Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Published on: October 18, 2023

After suffering an injury on a slippery or hazardous surface, a slip and fall accident checklist is crucial to ensure you take the proper steps to protect your rights. Following a slip or trip and fall incident, documenting the scene, seeking immediate medical care, and reporting the accident can help you establish a claim for compensation.

Our slip and fall attorneys at Cochran Kroll & Associates, P.C. are ready to walk you through a comprehensive slip and fall accident checklist, helping you gather evidence and seek a fair settlement from the responsible party.

Importance of Taking the Right Steps After a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident can be more than just a momentary lapse in balance; it can lead to severe injuries, prolonged medical treatments, and significant financial burdens. The actions you take immediately after the incident can be crucial in determining the outcome of a legal claim you might pursue.

Historically, in Michigan, the “open and obvious” doctrine posed a significant hurdle for many victims of slip and fall accidents. This doctrine argued that if a hazard was so evident that any reasonable person would notice it, the property owner might not be liable for the resulting injuries.

This made it challenging for victims to secure compensation, even in situations where negligence on the part of the property owner was evident.

However, with the recent overturning of this doctrine on July 28, 2023, by the Michigan Supreme Court, the legal landscape has shifted in favor of a more balanced examination of liability. Now, the open and obvious nature of a hazard will only be considered as part of comparative fault.

Slip and Fall Accident Checklist for a Strong Claim

Given the changes to Michigan’s slip and fall laws, it’s even more crucial for victims to be proactive in the aftermath of an accident. By following a slip and fall accident checklist, you can take the right steps to safeguard your health and strengthen your legal position.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.