Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, often leaving victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, their negligence can turn an ordinary trip to the store, a visit to a restaurant, or a walk through a parking lot into a life-changing event that results in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage.
At Hollis Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that slip and fall accidents take on victims and their families. Our personal injury lawyer has been fighting for the rights of injured individuals in Kansas City for over 15 years, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to meet this responsibility, dangerous conditions can lead to serious accidents. Some of the most frequent causes of slip and fall incidents include wet or slippery floors without proper warning signs, uneven or damaged walkways and sidewalks, poor lighting in stairwells or walkways, loose or torn carpeting, and debris or obstacles left in walking areas.
Weather-related hazards also create significant risks for pedestrians. Ice and snow accumulation on sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances can create treacherous conditions, especially when property owners fail to clear these areas promptly. Similarly, rainwater that pools in entryways or creates slippery surfaces can pose serious dangers to visitors.
Retail and Commercial Properties
Shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants present unique slip and fall risks due to high foot traffic and various operational activities. Spilled liquids from food service areas, freshly mopped floors, and merchandise fallen from shelves can all create hazardous conditions. Property managers must implement proper safety protocols, including regular inspections, prompt cleanup procedures, and adequate warning systems when hazards are present.
Construction and renovation activities in commercial properties also create additional hazards. Dust, debris, loose materials, and temporary walkways can all contribute to slip and fall accidents when proper safety measures are not implemented. Property owners must ensure that contractors follow appropriate safety protocols and that adequate warning systems alert visitors to potential dangers.
Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents
Even though workers’ compensation may cover some workplace injuries, third-party liability claims may be possible when slip and fall accidents occur due to the negligence of someone other than the employer. For example, if a contractor fails to properly maintain a work area or a building owner neglects necessary repairs, injured workers may have grounds for a personal injury claim beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Office buildings, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities all present their own unique slip and fall risks. Inadequate lighting in parking garages, improperly maintained elevators and stairwells, and failure to address known hazards can all result in serious accidents that could have been prevented with proper attention to safety.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws in Missouri
Missouri premises liability law establishes different levels of duty that property owners owe to different types of visitors. Invitees, such as customers in stores or patients in medical facilities, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must regularly inspect their premises, identify potential hazards, and either fix dangerous conditions or provide adequate warnings about them.
The concept of “reasonable care” is central to premises liability cases. This means that property owners must take the same precautions that a reasonable person would take to prevent foreseeable harm to visitors. What constitutes reasonable care varies depending on the specific circumstances, including the type of property, the nature of the business conducted there, and the typical activities that occur on the premises.
Property owners cannot simply post warning signs and assume they have fulfilled their legal obligations. While warnings can be part of proper safety protocols, they do not excuse property owners from addressing known hazards in a timely manner. Courts will evaluate whether the warning was adequate, properly placed, and clearly visible to visitors under the circumstances.
Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident
Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you bear some responsibility for your accident, you may still be entitled to compensation as long as your fault is less than that of the property owner. This legal framework protects victims who may have been partially distracted or not paying complete attention at the time of their fall, as long as the property owner’s negligence was the primary cause of the accident.
Property owners and their insurance companies often try to shift blame to accident victims by claiming they should have seen the hazard or were not watching where they were going. However, property owners cannot escape liability simply by arguing that visitors should have avoided obvious dangers. The law recognizes that people have a right to expect reasonably safe conditions when visiting commercial and residential properties.
Documentation plays a crucial role in protecting your rights after a slip and fall accident. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the hazardous condition that caused your fall and any relevant warning signs or lack thereof. Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur, and report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately to create an official record.
Seeking prompt medical attention is essential, both for your health and for your legal claim. Even if your injuries seem minor initially, some conditions may worsen over time or have delayed symptoms. Having a complete medical record from the time of your accident helps establish the connection between the incident and your injuries.
Contact Hollis Law Firm for Your Kansas City Slip and Fall Case
The aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries and insurance companies that seem more interested in minimizing your claim than providing fair compensation. At Hollis Law Firm, we have recovered over $100 million in settlements and judgments for our clients, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
We understand that every slip and fall case is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Our approach includes working with safety professionals and accident reconstruction specialists when necessary to demonstrate how the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Don’t let a property owner’s insurance company take advantage of you during this difficult time. Call us at (800) 701-3672 or contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Slip-And-Fall Cases
What should I do after a slip-and-fall accident?
After a slip-and-fall accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Document the accident scene and any hazardous conditions, take photos if possible, and get contact information from witnesses. Afterward, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you file a claim and recover compensation for your injuries.
Can I recover compensation for soft tissue injuries from a slip-and-fall?
Yes, you can recover compensation for fall accident injuries, such as sprains, strains, or bruises, caused by a slip-and-fall accident. These injuries may not be as visible as broken bones but can cause significant pain and discomfort. A personal injury claim can help you cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to your soft tissue injuries.
What types of injuries are common in slip-and-fall accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents commonly result in broken bones, spine injuries, and head trauma. Broken bones, particularly to the wrists, ankles, or hips, are common. Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can occur, especially if the fall is severe. Back and neck injuries are also frequent, leading to long-term discomfort.
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall claim in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, the statute of limitations for filing a slip-and-fall claim is typically five years from the date of the accident. However, it is essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Delays can make it more difficult to gather evidence and may affect the outcome of your case.
How can a fall accident attorney help me with my case?
A fall accident attorney can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim, collect evidence to prove negligence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court.
