Slip and Fall Attorney Missouri

Accidents happen, but when they occur due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to know your rights and the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries, medical bills, and life-altering circumstances. If you or a loved one has experienced such an incident in Missouri, you need an experienced attorney to guide you.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere, from a wet floor in a supermarket to a dangerous staircase at a local business. These accidents fall under the broader umbrella of personal injury law. Key factors involve unsafe conditions and the negligence of the property owner.

Common Slip and Fall Scenarios:

Wet or slippery floors without adequate signage.
Poorly lit areas causing reduced visibility.
Uneven surfaces or unexpected obstacles.
Defective products that can lead to sudden accidents.

Missouri’s Premises Liability Law

In Missouri, premises liability governs slip-and-fall cases. The law mandates that property owners be responsible for ensuring their premises are reasonably safe. They may be held accountable when they fail in this duty, leading to an accident.

For instance, if a store in St. Louis knowingly ignored a dangerous condition, leading to a customer’s injury, they could face a liability claim. Working with a Slip-and-Fall Attorney Missouri residents trust to navigate this complex law effectively is essential.

Potential Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

From minor bruises to catastrophic injuries, the impact of a slip and fall can vary significantly.

Common Injuries:

Brain injuries from hitting one’s head.
Spinal cord injuries due to a sudden jolt or fall.
Fractures or broken bones.
Deep cuts or abrasions.
Sprains and strains.

In the worst cases, a severe fall can even result in wrongful death.

What Constitutes Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases?

Negligence plays a pivotal role in slip-and-fall cases. For an incident to be considered negligence, the property owner must have known (or should have known) about the hazardous condition and failed to address it promptly. Examples include:

Ignoring regular maintenance checks.
Failing to put up warning signs near wet or slippery areas.
Not addressing known structural issues, such as broken tiles or damaged steps.

Gathering Evidence

For a successful slip-and-fall lawsuit, evidence is crucial. Steps to gather evidence include:

Photographing the exact location of the fall and its surrounding areas.
Collecting witness statements and contact details.
Retaining any incident reports or documents related to the accident.
Keeping a diary detailing the injury’s impact on your daily life.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

Understanding the distinction between economic and non-economic damages is critical in personal injury law, especially in slip and fall cases. Both damages aim to compensate the injured party but cover different aspects of the harm suffered.

Economic Damages:

Economic damages, sometimes called “special damages,” cover the monetary losses an injured party incurs due to the accident. They are straightforward in that they can be calculated based on bills, receipts, and documented future costs. Examples include:

Medical Expenses– These are often the most substantial costs, encompassing emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any required medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.

Lost Wages– If the injured party had to take time off work due to their injuries, they could be compensated for those lost earnings. This also includes potential future earnings if the person’s ability to work has been permanently affected.

Rehabilitation Costs– After a slip and fall, victims might require physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation. These services come at a price, often continuing for weeks, months, or even years.

Home and Vehicle Modifications– In severe cases, victims might need their homes or vehicles modified to accommodate their new physical limitations.

Non-Economic Damages:

Non-economic damages, also known as “general damages,” address the non-tangible consequences of an injury. They’re subjective and vary from one person to another, making them harder to quantify. Examples include:

Pain and Suffering– This encompasses the physical pain and discomfort endured by the victim due to their injuries. It also considers the emotional and psychological anguish they experience.

Emotional Distress– Victims might suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following their accident. Such emotional and psychological traumas are covered under this category.

Loss of Enjoyment– Sometimes, injuries prevent individuals from enjoying daily activities or hobbies they once loved. This compensation acknowledges that loss.

Loss of Consortium– In more severe cases, injuries might affect a person’s relationship with their spouse or family, encompassing the loss of companionship, affection, and other relational joys.

While economic damages cover the concrete financial burdens of a slip-and-fall, non-economic damages recognize the intangible emotional and psychological costs.

Together, they aim to make the injured party whole again. As each slip-and-fall case is unique, a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Missouri can provide tailored advice on potential damages in specific circumstances.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

Understanding the principle of comparative negligence is crucial in slip-and-fall cases and other personal injury claims, especially in states like Missouri, where it plays a pivotal role in determining compensation.

Here’s a comprehensive look at this concept and its implications for plaintiffs in the state.

Understanding Comparative Negligence:

Comparative negligence, also known as “comparative fault,” is a legal principle that evaluates the degree of fault of the plaintiff and the defendant in causing the injury.

Instead of the traditional “all or nothing” approach, where a partially at-fault plaintiff could be barred from recovery, comparative negligence allows for a more nuanced assessment.

Missouri’s Pure Comparative Negligence:

Missouri follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility.

For instance, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for a slip and fall incident that caused $10,000 in damages, you would be entitled to recover 80% of the damages, or $8,000.

Implications for Plaintiffs:

Shared Liability: A key takeaway is that being partly at fault doesn’t exclude Missouri plaintiffs from receiving compensation. This recognizes that accidents often have multiple contributing factors.

Diminished Compensation: While plaintiffs can recover even if they’re partly at fault, they must be prepared for a reduction in compensation proportional to their degree of responsibility.

Evidence and Arguments Matter: Given the central role of fault assessment, the evidence presented and arguments made become critical. It’s imperative to demonstrate how the other party’s negligence played a substantial role in causing the injury.

Insurance Company Tactics: Aware of the comparative negligence rule, insurance companies might attempt to blame the plaintiff more to reduce their liability.

It underscores the importance of having robust representation to counter such tactics.

Seeking Legal Guidance:

While beneficial, comparative negligence introduces complexities to slip-and-fall cases in Missouri.

Given the potential reductions in compensation based on fault assessments, having a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney in Missouri on your side can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim.

They can help gather evidence, frame arguments, and ensure that the plaintiff’s rights are defended against opposing tactics.

To Summarize:

Missouri’s approach to comparative negligence seeks to provide a fair and balanced system of justice.

It recognizes that accidents are often multi-faceted events with contributions from multiple parties. By understanding this principle and its implications, plaintiffs can better navigate the personal injury landscape in the state.

Why You Must Report Your Accident Immediately

One mistake many slip-and-fall victims make is not reporting the accident immediately. Informing the property owner or manager right after the incident ensures:

The event is documented, leaving a paper trail.
Witnesses are more easily located, and their memories are fresh.
It provides an immediate chance to address and rectify the hazardous condition, potentially preventing others from suffering the same fate.

How We Can Assist with Your Slip and Fall Case

Expert Legal Advice: Navigating the complex world of personal injury claims requires expertise. Our team offers sound legal advice based on years of experience, ensuring you’re well-informed every step of the way.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize your claim. Our firm aggressively negotiates with them to secure fair compensation.

Thorough Case Analysis: We dive deep into understanding the accident, from assessing the unsafe condition that led to the fall to evaluating all potential medical bills and costs.

No Win, No Fee: We believe in our ability to represent you effectively. That means there’s no fee for our services if we don’t secure compensation for you.

Consult with a Slip and Fall Attorney Today

At Steelman Gaunt Crowley, we prioritize the attorney-client relationship. We understand the physical and emotional trauma associated with slip-and-fall incidents.

With our robust law firm backing you, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal intricacies.

Reach out today to discuss your slip and fall accident case in Missouri, and let’s take the first step toward justice together.

Slip and Fall Attorney Missouri