Property owners and managers have an obligation to ensure their premises are safe for all visitors. When they are negligent in upholding this duty and you suffer injuries as a result, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to understand that there are a number of ways that you may get hurt in a slip and fall accident, and these incidents aren’t always the result of negligence. The attorneys at Brown & Brown, LLP, who have decades of combined experience, can help determine who is responsible and whether or not you have a case.
To schedule a free consultation with our experienced slip and fall attorneys, please contact Brown & Brown, LLP today by completing the form on this page or calling us at the 3s in St. Louis (314-333-3333 / 573-333-3333) or at the 8s in Illinois (618-888-8888). We have expertise in various areas of the law and serve clients in Missouri and Illinois.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents refer to situations when a person gets injured after slipping or tripping and falling on someone’s property. These accidents can happen virtually anywhere. Whether you are visiting someone’s home or walking on public property, managers and property owners have the same responsibility to take reasonable care to ensure your safety. This includes identifying dangerous conditions and fixing them in a timely manner.
A variety of hazards can make a property dangerous, including:
- Wet floors
- Icy walkways
- Inadequate lighting
- Objects blocking a walkway
- Bunched-up rugs or carpets
- Poorly maintained stairs
- Unstable handrails
- Cracked or uneven pavement
Common Injuries in Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Slip, trip, and fall accidents can occur on almost any kind of property, from commercial buildings to residential areas. The slip and fall attorneys of Brown & Brown, LLP can help you pursue full and fair compensation for injuries such as:
In the tragic event that you lose a loved one as a result of a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. Damages in these cases can include funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of companionship and future wages.
Regardless of the damages in your case, our slip and fall lawyers will pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Understanding Premises Liability
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of cases covered under premises liability law. Simply stated, premises liability is a broad term used to describe a variety of accidents associated with property. Homeowners must ensure that their property is free of dangers that could jeopardize the safety of anyone who visits. Business owners and property managers must provide a hazard-free environment for employees and customers.
Premises liability claims are highly complicated and time-sensitive. In order to prove negligence, our attorneys must demonstrate one of the following elements:
- The manager or owner of the property created a dangerous condition that led to your injury.
- The manager or owner of the property knew, or should have known, about the hazardous condition but didn’t take the necessary steps to correct it.
- The manager or property owner failed to adequately warn visitors about the danger. In a slip and fall case, this would include placing wet floor signs.
Premises liability lawsuits can include more than just slip and fall accidents. For example, negligent security measures can create dangerous environments in which violent, criminal acts are more likely to take place. If a lack of adequate security contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation in a premises liability lawsuit.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident
Here are some essential steps to take after a slip and fall accident:
- Seek medical care right away. Remember that some symptoms may appear later, so it’s important to get checked out even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the situation to the property owner or manager and request a written report.
- Take clear photos or videos of the hazard, the area where the fall happened, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from people who saw the accident.
- Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing, as they may serve as evidence.
It’s also important to avoid giving detailed statements to insurance representatives before speaking with a slip and fall attorney who can guide your next steps.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
You have five years to file a slip and fall accident lawsuit in Missouri. In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the accident.
Although you have time to file suit, we encourage you to speak with one of our attorneys as soon as possible following your accident. It is good to know your options before you accept an insurance offer. Moreover, allowing us to investigate your accident closer to its happening may improve our ability to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Types of Damages You Can Seek in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
While each case is slightly different, damages that are typically sought in slip and fall accident claims include:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Accessibility costs, including retrofitting the home
- Pain and suffering
Some damages can be established quickly. These are called special damages and include anything that can be proven, such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, damages for pain and suffering, known as general damages, are harder to price. This is one of the reasons to hire an experienced lawyer who can assess your damages and help you understand the actual value of your claim.
How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
Some slip and fall accident cases resolve within a few months. However, many take six months to a year. If a claim goes to trial, it may take two or more years.
It is impossible to know what will be needed to secure proper compensation. However, during your initial consultation, we will review your claim and do our best to establish a reasonable timeline so that you can plan accordingly.
Can Slip and Fall Accidents be Fatal?
Slip and fall accidents can be fatal in the immediate and long term. They are the leading cause of brain injury in the United States. Individuals with moderate to severe brain injury are 50x more likely to suffer a stroke, 9x more likely to suffer from severe infection, and 6x more likely to develop pneumonia, all of which can be fatal. In addition, the average life expectancy of individuals with a brain injury is nine years shorter than people without.
If you have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident or due to trauma sustained in a slip and fall, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story and provide information about your rights so you can make the best decision for your family.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer Before I Take an Insurance Settlement?
If you accept an insurance settlement, you will not be able to take legal action. This is okay in cases where an injury is mild, but in cases of serious or debilitating injury, it’s best to talk to an attorney before you waive your right to file suit is best.
Why Choose Brown & Brown, LLP?
With more than 30 years of experience, Brown & Brown, LLP has built a strong reputation for helping injury victims throughout St. Louis and Illinois recover the compensation they deserve. Founded by brothers Dan and Ed Brown in 1993, the firm is dedicated to making a real difference in clients’ lives — not just securing a check.
Slip and fall cases receive the same personal attention and tenacious representation that define every Brown & Brown case. Your initial consultation is free of both cost and obligation. We will review your case free of charge and provide information about your rights without expectation. If you choose to work with us, we provide representation on a contingency basis. This means that we only get paid if you win your case.
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a slip and fall accident, we encourage you to call us before settling so that we can help you determine if that’s the best choice for your needs.
FAQs
Can I File a Claim if I Was Partly at Fault for My Fall?
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault — although your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Illinois, however, applies a modified comparative negligence rule. This allows recovery only if you are found to be less than 51% at fault. If you are 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover compensation.
Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Slip and Fall Accidents?
In many cases, yes. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally include liability coverage that may pay for injuries sustained by guests or visitors on the property. However, the policy’s limits, exclusions, and specific circumstances surrounding the incident can affect your eligibility for compensation.
If the homeowner’s insurer denies responsibility or offers a low settlement, an attorney can review the policy, communicate with the insurer, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under the homeowner’s liability coverage.
Can I File a Claim if I Fell at Work?
If your slip and fall occurred while carrying out your job duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits often cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
If a third party — such as a property owner or contractor — contributed to the unsafe condition that caused your fall, you may also have grounds for a separate personal injury claim.
An experienced attorney can determine whether your case involves both workers’ compensation and third-party liability. They will ensure you pursue all possible avenues for recovery after a workplace slip and fall accident.
What if the Property Owner Repaired the Hazard After My Accident?
Even if the property owner fixed the hazard after your accident, you may still have a valid slip and fall claim. In fact, the repair could serve as evidence that the owner knew about the dangerous condition and took action only after someone was hurt.
Owners sometimes argue that repairs were made for general maintenance rather than to admit fault. Gathering evidence — such as photos, witness statements, and inspection records — soon after the incident can help strengthen your case and demonstrate that negligence played a role in your injury.
Discuss Your Case for Free with Our Slip and Fall Attorneys In St. Louis, MO
The attorneys at Brown & Brown, LLP have extensive experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims in Missouri and Illinois. We have handled numerous slip and fall cases and will work diligently to demonstrate precisely what the property owner knew about the danger that caused your injury.
To discuss your case for free with one of our skilled premises liability lawyers, please contact Brown & Brown, LLP today online or at 314-333-3333 / 573-333-3333 in the St. Louis, Missouri, area or 618-888-8888 for service in Illinois, and the surrounding communities.
