Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Slip and Fall Claims
Not every fall requires a lawyer. An attorney may be helpful if you suffered significant injuries, liability is disputed, or your claim involves substantial damages. We can help you determine whether legal representation makes sense for your situation, even if you’re still unsure where to start.
The value depends on your injuries, medical treatment, lost income, evidence of liability, insurance coverage, and other factors. Your specific circumstances must be reviewed before determining what your claim may be worth.
Missouri law generally allows five years to bring certain personal injury claims. Different deadlines may apply bas
The property owner may still be responsible if the evidence shows they knew or should have known about the condition. Relevant evidence can include how long it existed, prior reports, inspections, and similar incidents. These facts can help establish notice.
A warning sign does not automatically prevent a premises liability claim. Its location, visibility, wording, and what it warned about can all be relevant. The circumstances of the fall also matter, so a sign alone shouldn’t discourage you from asking questions.
An open and obvious condition can affect a premises liability claim, but it does not automatically eliminate liability. Missouri courts have recognized circumstances where a property possessor may still have a duty along with the condition and circumstances surrounding the fall must be considered.
You may still be able to recover compensation if you were partly responsible. Missouri’s comparative fault rules can reduce your recovery based on your share of responsibility. The amount of fault assigned to each party will depend on the facts.
Take photographs or videos, collect witness information, and keep incident and medical records. Preserve your clothing, footwear, insurance correspondence, and other relevant evidence. Do not delete or discard evidence that may document what happened, even if it seems minor at the time.
You may have a claim, but falling on a wet floor alone does not establish liability. The store’s knowledge of the condition, how long it existed, and whether reasonable precautions were taken can be important. The cause of the wet floor may also affect the claim.
You may be able to file a claim, depending on who owns and maintains the sidewalk. Government-owned property can involve additional legal requirements. The responsible party must first be identified before any next steps can be taken.
A snow or ice claim depends on the specific circumstances of the fall. Property ownership, notice, weather conditions, and applicable law can all affect liability. Snow or ice alone does not automatically establish a claim.
You may be able to recover lost wages as part of a claim. Employment records, income documentation, and medical evidence can help support the amount claimed. The lost income must be connected to the injury and supported by evidence, so keeping thorough records helps.
Some injuries do not cause noticeable symptoms right away. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop and tell your provider when and how they began. A delay in symptoms does not automatically invalidate a claim, so don’t assume you’re fine right away.
You should be truthful with the property owner’s insurance company, but stick to what you know. Statements about fault, injuries, or the value of your claim can affect how the insurer evaluates the case. If your injuries are significant or liability is disputed, talk to a lawyer before giving a detailed or recorded statement.