Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Legally Reviewed and Edited by:Jeff Jacobs
Published on: October 13, 2025
Slip and fall accidents on public property can happen because of things like cracked sidewalks, ice, worn-down steps, potholes, etc., and it can be hard to figure out who’s responsible. If the property is owned or controlled by a government entity, then the legal process is different from a typical premises liability claim.
A slip and fall on public property case in Michigan has specific legal requirements, and you’ve got a lot less time to notify the government. You need a lawyer who knows these rules and can protect your right to pursue a claim.
Understanding Public Property Liability in Michigan
Public property includes any land or building owned by a government entity, and cities, counties, and the state are in charge of thousands of locations where people go every day. If they don’t take good care of them, people get hurt.
Michigan requires government agencies to keep public spaces reasonably safe, but they also get special protections under state law; the Government Tort Liability Act limits when and how you can sue a municipality.
For premises liability on public property, you’ve got to prove the government knew about the hazard and didn’t fix it, and to do that, you need evidence that shows that officials either caused the dangerous condition or ignored it when they should have done something about it.
Common Places Where Falls Happen
Sidewalks, Parks, and Government Buildings
Most slip and fall injuries on public property happen on sidewalks because of broken concrete, tree roots pushing through pavement, and uneven surfaces. Michigan cities have a legal duty to maintain sidewalks in reasonable condition.
Parks have their own risks, like poorly maintained walkways, broken benches, and bad lighting. Government buildings like courthouses and libraries also have to meet basic safety standards.
Parking Lots and Transit Stations
Potholes, crumbling asphalt, missing lighting, etc., can make public parking areas dangerous, especially in the winter, if ice and snow removal takes too long.
Bus stations, train platforms, and other transit hubs are under government control, too, and wet floors, broken handrails, and debris on stairs can cause serious injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Public Slip and Fall Case
There are four things you’ve got to show to win a slip and fall claim against a government entity.
- First, the property had a dangerous condition.
- Second, that the government created the condition or knew about it.
- Third, the government failed to fix it.
- Fourth, that the failure directly caused your injury.
Documentation is crucial in public property cases, so you need photographs of the exact spot where you fell to provide crucial evidence, plus maintenance records showing how long a hazard existed, which can prove the government had notice.
Michigan slip and fall law requires proof that the government had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Actual notice means someone reported it, and constructive notice means the hazard existed long enough that it would have been discovered during a reasonable inspection.
What to Do Immediately After a Fall
Get Medical Care
Seek treatment right away, even if you think you’re fine, since symptoms of injury don’t show up right away. It’s best to get a medical record within hours of your fall to show that your injury happened when and where you say it did.
Tell medical providers exactly how you got hurt, because these details become part of your permanent record and can support your case later.
Report the Incident and Take Photos
File an incident report with the government agency that controls the property and get a copy before you leave, because this proves you notified officials about the hazard.
Take photos of the area where you fell from various angles to show the dangerous conditions, including wide shots and close-ups.
Talk to Witnesses If Possible
Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw your fall, since they can describe the scene and support your version of the events to provide independent verification of what happened.
Can You Sue a City or Municipality?
Yes, but there are special procedures you’ve got to follow. Michigan’s Government Tort Liability Act requires you to file a notice of claim within 120 days of your injury, and if you don’t, you lose your right to sue.
The notice has to include specific information about your injury, like when and where it happened, and the compensation you’re seeking. A slip and fall attorney can deal with these technical rules and avoid mistakes that can kill your claim.
Government immunity protects officials from a lot of lawsuits, but there are exceptions. Highway defects, sidewalk failures, and negligent maintenance of public buildings can all support claims.
How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation
Government entities defend these cases aggressively, and they’ve got experienced attorneys working to limit their liability, so you need someone who knows how to win your case.
A slip and fall lawyer investigates the scene, gathers evidence you might miss, and communicates with government lawyers for you. We know what documents to request and which expert witnesses can help your case.
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. takes care of everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, and we fight for full compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work on contingency, so you only pay if we win.
Slip and fall injury compensation can include current and future medical expenses, plus lost income if your injury made you miss work. It also accounts for permanent disabilities that affect your quality of life.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights?
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall on public property, you need answers about your rights, and you need to act quickly.
Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation so we can review your case and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call us anytime, 24/7, at 1-866-MICH-LAW or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the city for a fall on a public sidewalk?
Yes, but you’ve got to prove the city knew about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it, and you need to file a notice of claim within 120 days and show the city had notice of the hazard.
What if the injury happened at a government building?
Government buildings need to be kept in reasonably safe condition. So, if poor maintenance caused your fall, you might have a valid claim. Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. quickly to protect your rights.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
You have 120 days from the date of your injury to file a notice of claim with the government agency. After that, you have three years to file a lawsuit. Missing the 120-day deadline ruins your case.
What evidence do I need for a public slip and fall case?
Strong cases include pictures of the hazard, medical records that tie your injury to the fall, witness statements, and proof that the government knew about the danger. If you can get maintenance records, you might have a stronger claim.
What types of compensation can I claim?
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care costs, and pain and suffering damages. If your injury caused permanent disability, compensation may include loss of earning capacity. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. maximizes your recovery.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legaladvice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationshipis created nor intended.