ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI SLIP AND FALL LAWYERS
Businesses, landowners, and construction companies in Missouri and Illinois are legally obligated to protect the public from safety hazards, such as icy sidewalks, wet floors, and uneven stairs. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.
3 COMMON TYPES OF SLIP AND FALL CLAIMS
Slip and falls can happen anywhere, but three of the most common types of slip and fall claims result from:
Dangerous Conditions
Floors have to be mopped, and shelves have to be restocked. However, when businesses or maintenance companies fail to warn the public about possible safety hazards, they can be held liable for damages.
Defective Construction
Uneven sidewalks, broken railings, and loose carpeting are just some of the preventable safety hazards that can result in slip and fall injuries.
Inadequate Maintenance
Failure to address or prevent wet floors, snow, ice, and other dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
Determining liability for slip and fall accidents can be complex and confusing. Claims may involve hired maintenance contractors, government entities, and other parties besides just property owners. We have more than 50 years of legal experience in Missouri and Southern Illinois, and we know what it takes to build a strong claim.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases
There are a wide range of injuries caused by slip and fall accidents, some of which may have devastating, long-lasting effects. Common injuries in these cases include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common when a person’s head strikes the ground or another surface.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The wrist, ankle, and hip are particularly vulnerable to breaks and fractures in a fall.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can range from herniated discs to more severe spinal cord damage, and they can result in long-term pain and lifelong disability.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and severe bruising can limit mobility and take a long time to heal.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident goes a long way toward protecting your physical safety and your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be the top priority, so get checked out by a medical professional right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, don’t skip this step.
- Report the Accident: Notify the property owner, business manager, or landlord about the incident as soon as possible.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of where the accident occurred, and include anything that contributed to your fall. Also, gather contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the fall, as they may be helpful as evidence.
- Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation to cover your losses. These may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for immediate treatment and ongoing medical care, including surgeries, hospital stays, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for the emotional and physical trauma caused by the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for physical therapy, assistive devices, and long-term care required for recovery.
- Future Lost Earnings: If your injury results in permanent disability, you may not be able to fully return to work and will need compensation for your diminished earning capacity.
Contact Cofman Townsley after a Slip and Fall
You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of a slip and fall injury that wasn’t your fault. At Cofman Townsley, we’ll work with you to take care of your medical needs while we prepare your claim as if it’s going to court.
Our slip and fall lawyers want to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their negligence. Fill out a free initial consultation form or call (314) 499-1190 to get the help you need to fight back.