St. Louis Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys

Fighting For Slip & Fall Accident Victims in Missouri

A “slip and fall injury” occurs when someone falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property.

These conditions can include wet floors, spilled liquids, snow, ice, or improperly maintained walkways. Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, sprains, strains, and head, neck, and back injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to speak with a premises liability lawyer about your case. Our St. Louis slip & fall lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Call our slip & fall accident lawyer in St. Louis today for a free case evaluation at (314) 350-1900.

Where Do Slip & Fall Accidents Usually Occur?

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere there is a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. Some common places where slip and fall accidents occur include:

• Supermarkets
• Shopping malls
• Grocery stores
• Parking lots
• Outdoor walkways
• Office buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Schools

Property owners and business owners have a responsibility to keep their property free from hazards that could potentially cause a slip and fall accident, and they should also warn visitors of any potential dangers. This is otherwise known as a “duty of care.”

For example, if there is a wet floor, the property owner should put up a sign to warn people of the danger.

If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

What Responsibility Does the Owner Have in Missouri to Ensure Their Property Is Safe?

Under Missouri law, the property owner’s responsibility to the visitor depends on why the visitor was there.

The law defines visitors under three categories: Invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

• An invitee is someone who has been invited onto the property, most commonly for business purposes. The property owner has a responsibility to keep the property safe for invitees and to warn them of any potential hazards.
• A licensee is someone who has been given permission to be on the property for their own purposes, such as a residential visit. The property owner is not responsible for keeping the property safe for licensees but should still warn them of any potential hazards.
• A trespasser is someone who is on the property without permission. The property owner is not responsible for keeping the property safe for trespassers but should still avoid intentionally causing harm.

How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help After Your Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall injuries can often lead to serious, long-term problems. In the weeks and months following an injury, a slip and fall victim might be dealing with doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, and other medical bills.

In addition, they may be unable to work, which can lead to lost income and a mounting pile of bills. An experienced St. Louis slip and fall attorney can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering damages.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, an attorney can help you by:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your case
• Identifying all potential defendants
• Filing a premises liability lawsuit on your behalf
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to trial if necessary

Our St. Louisslip & fall accident lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have extensive experience handling premises liability cases, and we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Injuries from Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can result in a variety of serious injuries. Some common injuries that we see in slip and fall cases include:

• Head injuries. These injuries can range from mild concussions to life-threatening skull fractures and brain injuries. Some common symptoms of a head injury include nausea, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and loss of consciousness.
• Neck injuries. These injuries are more common in car accidents, but they can also occur in slip and fall accidents. This can occur when the victim falls and lands on their neck, or if the head is suddenly jerked backward and forward, for example.
• Back injuries. Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of back injuries, including strains and sprains, herniated discs, pinched nerves, spinal cord injuries, and fractured vertebrae.
• Broken bones. Fractures are a common injury that can result from a slip and fall accident. When you fall, the force of the impact can cause your bones to break. This can be especially dangerous if you fall on your arm, leg, or hip.
• Sprains and strains. Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of sprains and strains. For example, this can occur when the victim falls and lands on an outstretched arm, leading to a shoulder sprain, or when they fall on their leg, leading to a hamstring strain.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many times, the full extent of an injury is not immediately apparent, and it is important to get checked out by a doctor to make sure you are not seriously injured.

How Much Can I Recover from a Slip & Fall Claim in Missouri?

Missouri has no cap on personal injury claims, which means that you can recover as much compensation as you deserve for your injuries. This is in contrast to some other states, which have caps on the amount of money that can be recovered in a personal injury claim.

This means that the amount of compensation you can recover in a slip and fall accident will depend on the severity of your injuries, as well as other factors. For example, if you were forced to miss work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.

If your injuries are particularly severe, you may also be able to recover pain and suffering damages. This is an award for the physical and emotional anguish that you have suffered as a result of your accident.

No two slip and fall claims are exactly alike, so it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and give you an estimate of the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

How Long After an Accident Can I File a Slip & Fall Claim?

In Missouri, you have five years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, you will be barred from recovery.

This may seem like a long time, but it is important to remember that it can take time to recognize the full extent of your injuries. For example, if you suffer a serious head injury in a slip and fall accident, it may take months or even years for the full extent of your injuries to be known.

It is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident so that they can begin investigating your case and ensuring that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Accidents

What Should I Do Right After a Slip & Fall Accident?

Immediately following a slip and fall incident, it is crucial to seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor. Documenting the injuries as soon as possible is beneficial for health reasons and as evidence in a legal scenario. Collect as much information as possible about the scene of the accident. This should include photographing the area, the exact spot where you fell, and any evident hazards like water puddles or uneven flooring. If witnesses were present, gather their contact information as they can provide valuable accounts of the incident. Reporting the accident to the property owner or manager and obtaining an official report can further strengthen your position. Swiftly consulting a proficient slip and fall attorney ensures a guided approach as they can help preserve key evidence, assess possible legal actions, and protect your rights throughout the process.

Is There a Time Limit for Reporting a Slip & Fall Incident?

While there is no legal mandate requiring an accident to be reported immediately, doing so promptly is beneficial. Delayed reports may lead to questions regarding the legitimacy and nature of the incident. By informing the property owner or manager as soon as possible, you ensure that an official record is created outlining the event's details. This record can serve as an essential tool during legal proceedings. For insurance purposes, coverage providers often have notification requirements, making immediate reporting more practical. Additionally, statutes of limitation apply for filing cases, emphasizing the need for timely action. Quick reporting allows victims to consolidate significant details and establish a more robust foundation should legal pursuit be considered later.

Can I Sue for a Slip & Fall on Government Property in St. Louis?

Suing for a slip and fall accident on government property in St. Louis can be complex due to specific legal protections like sovereign immunity, which generally shields government entities from lawsuits. However, exceptions do exist, and claims can be pursued under certain conditions. Victims should investigate whether the incident was due to negligence that can be directly linked to the governmental body's failure of safety protocol. Proper notice must be given to the entity involved, typically within a shorter timeframe than private claims. Given the procedural intricacies and the unique legislative provisions, working with an attorney experienced in such claims is advisable. They can navigate the specifics to determine if a lawsuit is feasible, ensuring compliance with all legal protocols required in such distinctive situations.

Contact Our Slip & Fall accident lawyer in St. Louis Today

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The Missouri premises liability attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have more than 50 years of combined experience representing injury victims in a variety of personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents.

We understand the challenges that you are facing after an accident, and our St. Louis slip & fall accident attorney will fight to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free case review at (314) 350-1900.