigation and legal representation. Here are some potential liable parties:

Property Owners

Property owners are the most common defendants in slip and fall cases. They have a legal duty to maintain their premises reasonably safe for visitors.

Property Managers

If a third party manages a property, they may share liability for maintaining safe conditions.

Tenants

In some cases, tenants (such as store owners in a mall) may be responsible for maintaining the safety of their leased space.

Government Entities

The relevant government agency may be liable for accidents on public property, such as city sidewalks or government buildings.

Contractors

If a contractor’s work created or failed to address a hazardous condition, they might be held responsible.

Maintenance Companies

Companies hired to maintain properties (e.g., snow removal services) could be liable if their negligence led to an accident.

Product Manufacturers

If a defective product (such as a faulty handrail) contributed to the fall, the manufacturer might be held liable.

Property Designers or Architects

These professionals might share some responsibility in cases where poor design contributed to the hazard.

Multiple Parties

Often, more than one party may share liability, such as both a property owner and a maintenance company.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Work

If you suffer a slip and fall accident at work, the rules of compensation are different. You must file your claim through workers’ comp insurance instead of against a negligent party’s insurance company. Additionally, you will not be entitled to all the compensation available in a traditional lawsuit, and you cannot sue your employer.

Instead, the law provides standard remedies that cover many, but not all, of the financial losses workers experience. Workers’ comp benefits include:

• Medical expenses
• Partial wage replacement
• Lump-sum payments
• Death benefits.
• But workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Third-Party Lawsuits

In some slip and fall cases, however, injured workers can pursue full compensation for their losses. If a worker’s injury comes about through the unlawful acts of a third party, then that third party can be held liable. For example, if a worker suffers an injury caused by a defective staircase, they can potentially sue the building’s owner if the owner is not the employer.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards

Every slip and fall case is unique, and the specific circumstances of your accident will determine the strength of your claim. If you’re unsure whether you have grounds for a claim, it’s best to consult an experienced slip and fall attorney. At Goodman Acker P.C., we offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action. 

Here are some common hazards that can lead to a slip and fall accident:

• Wet or slippery surfaces:

• Freshly mopped or waxed floors
• Spills in grocery stores or restaurants
• Rain or snow tracked into building entrances
• Icy sidewalks and parking lots

• Uneven surfaces:

• Cracked or broken sidewalks
• Potholes in parking lots
• Uneven floor transitions between rooms
• Loose or damaged floor tiles

• Poor lighting:

• Dimly lit stairwells
• Inadequate lighting in parking garages
• Burned-out bulbs in hallways or common areas

• Obstacles in walkways:

• Merchandise or debris in store aisles
• Cords or wires across walkways
• Misplaced furniture or equipment

• Lack of handrails:

• Missing or broken handrails on stairs
• Absence of support bars in bathrooms

• Weather-related hazards:

• Accumulated snow or ice on walkways
• Leaves or other debris on outdoor paths

• Structural defects:

• Loose or missing steps
• Unstable flooring
• Rotting wood on decks or porches

• Improper maintenance:

• Failure to repair known issues
• Neglecting regular inspections and upkeep

• Sudden changes in floor height:

• Unexpected steps or drops
• Unmarked elevation changes

• Unsecured mats or rugs:

• Loose carpets or area rugs
• Curled up edges on floor mats

If you’ve been injured due to any of these conditions, it’s important to document the hazard and seek legal advice to understand your options for pursuing a claim.

What Damages Are Available to Southfield Slip and Fall Accident Victims?

Slip and fall accident victims in Southfield may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. At Goodman Acker P.C., we work diligently to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for all their losses. Here are the main categories of damages available:

• Economic Damages:
• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Property damage (if any personal items were damaged in the fall)
• Home modification expenses (if needed due to injury)

• Non-Economic Damages:



• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on personal relationships)
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Special Damages: These are unique to each case and may include:
• Cost of hiring help for household duties
• Transportation expenses for medical appointments
• Canceled trips or events due to injury

• Wrongful Death Damages: If a slip and fall accident results in death, family members may be entitled to:
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Southfield Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. At Goodman Acker PC, our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step of your claim, ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to your case, significantly improving your chances of a favorable outcome.

Here’s how our lawyers can assist with your slip and fall accident claim:

• Thorough Investigation: We’ll conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident, gathering crucial evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
• Accurate Valuation: Our team will carefully assess all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to ensure we pursue full and fair compensation.
• Skilled Negotiation: We’ll handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel, protecting you from potentially harmful statements and unfair settlement offers.
• Litigation Experience: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and advocate vigorously on your behalf.
• Legal Guidance: We’ll provide clear, honest advice throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions about your case.

Don’t let the complexities of a slip and fall claim add to your stress during recovery. Let the dedicated team at Goodman Acker PC shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing. With our firm’s track record of success and commitment to client care, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. 

Southfield Slip and Fall Accident FAQs

Contact the Southfield Slip and Fall Lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. Today

With a Southfield slip and fall accident attorney from our team representing you, you get the assurance that all is being done to get you justice.

You never have to worry about any aspect of your claim because your slip and fall attorney handles everything, including:

• Claim paperwork and documents
• Accident investigations
• Hiring and consulting experts when appropriate
• Gathering and presenting evidence of fault and damages
• Evaluating and negotiating insurance company offers of settlement
• Representing you at trial when necessary.

Bottom line: your slip and fall injury lawyer takes care of every stage of your claim so that you have the time to get well.

You deserve to be fully compensated for slip and fall injuries caused by another’s negligence. Do not settle for a low-end offer from an insurance company. Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation, and let us fight for what you deserve.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Southfield Office Location

17000 W 10 Mile Rd 2nd Floor
Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 831-1507

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]