Parking Lot Slip and Fall Lawyer in Michigan | Fall Injury in Parking Lots

Slips and falls are among the most commonly occurring accidents. However, even though they are, these accidents are far from harmless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that slip and falls cause approximately 800,000 hospital admissions annually. One in five of these incidents results in a major fall injury. Slip and fall injuries are not always minor and likely need immediate medical attention.

Slips and falls make up 15% of all fatal accidents in the United States. Accidents involving slipping, tripping, or falling can occur in any location according to the statistics. If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, such as in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to an experienced fall accident attorney and get legal help after a slip and fall accident.

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Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Parking Lots

Parking lots are not maintained for people to utilize; they are maintained for vehicles. Because of this, parking lots frequently have unexpected hazards for pedestrians on foot and can become an accident scene. Some of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents include the following:

🚧 Hazard in the Parking Lot	🧑‍⚖️ Who May Be Responsible	🔍 How to Strengthen Your Claim
🕳️ Potholes or broken pavement	Property owner or lot maintenance company	Take clear photos, show size/depth of defect
❄️ Snow or black ice	Property owner, snow removal contractor	Document weather, take photos before it's cleaned
💧 Oil slicks or puddles	Business owner or adjacent tenant	Record exact location, identify source if possible
💡 Poor lighting	Landlord, business owner, or property manager	Capture lighting conditions at time of fall
🔄 Sloped or uneven surfaces	Lot designer, owner, or resurfacing company	Show angle of slope, note lack of warning signs
🚶‍♂️ No designated walkways or markings	Property manager or commercial owner	Highlight traffic patterns and lack of pedestrian space

Lack of Pedestrian-Friendly Parking Lot Design

Examples of this are:

There is an absence of areas built specifically for pedestrian use.
Parking areas require individuals to cross hazardous terrain.
There are blind spots where cars could easily hit a pedestrian.
There’s insufficient space between vehicles for pedestrians to walk across.
Unnecessary clutter and possible fall hazards are built in the lot.

Pavement Damage (e.g., Potholes, Cracks, Uneven Surfaces)

Parking lots are not really designed with pedestrians as a priority. This can quickly result in poorly maintained, damaged, and worn-down pavements that could be dangerous.

Clutter, Debris, and Other Hazards

Pedestrians will likely slip and fall when they are surrounded by trip hazards. This dangerous condition must be cleared to keep people safe in the parking lot.

Insufficient and Inadequate Lighting

The lack of proper lighting will exacerbate any fall hazards. Pedestrians are more susceptible to criminal attacks and accidents in dark, unlit locations.

Snow, Sleet, Puddles, and More

When property owners fail to clear risks caused by the weather from parking lots, it creates a dangerous surface for pedestrians. These could include snow, sleet, or water that could pose potential hazards.

Common Injuries From Slips and Falls

Minor to serious injuries that can result from a slip and fall include:

Broken Bones, such as elbow and shoulder injuries, hip fractures, knee and ankle injuries, shattered wrist
Chronic pain, such as head pains, body pains
Concussions
Neck and spinal cord injuries, which can either be complete or incomplete
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), including mild TBI, moderate TBI, or severe TBI
Severe cuts and lacerations

Who Is Liable for a Fall in a Parking Lot?

It is the legal obligation of property owners to make sure that their parking lots are safe and that they prevent accidents that could result in injuries. That said, in determining liability, you just need to first consider who manages the property. Was the parking lot public property or maintained by a private individual or business?

Usually, whoever is in charge of parking lot maintenance is at fault for your slip and fall. You and your fall accident attorney must be able to demonstrate the following in order for your case to proceed:

The property owner or entity did not exercise reasonable care as they should have.
As a result, you were hurt and suffered mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Can You Get Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident?

You must first establish the negligence of the other property owner before you can seek compensation. Your claim must include evidence that the property owner’s neglect is the cause of the damage you sustained. You may be eligible to receive compensation if your accident resulted from their carelessness. You might deserve compensation for losses and damages, such as lost income, medical expenses, etc.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Parking Lot?

When you sustain an injury or injuries from a slip-and-fall incident in a parking lot, remember the following:

If you can, look around and ask for help. Seek medical attention immediately.
Ensure you accurately describe how you got injured to medical professionals and emergency personnel.
Get the insurance company of the parking lot or property owner.
Take pictures of the spot where you were injured if you can. Include any dangers and potential fall hazards.
Make a note of any potential witnesses’ names. If you suffered an injury in a business parking lot, mention the names of those working there.
Avoid signing anything during the time of the accident until you are aware of your rights or know exactly what you are signing.

Stages in Filing a Slip and Fall Case

Beginning the investigation: This could include a thorough checking of the accident scene and the witnesses who were present during the accident.
Filing an insurance claim and a complaint: In a slip and fall case, you can file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. Your fall accident lawyer will prepare a complaint to begin the legal process.
Discovery phase: The discovery process begins after the party responsible has consented to move forward with the case. Both parties are obligated to provide whatever details they may have about the matter during this step.
Pre-Trial Motions: This is the step where you can file pre-trial motions. These are papers requesting specific motions from the judge.
Going to trial: The majority of cases will be resolved out of court. If you are unhappy with the settlement offer, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in court. A judge or jury would decide your case during a trial. A premises liability lawyer will be essential in this step.

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help

The Clark Law Office is a reliable law firm you can consider for your slip and fall personal injury case. Discuss your personal injury claim with an experienced lawyer from The Clark Law Office. Speak with knowledgeable injury attorneys before accepting any kind of settlement offers for your slip and fall incident.

Our slip and fall accident lawyers have successfully negotiated with insurance companies and defended victims of slip and fall cases in Michigan for more than thirty years. You can win the rightful amount of your slip and fall lawsuit settlement by working with The Clark Law Office. For a free consultation, contact us via our page or call us at +1 (517) 347-6900 right away! Learn about other places where falls often occur in our guide to slip and fall locations.

FAQ: Parking Lot Slip and Fall Accidents in Michigan

Who is responsible for a fall in a parking lot?

Responsibility typically falls on the property owner or entity in charge of maintaining the lot. This could be a store, landlord, or third-party management company, depending on who had the duty to keep the area safe.

What are common causes of parking lot falls?

Falls in parking lots are often caused by black ice, snow, potholes, broken pavement, poor lighting, or puddles left from inadequate drainage. Any of these may indicate negligence if not properly addressed.

Can I sue if I fell on ice in a parking lot?

Yes, but you must show the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the icy conditions and failed to take reasonable steps to clear or salt the area.

Is the owner still liable if the hazard wasn’t obvious?

Yes. If the hazard wasn’t open and obvious — such as invisible black ice or a poorly lit pothole — you may still have a strong case under Michigan law.

How long do I have to file a parking lot slip and fall claim in Michigan?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, acting sooner can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

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