Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Prove Who Is Responsible for Your Slip and Fall
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we understand the challenges you face after a slip and fall accident in Kansas City. Our dedicated slip and fall lawyers are committed to helping you through the legal process and seeking the compensation you deserve. With our thorough understanding of premises liability laws and our commitment to personalized service, we strive to build a strong case on your behalf and hold responsible parties liable.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners are legally required to keep their premises safe for visitors. This means they should regularly inspect their property, fix any known hazards, and put up warnings about potential dangers.
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by a variety of hazards. Common causes include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstacles in walkways. It's essential to identify the exact cause to determine who is responsible and prevent future accidents.
These accidents can happen anywhere—from grocery stores and restaurants to office buildings and private homes. Slip and fall incidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe trauma like broken bones or head injuries. The severity of these injuries and the circumstances of the fall help determine the value of a case.
Common Challenges in Proving Slip and Fall Liability
In order to recover compensation, you will need to prove another party was liable for the accident, that the property owner had a duty to keep you safe, and that they were negligent in doing so. This means you must demonstrate that they:
- Failed to act. They did not take reasonable steps to prevent or fix the dangerous condition that caused your fall.
- Ignored the problem. They knew about the hazard (or should have known) but did nothing to address it.
- Did not properly warn visitors of the hazard. The owner did not post proper warnings to alert visitors of the danger.
Slip and fall cases often come with their own set of legal challenges that need to be handled with care. Some common challenges include:
- Establishing negligence. Proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition is crucial. This often requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering.
- Comparative negligence. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can still receive compensation, but it may be reduced if you're found partially at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can determine how much your claim may be worth.
- Preexisting conditions. Insurance companies may try to attribute your injuries to preexisting conditions. Your attorney will help differentiate between prior issues and injuries directly caused by the fall.
- Lack of witnesses. If there were no eyewitnesses to your fall, it can be more challenging to prove what happened. Your lawyer can help gather other forms of evidence to support your claim.
- Prompt reporting. Failing to report the accident immediately can weaken your case. Your attorney will emphasize the importance of timely reporting and help address any delays that may have occurred.
- Property modifications. If the hazardous condition was quickly fixed after your accident and you did not get photographic or video evidence, it can be harder to prove it existed. Your lawyer will work to secure evidence before any changes are made.
Possible Liable Parties
Our lawyers can help you determine who is responsible for the slip and fall accident. We will conduct an investigation to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:
- Property owners. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises and ensure they are safe for visitors. Their failure to do so can result in accidents, making them liable for any injuries that occur due to their negligence.
- Management companies. If the property is managed by a third-party company, they may also be responsible for the upkeep and safety of the premises. Management companies must regularly inspect the property and address any hazards promptly.
- Maintenance contractors. Maintenance contractors hired to perform repairs and upkeep on the property can be held accountable if their work is subpar or if they fail to address dangerous conditions. Their negligence can directly contribute to slip and fall accidents.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, other parties may also be liable. For instance, if a slip and fall occurred in a retail store, the store employees and corporate entity might be responsible. Similarly, if the incident happened in a public space, government entities or municipalities could be held accountable.
How Our Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you choose our Kansas City slip and fall lawyers, we take a thorough approach to protect your interests. Our attorneys will use their deep knowledge of premises liability laws to identify the best legal arguments for your case.
We understand each slip and fall accident is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, carefully assess your case, and explain your legal options. Our personalized approach ensures you get the attention you deserve.
Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers will assist you by doing the following:
- Gathering crucial evidence. Our lawyers have the resources and experience to collect and preserve vital evidence, such as surveillance footage, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Examining the scene. A careful examination of the accident scene can reveal critical details about the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Our attorneys often collaborate with professional investigators to properly record the scene and identify specific hazards that contributed to the accident, such as uneven flooring, wet surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
- Analyzing medical records. Understanding the full extent of your injuries is essential for accurately valuing your claim. Our attorneys will review your medical records to assess the severity of your injuries and the necessary treatments. When needed, we will consult with medical professionals to gain deeper insights into your condition and long-term prognosis.
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we will create a legal strategy that's uniquely suited to your needs. Our goal is to help you understand your legal options, from negotiating a settlement to pursuing litigation, so you can make informed decisions every step of the way. If you're worried about dealing with insurance companies, rest assured—we’ll handle all communications with insurers and opposing counsel to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses.
Our client Larry was particularly pleased with the outcome of his case and our negotiation skills. He shares, “I went to Peterson & Associates, P.C. to see how they could help me. They helped me take on the insurance company. I’m a witness to how wonderful they are as a law firm. They went into great detail with me to tell me what the pros and cons of the case were. They were very open and made me feel that I was a part of something.”
We have a proven history of successful premises liability settlements. Read the case results and client testimonials on our website to get a sense of our experience. While each case is unique and past performance doesn't guarantee future outcomes, these examples can help you see why we are the right choice for your Kansas City slip and fall case.