A serious injury can happen almost anywhere. A grocery store aisle with a hidden spill, an icy parking lot outside a business, broken stairs at an apartment complex, or poor lighting in a hotel hallway can change a person’s life in seconds. Many of these incidents are not simply “accidents.” They happen because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep people safe.
At Hamo Law Firm, we have spent more than four decades helping Michigan families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Founded in 1981 by George Hamo and later joined by his son Alex Hamo, our firm represents people who have suffered catastrophic injuries and wrongful death caused by negligence. We understand that after a serious injury, people are not just worried about legal issues. They are worried about paying bills, supporting their family, recovering physically, and trying to regain stability.
Premises liability cases can quickly become complicated. Insurance companies often try to blame the injured person or minimize the seriousness of the hazard. Property owners may repair dangerous conditions before evidence is preserved. Surveillance footage may disappear within days. Our job is to step in quickly, investigate thoroughly, and fight for the people who need help the most.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is an area of personal injury law involving injuries caused by dangerous or unsafe property conditions. In Michigan, property owners and businesses may have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors and guests.
When a property owner fails to fix a known hazard, ignores dangerous conditions, or fails to warn visitors about risks, serious injuries can occur. A premises liability claim may allow an injured person to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
These cases can arise in many different settings, including:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Shopping centers
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Parking lots
- Office buildings
- Nursing homes
- Private residences
- Construction sites
- Public properties
Common Premises Liability Cases
At Hamo Law Firm, we handle a wide range of premises liability claims involving serious injuries, including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
- Snow and ice injuries
- Negligent security cases
- Stairway accidents
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Swimming pool accidents
- Falling merchandise injuries
- Dog bite incidents
- Construction site hazards
- Apartment complex injuries
Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries
Unsafe Property Conditions
Property owners have a responsibility to inspect and maintain their premises. Dangerous conditions that often lead to injury include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven sidewalks
- Broken pavement
- Loose carpeting
- Poor lighting
- Broken handrails
- Cracked staircases
- Hidden obstacles
- Lack of warning signs
- Inadequate security
- Ice and snow accumulation
- Fire hazards
In many situations, the key issue becomes whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it within a reasonable period of time.
Negligent Security Incidents
Some premises liability cases involve criminal acts that occur because of inadequate security measures. Property owners may have a duty to provide reasonable security in areas where criminal activity is foreseeable.
Examples may include:
- Apartment complex assaults
- Parking garage attacks
- Hotel security failures
- Inadequate lighting in high crime areas
- Broken locks or gates
- Lack of surveillance systems
Who May Be Responsible for a Premises Liability Injury?
Potentially Liable Parties
Determining responsibility in a premises liability case is not always simple. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Landlords
- Property management companies
- Maintenance companies
- Security contractors
- Government entities
An experienced premises liability attorney can investigate ownership records, maintenance contracts, inspection reports, and other evidence to identify who may be legally responsible.
Proving Negligence in Michigan
To pursue compensation in a Michigan premises liability case, it is often necessary to establish several key elements, including:
- The property owner owed a duty of care
- A dangerous condition existed
- The owner knew or should have known about the hazard
- The dangerous condition caused the injury
- The victim suffered damages
Insurance companies frequently dispute these issues. They may argue the hazard was obvious or claim the injured person was partially responsible. Strong evidence and detailed investigation are critical.
Michigan Slip and Fall Laws
The Open and Obvious Doctrine
Michigan premises liability law includes what is commonly known as the “open and obvious” doctrine. This legal concept may limit liability if a dangerous condition was considered obvious to an average person.
However, these cases are rarely straightforward. There may be important exceptions depending on the circumstances, including situations involving unavoidable hazards or especially dangerous conditions.
Because Michigan law continues to evolve through court decisions, it is important to speak with an attorney who understands how these legal issues may affect your claim.
Comparative Fault in Michigan
Michigan follows comparative negligence rules. This means compensation may potentially be reduced if an injured person is found partially at fault for the accident.
Insurance companies often attempt to use this rule to shift blame onto victims. They may argue:
- The person was not paying attention
- The hazard should have been avoided
- The victim ignored warning signs
- Unsafe footwear contributed to the fall
At Hamo Law Firm, we work to challenge unfair blame shifting tactics and present the full picture of what happened.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Michigan law limits the amount of time a person has to file a premises liability lawsuit. Missing important deadlines can prevent someone from recovering compensation.
In addition:
- Claims involving government property may involve shorter notice requirements
- Evidence can disappear quickly
- Witness memories may fade over time
Speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence and protect legal rights.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Economic Damages
An injured person may be able to recover compensation for financial losses related to the accident, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Serious injuries often involve consequences that cannot be measured solely through bills or receipts.
These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Wrongful Death Claims
When negligent property conditions result in a fatal injury, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Compensation may potentially include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
How Hamo Law Handles Premises Liability Cases
Thorough Investigation From Day One
At Hamo Law Firm, we prepare cases carefully and aggressively from the beginning. We understand how quickly evidence can disappear after a premises accident.
Our investigation may include:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Photographing dangerous conditions
- Obtaining surveillance footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing maintenance records
- Consulting medical experts
- Working with safety professionals
This attention to detail can make a major difference in the strength of a claim.
Standing Up to Insurance Companies
Property owners and insurance carriers often move quickly to protect themselves after an injury occurs. Their goal is frequently to reduce financial exposure rather than fully compensate injured individuals.
Insurance companies may try to:
- Deny responsibility
- Minimize injuries
- Delay claims
- Offer low settlements
- Shift blame onto victims
Our firm prepares every case with the understanding that litigation may become necessary. Insurance companies often take claims more seriously when they know a law firm is fully prepared for trial.
Helping Clients Move Forward After Serious Injuries
A premises liability injury can leave a person physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelmed. At Hamo Law Firm, we understand that clients are often searching for more than legal representation. They are searching for stability, guidance, and someone willing to fight for them during a difficult chapter of life.
Our team works to serve as the bridge between crisis and recovery. Whether someone suffered a traumatic brain injury after a serious fall or lost a loved one because of unsafe property conditions, we are committed to helping clients pursue justice and move forward with dignity.
Contact Hamo Law for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries because of unsafe property conditions in Michigan, Hamo Law Firm may be able to help.
Contact our team today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Hamo Law Firm
614 S. Grand Traverse Street
Flint, Michigan 48502
Phone: 810-234-3667
Website: www.hamolaw.com
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney client relationship with Hamo Law Firm. Every case is unique, and past verdicts or settlements do not guarantee future results. Individuals should consult an attorney regarding their specific legal situation under Michigan law.