More slips and falls are suffered than anyone would ever imagine. Slips and falls on wet flooring, slick floors, uneven floors, and other slippery floors on premises are the cause of over a thousand injuries in Kansas City, Missouri, every year. The resulting injury, doctor fees, lost wages, and ongoing pain sufferings can have a devastating financial impact, and a harsh psychological impact on victims. If you suffered damages in a slip and fall accident, you need to know your rights. The slip and fall injury that was caused by unsafe conditions can give victims recovery in Missouri. An experienced Kansas City Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer can guide you through the process and protect and advocate for your rights.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls do happen everywhere, but their causes are not equal in prevalence. Knowing them beforehand avoids accidents from happening, and should a coincidence happen, evidence can be retrieved.
1. Wet or Slippery Floors
Rain, spilled things, or the floor just mopped make the floors slippery. Businesses are liable for warning visitors to slippery floors with signs.
2. Broken or Uneven Surfaces
Uneven ground, loose tile, and potholes can be the reasons for falls. Owners need to provide safe means.
3. Faulty Lighting
Insufficient light is beneficial in tripping on something hidden or uneven ground to walk on.
4. Obstructions and Debris
Corridor obstructions include boxes, cords, or trash. Houseowners and commercial property owners must open spaces.
5. Weather
Ice, snow, and wet leaves can make outdoor walkways slippery. Property owners have to make sure accidents do not occur.
Forms of Injury Incurred in Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents inflict various injuries, which range from superficial to serious. Superficial injuries in some accidents are:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractured bones or fractured bones
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back injuries and spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injury, bruising, and lacerations
Mild injury will result in the person with medical expenses or long-term suffering. Serious injury will require surgery or prolonged rehabilitation.
Missouri Slip and Fall Accident Law
Missouri is a premises liability law state. Owners are required to make the property safe from harm for guests. If the owner fails to remove the hazard from the property, he or she can be sued for injuries.
Victims would typically need to prove in order to have a claim:
- That the owner had a duty to make the premises safe.
- The owner either should or did know of the danger.
- The danger resulted in the injury.
- The injured party incurred an injury, e.g., medical expenses or loss of income.
Missouri also follows a comparative fault law. That is, if you were in any way responsible for slipping, your damages will be reduced. For example, if you were 20% responsible, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
What to Do Once You Slip and Fall
What you do when you slip and fall will strengthen your case legally. Go through the following steps cautiously:
1. Seek Medical Care
Even if it is a trivial injury, get a doctor examined. There are some types of injuries whose symptoms take time to manifest. Bills from doctors are also excellent as evidence.
2. File a Report
Inform the boss, manager, or owner of the accident. If they have a report of that type, request that they sign a written incident report.
3. Preserve Evidence
Get the phone numbers and names of witnesses.
4. Keep Records
save doctor bills, repair bills, and letters about the accident.
5. Seek an Attorney
A Kansas City slip and fall lawyer will guide you through making claims and protecting your rights.
What a Kansas City Attorney Will Do
An experienced lawyer can:
- Gather evidence and investigate the crash
- Determine fault and responsible parties
- Handle insurance claims and negotiations
- Negotiate payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain
- Represent you in court if court appearance is necessary
You can prevent mistakes that reduce your compensation by retaining a lawyer early. Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers represent you on contingency for the most part, which means you don't pay anything unless you win your case.
Compensation You Can Recover
Slip and fall accident victims may recover several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, doctor's visits, physical therapy, and medications
- Lost Wages: Loss of earning capacity or lost wages damages
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages
- Property Damage: Personal property damages that were injured in the fall
- Future Expenses: Compensation for future treatment or care
The amount will depend on the severity of the injury, fault, and evidence.
Slip-Ups to Steer Clear Of
A few mistakes are fatal to a slip and fall claim. Steer clear of the pitfalls:
- Not reporting the accident
- Gaps in medical treatment
- Blind eye towards records and evidence
- Talking too much to insurance adjusters without an attorney
- Delay in bringing a claim
Missouri does have a statute of limitations on personal injuries. Generally, you do have five years from the time the accident occurred to sue. Watching out for yourself protects your rights.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
Mistakes will always happen, but you can reduce the likelihood of them happening by:
- Wearing shoes with good traction
- Warning of slippery or uneven floors
- Not walking down crowded halls
- Being where it is well lit
Shall be responsible to inspect buildings, fix hazards, and put up warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Slip and Fall Accidents in Kansas City
1. Can I sue if I slipped and fell at a restaurant or store?
Yes. You do have a claim if the property owner was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazard.
2. What do I do immediately after a slip and fall?
Seek medical care, report the incident, and obtain photos or witness statements.
3. How soon do I have to file a claim in Missouri?
You usually have five years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim.
4. Will my slip and fall injuries be insured?
Most businesses have liability insurance. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company for you.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury?
A minor injury always has hidden costs. A lawyer offers reasonable compensation and safeguards your rights.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City slip and falls can make a lasting impression on your health as well as your bank account. Education on your rights, notification of the incident, and seeking competent legal practice advice are all part of the road back. Let a hazardous property leave no lasting mark—your right to protection is the beginning to justice.
