Best Slip And Fall Lawyers in Grand Rapids

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  Dial (616) 456-3400 to reach the Grand Rapids Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

  To get a copy of a police report, call the Grand Rapids Police Department Records Unit at (616) 456-3350 or visit it at 1 Monroe Center St., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. You will be asked to complete a FOIA Request for Public Records form. You can then submit the completed form back to the Records Unit in person, by emailing to foiagrpd@grcity.us, or by mailing it to the same address above. Expect a response to your request within five working days.

• Can you sue the city of Grand Rapids if an uneven sidewalk caused your trip and fall accident?

  You can sue the city of Grand Rapids if an uneven sidewalk caused your trip and fall accident, but the sidewalk defect should be significant to be able to sue. The unevenness on the sidewalk should be two inches or more in height for trip and fall lawsuits. Do take photos or videos as evidence of the defect. A local slip and fall lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds to sue the city.

• How do insurance companies calculate settlements for slip and fall cases in Grand Rapids?

  The general formula for a settlement in Grand Rapids is Economic damages x Multiplier + Potential future economic expenses. Economic damages address your financial losses, including medical costs and lost wages. The multiplier addresses your pain and suffering and ranges from 1.5 to 5. Factors that affect the multiplier include the injury’s severity, the property owner’s level of liability, your shared negligence, and your attorney’s competence. Any expected future financial losses like physical therapy costs are then added.

• What is the deadline for filing a slip and fall case in Grand Rapids?

  Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805(2), you have three years from the date of injury to file a case. It is advised that you start working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Grand Rapids right after your injury. Preparations for the case, such as evidence gathering, investigation, and case building, can take time to complete. Missing the three-year statute of limitations may bar you from seeking damages.

• Are property owners always liable for slip and fall incidents in Grand Rapids?

  If the claimant’s slip and fall incident was caused by a hazard that is obvious and open, the property owner may not be liable for their injury. An obvious and open hazard means any average person would have noticed it and taken reasonable care to avoid injury. A large and noticeable hole in the road is one example. An ordinary person would be expected to avoid the hole. Talk to a Grand Rapids slip and fall lawyer to know more.

• Can a trespasser pursue a slip and fall case in Grand Rapids?

  Generally, no. Liability for a slip and fall incident hinges on duty of care, and property owners have no duty of care to make their property safe for a trespasser according to Michigan Compiled Laws Section 554.583. Only those who are on the property lawfully, such as licensees and invitees, may claim damages. There is an exception for child trespassers. If your child fell and got injured on someone else's property, speak with a Grand Rapids Lawyer about your legal options.