What's Happening: With freezing fall and winter seasons just around the corner, Michigan property owners can expect to see an uptick in frivolous slip and fall lawsuits. House Bill 4582 would combat these frivolous lawsuits by restoring Michigan's "open and obvious" premise liability protection, but the legislation has stalled in the Michigan Senate. 

With upcoming weather conditions that will enhance this lawsuit abuse, we are encouraging Michiganders to contact their State Senator advocating for action.
 

Background: Michigan's old "open and obvious" doctrine used to provide property owners with legal protection against hazards deemed open and apparent to the average person, like a patch of ice on a sidewalk. The State Supreme Court overturned this doctrine in 2023, making Michigan one of only nine states in the nation without this protection. 

Without open and obvious, Michigan has become a national hotspot for frivolous slip and fall lawsuits. The absence of this legal protection is also a major contributor to increased property insurance rates, raising the cost of housing across the state.

Take Action Now: State Senators need to hear directly from you:

• Contact your State Senator today!
   
• Your voice matters. Lawmakers respond when voices from their community engage directly, whether it's reaching out to their office or attending a coffee hour in their district.
   
• Please share your concerns and keep us informed of any conversations or feedback you receive.
   

Sample Lawmaker Message

Subject: Please Restore "Open and Obvious" Protection for Property Owners

Dear [Senator Name],

I am writing to urge you to support HB 4582, which would restore a common-sense legal protection for Michigan property owners.
 

Michigan is one of only nine states in the country without an "open and obvious" premise liability protection, which provides a legal safeguard for property owners against frivolous slip and fall lawsuits. The absence of this protection, paired with our slippery winter weather conditions, makes Michigan a national outlier and top target for national law firms seeking to cash in on our outlier status.

Our missing open and obvious protection is also a major contributor to increasing property insurance rates, raising costs for small businesses, homeowners and renters alike.

By restoring open and obvious, we can provide common-sense protections for property owners while lowering the cost of housing in Michigan. I urge you to support HB 4582, and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[name]