Slips and falls are part of Kansas City’s library of injury accidents. Slipping is an accident waiting to happen for various reasons including water on floors, broken sidewalks, and lack of lighting. A slip that could have otherwise been written off as nothing can actually lead to broken bones, back pan, concussions, and other injuries. If you slipped or if someone you love slipped, fell or was injured while taking a break at their favorite restaurant, you might be wondering what to do now? Medical bills can now be piling up, or not going to work, is no way to live happily. Pain, worry, and inconvenience can disrupt someone’s routine or life completely and unfortunately, victims often start blaming themselves.
Most instances of slips and falls are consequences of someone else’s negligence. In a vast amount of cases, slips and falls occur due to the negligence of property owners or employees, and fellow customers or just individuals in general in public. This is the benefit of having an experienced Kansas City Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer. Attorneys will know and understand local laws, and will know how to implement those laws to your slip and fall claim. They will fight for appropriate compensation, and you should be compensated for your injuries. There will be information on this page about how attorneys can assist you, what you should do, and how accident claims work in Kansas City.
Why Slip and Fall Cases Are Serious
Slips and falls can feel harmless in the moment of the accident as we so frequently see in the case of many accidents. However, the reality is that they are not harmless: falls cause thousands of emergency room visits annually. Slips and falls are a common part of life in Kansas City, whether it’s at a store, a parking lot, residential property, or workplace, victims can face permanent injuries. A broken hip or back injury may take months or even years to heal and some victims never recover to their condition pre-accident. Medical treatment can be costly. Could have surgery, could have rehab, could be in long-term care after your accident. If you are out of work, you are now forgoing income. And the stress can affect your family. That’s why we should pay attention to these cases.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents in Kansas City often share the same causes. Here are the most common:
- Wet or slippery flooring
- Ice or snow on walkways
- Sidewalks with uneven cracks or potholes
- False or moving carpets or rugs
- Poor lighting in stair or parking areas
- Obstruction or debris in walkways
- Missing railings, steps or some other aspect of falling hazard
Property owners must keep their spaces safe. When they fail, accidents happen.
Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Not every fall causes harm. But when it does, the injuries can be life changing. Some common injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken arms or legs
- Back or neck injuries
- Hip fractures
- Head trauma or concussions
- Cuts and bruises
Even a small fall can cause serious damage, especially for older adults. Medical care is often needed right away.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall in Kansas City
The steps you take after a fall can affect your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help right away. Your health comes first. Even if the pain seems small, see a doctor.
- Report the fall. Tell the property owner, manager, or landlord about the accident.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the area, your injuries, and any hazards.
- Gather witness info. If people saw the fall, get their names and numbers.
- Keep records. Save medical bills, work records, and receipts.
- Do not sign anything without advice. Insurance companies may try to settle fast.
- Call a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. They can guide you through the process.
Why You Need a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
Slip and fall cases can be tricky. Insurance companies may blame you for the accident. Property owners may deny fault. Without help, you may get nothing or far less than you deserve. A lawyer knows how to build your case. They will:
- Review evidence
- Talk to witnesses
- Gather medical records
- Work with experts if needed
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if fair pay is denied
A lawyer fights to protect your rights. They know local laws and how Kansas City courts handle injury claims.
How Fault Works in Kansas City Slip and Fall Cases
Kansas uses a system called “comparative fault.” This means your compensation may be reduced if you share blame.
For example:
- If you are found 20% at fault, your payout drops by 20%.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you may get nothing.
A lawyer works to show the property owner was mostly or fully responsible.
Compensation You May Receive
Every slip and fall case is unique. The amount you may get depends on your injuries, costs, and other losses. Common forms of compensation include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing care costs
- Home modifications if needed
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your lawyer will review your case and push for fair pay.
Timeline of a Slip and Fall Claim
Slip and fall claims take time. Some settle quickly. Others may take months or even years. The process often follows these steps:
- Medical treatment and recovery. You must first focus on healing.
- Investigation. Your lawyer collects evidence and builds the case.
- Claim filing. A demand is sent to the insurance company.
- Negotiation. The lawyer works for a fair settlement.
- Lawsuit. If talks fail, the case may go to court.
Patience matters. A rushed settlement often means less money.
Kansas City Slip and Fall Laws You Should Know
Kansas City operates under both Missouri and Kansas laws, but not all laws are the same.
- Missouri: You usually have 5 years to file a claim.
- Kansas: You usually have 2 years to file a claim.
Missing deadlines can terminate your opportunity to recover money. That is why it is important to speak to a lawyer as quickly as possible.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer
Not all lawyers handle slip and fall cases. When looking for help in Kansas City, consider these points:
- Do they focus on personal injury law?
- Do they have experience with slip and fall cases?
- Do they know Kansas and Missouri laws?
- Do they work on a contingency fee? (No win, no fee)
- Do past clients recommend them?
Picking the right lawyer makes a big difference in your case outcome.
FAQs about Slip and Fall Cases in Kansas City
1. How long do I have to file a claim for my slip and fall accident?
In Missouri, you normally have 5 years and in Kansas you normally have 2 years. A lawyer will tell you the deadline for your claim specifically.
2. What if I was partially at fault for the slip and fall?
You can still recover money if a property owner is also at fault, but the amount you receive will be lowered by your share of fault.
3. Will I have to go to court for a slip and fall case?
Most cases settle, but if an insurance company did not offer you a fair amount, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.
4. How much will a slip and fall lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers in Kansas City work on contingency which means you pay nothing upfront and if you do not win you do not have to pay.
5. What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
You should bring your medical bills, photos of the accident, any contact information for witnesses and any paperwork you have regarding the case.
Endnote
The implications of a slip and fall accident are most likely going to possibly change your life for the rest of your life. You may have feelings of hopelessness and fear and physical pain, or you may have been handed on top of the fear and anxiety that comes with an injury, the unmanageable task of unforeseen mountains of medical bills and piles of other payments that seemed unimaginable and daunting. You do not have to fight this fight alone. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer can help you, protect your rights, and advocate for you so that you can obtain the compensation that you really deserve. You owe it to yourself to move on and the sooner you get the ball rolling in filing suit and pursuing your case, your probably better chances of success.