How To Win A Slip and Fall Settlement For My Detroit Case

To win a slip and all settlement for your Detroit case you must show that: (1) there was a hazardous condition on the property where you were hurt; (2) the property owner had possession and control of the property; (3) the owner owed you a legal duty based on your status as an invitee (a business guest) or as a licensee (a social guest); (4) the owner breached this duty; (5) this breach caused your injuries; and (6) you incurred actual damages.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer will help you fight to win your slip and fall case in Detroit and get the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

Keep in mind that time is of the essence when hiring a lawyer because property owners have a tendency to cover their tracks immediately after your injury by cleaning up, repairing, or removing the hazard. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will jump in right away, gather and preserve key evidence, assess liability and damages, file your lawsuit, and negotiate a maximum settlement as quickly as possible. Don’t fall into the trap of hiring an inexperienced lawyer who is likely to get bullied into a low-ball settlement by the insurance company. Hire the best lawyer you can find and let him or her fight to get you every penny you deserve!

What must I prove to win a slip and fall settlement?

In order to have a successful case, you must prove the following elements:

• There was a dangerous condition on the property
• The property owner had “possession & control” over the property (M Civ JI 19.02)
• The property owner owed you a legal duty because of your status as: (1) An “invitee,” i.e., you were on the property for business dealings with the owner or (2) a “licensee,” i.e., you were on the property as a guest (M Civ JI 19.01) NOTE: If you were a “trespasser,” the only duty that the owner has it to NOT injure you by willful and wanton misconduct
• The property owner breached this duty by failing to make the property safe for you and others, or failing to warn of a hidden danger
• This breach caused your injuries
• You incurred actual damages, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages

What mistakes should I avoid if I want to get a big settlement?

The first thing you should avoid at all costs is hiring an inexperienced lawyer. That’s a surefire way to sink your case right out of the gate. You need an experienced lawyer who specializes in slip and fall accidents and has a reputation for taking cases to trial when an insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.

Once you get the best lawyer for your case, you still need to do your part. Here are some things you can do so that you avoid a mistake:

• Take pictures and videos – If possible, you or someone at the scene, should take pictures or videos, especially of the dangerous condition that caused your injury, as they will be considered key evidence in your case.
• Listen to your doctor – Getting medical attention right away after a slip and fall accident is critical, but it must be combined with following your doctor’s orders and getting the diagnostic tests and specialty care you need.
• Don’t sign anything – Never sign a settlement agreement, waiver of liability, release, or check without first speaking with your attorney.
• Don’t talk about your case – Don’t post anything on social media that you wouldn’t want an insurance adjuster to see, and if you are contacted by an insurance adjuster or defense attorney, direct them to speak with your attorney.
• Be honest – Getting caught in a lie about your case is the easiest way to ruin your credibility and your chance of winning a maximum slip and fall verdict or settlement.

How can a lawyer help me get a big slip and fall settlement in Detroit?

If you are wondering how to win a slip and fall settlement in Detroit, the first thing you should do is hire a slip and fall lawyer who is experienced, specializes in this area of law, has a track record of winning (including million-dollar settlements and verdicts), and has a strong reputation among insurance companies and adjusters. This type of lawyer will know how to prove all of the elements you must prove to win your case, and will have the negotiation skills necessary to get you the biggest possible settlement in the least amount of time. A skilled lawyer will have the “know how” to make sure you get the medical help you need and counsel you on how to avoid making mistakes that can jeopardize your recovery and your case.

 The insurance industry’s own data indicates that slip and fall victims who hire experienced attorneys with specialized knowledge and a reputation for winning large settlements recover up to four times the compensation recovered by victims who don’t. Experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a dime until you win, there’s no reason not to hire the best attorney you can find.