A slip and fall accident can happen in a split second, but the pain and financial stress can last for months or even years. You might be visiting a grocery store, walking through a parking lot, or visiting an apartment complex when the ground suddenly goes out from under you. If you were injured because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes.

At The Super Lawyer, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. You are dealing with medical appointments, missed time at work, and insurance adjusters who want to pay you as little as possible. Our St. Louis slip and fall lawyers are here to protect your rights. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in St. Louis

Slip and fall cases fall under a specific area of law called premises liability. In Missouri, property owners have a legal responsibility—known as a duty of care—to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This applies to businesses, private homeowners, and government entities.

It is important to know that simply falling does not automatically mean someone else is responsible. To have a valid claim, we must prove that the owner knew, or should have known, about a hazardous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it.

Common Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Hazards can exist anywhere in St. Louis, from busy retail stores to icy winter sidewalks. We investigate the specific cause of your fall to establish liability. Common causes include:

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills in grocery stores, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, or leaking refrigeration units.
• Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, or torn carpeting in office buildings.
• Weather Hazards: Snow and ice that was not cleared from walkways or entryways within a reasonable time.
• Poor Lighting: Dim stairwells or parking garages that make it hard to see steps or obstacles.
• Stairway Defects: Loose handrails, broken steps, or stairs that do not meet building codes.

Injuries and Damages from Slip and Fall Accidents

These accidents often result in severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment. We help clients who have suffered:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Hip fractures, wrist breaks, and ankle injuries are very common.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and head trauma caused by hitting the ground or an object.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Slipped discs or nerve damage that can cause chronic pain.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe sprains, strains, and torn ligaments.

These injuries often lead to significant economic damages, such as hospital bills and lost wages. However, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Establishing Liability and Negligence

Proving negligence is the most critical part of a slip and fall case. In St. Louis courts, your status on the property matters. Most of our clients are considered “invitees” (customers invited for business) or “licensees” (social guests). Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees.

To win your case, we generally need to prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
2. The owner or manager knew about the danger or should have discovered it through regular inspection.
3. The owner failed to repair the hazard or warn visitors about it.
4. This hazard directly caused your fall and injuries.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in St. Louis

The steps you take immediately after an accident can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. If you are physically able, try to do the following:

• Report the Incident: Notify the store manager, landlord, or property owner immediately. Ask them to create an incident report and get a copy.
• Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos of the hazard (the spill, the hole, the ice) before it is cleaned up or fixed.
• Get Witness Info: If anyone saw you fall, get their names and phone numbers.
• Seek Medical Care: Go to a doctor or emergency room right away. Medical records are the best evidence linking your injury to the accident.
• Contact a Lawyer: Speak to a St. Louis slip and fall attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company.

Missouri Laws That Affect Your Claim

Statute of Limitations

You do not have unlimited time to sue. The Missouri statute of limitations for personal injury cases typically gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget details. It is best to start your claim as soon as possible.

Comparative Fault

Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means you can still get compensation even if you were partially to blame for the fall (for example, if you were looking at your phone). However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to blame the victim to save money. We fight back against these tactics to maximize your recovery.

How We Handle Your Slip and Fall Case

When you hire The Super Lawyer, we handle every step of the legal process so you don’t have to.

• Investigation: We gather evidence, including security camera footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements.
• Expert Witnesses: If necessary, we consult with safety engineers or medical experts to strengthen your case.
• Insurance Negotiations: We handle all communication with the insurance company and send a demand letter outlining your damages.
• Litigation: If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.