The defendant must have a duty to avoid harming the plaintiff. Michigan follows "comparative negligence" rules.You must prove the the liable party was at least partially at fault for your accident. For example, a dog bite case can be a strict liability or negligence tort. Michigan negligence laws recognize "comparative negligence," in which recovery of damages is reduced proportionately to the plaintiff's own negligence. The Michigan Supreme Court recently loosened the requirements needed to file a claim under the Governmental Tort Liability Act. Negligence Torts – When an injury occurs from the actions or inaction of another person. Fault-based tort liability on an employer for the actions of its employee. For example, if your child broke a bone because a step leading to a classroom was broken, you would probably have a premises liability claim. Officers, and employees are frequently asserted under federal law, e.g.