Slip and fall accidents can seem embarrassing in the moment, until you realize that you’re hurt. Many people who slip and fall on properties that failed to protect visitors from harm often don’t realize how challenging it is to file an injury claim without the help of a slip and fall accident attorney from a local premises liability law firm.

Without one, they may not get the full amount of their claim, causing them to take another financial hit by having to cover medical bills for injuries someone else negligently caused. Hipskind & McAninch, LLC in Belleville, IL and St. Louis, MO, provides legal representation through expertise in premises liability law to help secure fair compensation from negligent property owners. If you’ve been searching for a slip and fall lawyer near me, let us fight on your behalf.

Photo of Slip on Ice

Introduction to Slip and Fall Cases

Premises liability is a subset of personal injury law that holds property owners responsible for injuries sustained from dangerous or unsafe conditions on their property. It stands to reason that someone in charge of a property should regularly maintain it and notice if something is hazardous. Property owners and managers must take the steps to repair it or, if repairs can’t be made immediately, effectively warn visitors of the potential for harm.

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability cases, and they often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting, among many other causes. You might think it happens mainly to old people since they have a harder time keeping their balance, and while that is true, around 1 million people are hospitalized every year due to falls, which are the top cause of traumatic brain injuries. You can be any age and suffer injuries from a slip and fall due to dangerous conditions at a property you’re invited to be on, and you have the right to sue the property owner, manager, or occupier of the establishment for your damages. Finding a premises liability attorney is the best way to hold people accountable for their negligence.

Types of Dangerous Conditions

  • Wet or slippery floors, either from recent cleaning or a spill
  • Torn or bunched-up carpeting
  • Uneven sidewalks and parking lots
  • Poor lighting in stairwells
  • Missing handrails
  • Cluttered walkways that make it difficult to pass through
  • Ice and snow accumulation
  • Hidden hazards, such as wires running under a rug

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Why should you search for “an injury lawyer for falls in my area?” Simple – because serious injuries can occur in these types of accidents. Some have the potential to be incredibly severe and leave lasting impacts for victims, including:

  • Broken bones, most commonly hip fractures from falling over or wrist fractures that occur when victims extend their hands to stop the fall
  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injury that can range from mild to severe
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
  • Cuts and lacerations when a victim falls down stairs or onto hard objects
  • Psychological trauma

Hipskind & McAninch, LLC’s Legal Approach

When you need a trip and fall lawyer, Hipskind & McAninch, LLC focuses on you and your needs. Our attorneys provide a free initial consultation to help you understand your legal rights and options. If you decide to pursue your claim, we investigate the scene and preserve evidence, and then identify all responsible parties.

We create a personalized legal strategy that serves as a solid foundation for getting your settlement to the maximum potential possible. Our attorneys are well-versed in slip and falls and other practice areas in personal injury in Belleville and St. Louis, including car accidents and truck accidents, and we work to help injured victims to move forward.

Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases

It first requires establishing that the hazardous condition existed. This can be the hardest part for severely injured victims who may not have taken photos or videos at the accident scene. Property owners may try to cover their tracks, either by cleaning up the hazard or by pretending to not be aware.

Our slip and fall attorneys have the resources to demonstrate that they had actual or constructive knowledge, and find the evidence to show they failed to correct any hazards or warn visitors of the danger. Most importantly, we tie that in to connect that hazard to your injuries to secure your compensation.

Types of Properties Where Falls Occur

Slip and fall accidents can occur on a variety of properties, and you have legal rights to pursue a claim if you were an invited visitor. Some common locations include:

  • Retail stores and shopping plazas
  • Grocery stores and dining establishments
  • Office buildings and workplaces
  • Apartment complexes and rental properties
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Government buildings and public spaces
  • Parking lots and garages

Benefits of Hiring a Local Slip and Fall Lawyer

These types of cases are challenging to prove on your own, and you’ll likely be met with resistance from the property owner’s insurer and litigation team. Our local slip and fall lawyers understand the building codes and regulations in the area, and weather-related requirements in terms of snow and ice removal.

Familiarity with our local businesses and property managers makes it easier for us to pinpoint patterns and fight for justice on your behalf. Choosing a slip and fall lawyer near you means that you have access to us to get the personalized service you deserve throughout your case.

Photo of an Injured Woman

Compensation and Financial Recovery

Slip and fall injuries can leave victims with serious injuries that impact their future. You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses and future medical treatment needs
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Timeline and Process

You never want to wait a long time to file a claim for a slip and fall injury. In a short amount of time, the evidence could be cleared away, making it that much harder to prove what happened. Surveillance footage may be unintentionally or intentionally erased during that time by the owners trying to reduce or eliminate their liability.

There’s also the statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file your case. Taking action now ensures evidence remains fresh and that you have time to issue a demand through your attorney and negotiate for your settlement. With the help of our slip and fall lawyers, you’ll be prepared to go to trial if the property owner refuses to cooperate.

Why Choose Hipskind & McAninch, LLC?

Hipskind & McAninch, LLC has a history of handling premises liability cases with great success and holding large corporations accountable for their negligence. We know you’re worried about your medical bills, which is why there is no fee unless you recover compensation, allowing you to get the representation you need. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.