Lansing Workplace Injury, Slip & Fall & Government Claims

Premises Liability

Under Michigan law, property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors . Common examples include:

• Slip and falls on icy sidewalks, wet floors, or broken stairs
• Trip and falls caused by uneven pavement, raised concrete, or poor lighting
• Inadequate security leading to foreseeable criminal acts

Property owners must fix hazards they know about or should reasonably know about, and warn visitors until repairs are made . The "open and obvious" doctrine may bar recovery if a reasonable person would have noticed the danger, though exceptions exist .

Modified Comparative Fault

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything .

Workers' Compensation

Under Michigan's Workers' Compensation Act (MCL 418.101 et seq.), employers must provide medical benefits and wage loss benefits regardless of fault. However, third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, contractors, or property owners may provide additional compensation—including pain and suffering—beyond workers' comp . HB 5186, introduced in October 2025, proposes modifications to benefit eligibility and amounts .

Governmental Immunity

Government entities in Michigan are generally immune from tort liability unless a specific exception applies. The highway exception allows claims for injuries caused by defective public roads, but strict 60-day notice requirements apply .

State Resources

Michigan Compiled Laws →
Ingham County Government →
City of Lansing →

Important Distinction: Michigan's workers' compensation system provides benefits regardless of fault. However, third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, contractors, or property owners may provide additional compensation—including pain and suffering—beyond workers' comp . HB 5186 may impact future benefits .

What happened in the June 2025 Potterville High School construction incident and how does it affect workplace injury claims in the Lansing area?

On June 16, 2025, a fatal workplace incident occurred at Potterville High School when unsecured steel trusses fell, killing one worker and critically injuring another. According to MIOSHA, a "near miss" occurred hours earlier when unsecured trusses fell, but workers returned to the site without proper reinforcement, leading to the deadly collapse . This incident highlights the critical importance of workplace safety protocols and the need for immediate investigation when "near misses" occur. Injured workers may have claims for workers' compensation, and if third-party negligence is involved (such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors), additional claims may be available .

What happened in the January 2025 dog bite incident on Lansing's east side?

On January 16, 2025, two Lansing Police Officers were bitten by a dog while attempting to take a suspect into custody near the intersection of Kalamazoo Street and S. Francis Avenue, near Foster Park. The officers were trying to arrest a man wanted for stealing when a dog in the vehicle began biting them. The dog was shot and killed at the scene, and the officers were treated at a local hospital and later released . This incident highlights dog bite risks during encounters with unfamiliar animals and the potential for premises liability claims when property owners fail to control their animals .

What is HB 5186 and how might it affect workers' compensation claims in Lansing?

HB 5186 is a Michigan House bill introduced on October 30, 2025, that proposes modifications to workers' compensation benefits. The bill would amend several sections of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.301 et seq.) and would repeal sections 302, 357, and 431 of the same act . If passed, it could affect eligibility requirements and the amount of benefits paid to injured workers in Lansing and throughout Michigan. Workers injured at major employers like the State of Michigan, MSU, or GM should consult with an attorney to understand how pending legislation might impact their claims .

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including slip and fall, dog bite, and premises liability, is three years from the date of injury . However, claims against government entities—including the State of Michigan, City of Lansing, or Ingham County—have a much shorter deadline: you must file a notice of claim within 60 days under the governmental immunity statute . Failure to meet these deadlines means losing your right to compensation forever .

What are the unique workplace injury risks at Lansing's major employers?

Lansing's major employers present distinct injury patterns: State of Michigan employees face slip and fall risks in office buildings and parking structures; GM's Lansing Grand River and Delta Township plants involve manufacturing injuries like back strain, lacerations, and repetitive motion; Sparrow and McLaren hospitals see patient handling injuries, needle sticks, and workplace violence; MSU and LCC employees face slip and falls on campus, laboratory accidents, and construction zone injuries from ongoing campus projects .

How does Michigan's comparative fault rule work?

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything . This rule often applies in slip and fall cases where property owners argue the hazard was "open and obvious" or that the injured person wasn't paying attention .

What are the most dangerous commercial areas for slip and falls in Lansing?

High-risk areas include the Frandor Shopping Center near the I-496/US-127 interchange, where aging infrastructure creates uneven pavement; Meridian Mall in Okemos with high foot traffic and seasonal weather hazards; and the downtown Capitol complex area, where state office buildings, parking garages, and public sidewalks see frequent slip and fall incidents, especially during winter months . Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises under Michigan law .

What should I do after a workplace injury at a Lansing employer?

After a workplace injury, seek immediate medical attention at Sparrow Hospital or McLaren Greater Lansing. Report the injury to your supervisor in writing and request a written incident report. Document the scene with photos and gather witness contact information. Under Michigan workers' compensation law, employers must provide medical benefits regardless of fault. However, if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) caused your injury, you may have an additional claim outside of workers' comp. Consult an attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters .