St. Louis Slip & Fall Lawyer
Common Injuries and Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents happen suddenly, usually leaving no time to brace for the impact. The most common injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially in the ankles, knees, arms, and legs.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle contusions, sprains, and strains.
- Traumatic brain and head injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord and back injuries
There are many causes of slip-and-fall accidents, from poor lighting to debris obstructing the walkways, but the most common cause of slip-and-fall accidents in the United States is messy and hazardous floors that happen due to spills, leaks, and uneven surfaces.
What Damages Are Available in Slip and Fall Accidents
In slip and fall and other personal injury accidents, the damages are typically divided into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover all the financial costs that you incur due to the accident. This may include medical treatment costs, lost wages, and any loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. It also provides compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident and your injuries.
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses, including pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Unlike economic damages, these do not have a fixed monetary value. The state of Missouri does not specifically define how to calculate how much the non-economic damages may be worth.
Punitive damages are awarded in especially egregious cases and are meant to punish the responsible party for their intentional or reckless behavior that disregarded the safety of others.
Slip & Fall
St. Louis Slip & Fall Attorney
After a slip-and-fall accident, you might be facing a mountain of medical bills, lost income, and debilitating physical and emotional pain. Unfortunately, these incidents are common, and in one calendar year, 8.5 million people were treated for fall-related injuries in U.S. emergency rooms. If you are having to navigate through this tough time, you need the support of a St. Louis slip & fall lawyer.
How to Prove a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, a lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable. The successful outcome of a case is reliant on two main factors.
- Negligence. Negligence is a key element in slip-and-fall cases. It means the responsible party failed to act reasonably, and this failure directly caused the conditions that led to the accident. For example, a business owner could be considered negligent if a customer slips and falls on an icy doorstep because the owner did not take reasonable steps to remove the ice or warn customers.
- Fault. The slip and fall accident must have directly caused the injuries or worsened existing conditions that led to them. For example, if a customer broke their arm when falling on icy steps outside of a local business, it required medical treatment.
At Bajric & Ramic Law Office, our team prioritizes our clients. We thoroughly review each unique case to help ensure our clients receive the representation they deserve.
Immediately after a slip and fall accident, you should seek medical attention, even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe. If possible, you should document the scene and preserve any evidence. The incident should be reported to the property owner, manager, or supervisor, and you should request a copy of the report. You should contact an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer who can support you through the process.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if found partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage you are at fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, you would then receive $80,000.
You could recover compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and any rehabilitation costs. Since every situation is unique, it is recommended that you discuss your case with an attorney. They can help you understand the full extent of the compensation you could receive.
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Missouri is five years from the date of the injury. Even if this seems like plenty of time, you should discuss your case with a lawyer as soon as possible, especially since evidence can deteriorate and witness memories may fade.