Michigan’s Supreme Court changed the rules in 2023. Property owners still owe lawful visitors a duty of reasonable care, and the old “open and obvious” doctrine is no longer a total shield—it’s now weighed as comparative fault by a jury rather than wiping out the claim at the start. Practically, if you knew (or should have known) about ice and didn’t take reasonable steps (salt, shovel, warn), you can be liable—even if the ice was visible. 

What to do as a homeowner: clear and salt, put down mats, fix drainage, and warn guests. If someone is hurt, document conditions and keep any camera footage.

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