Can I Sue if I Slip on Ice Outside a St. Louis Business?
Winter weather in Missouri can be brutal, and St. Louis residents know all too well how quickly sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways can become treacherous sheets of ice. For some, it’s just an inconvenience. For others, it’s the cause of severe, life-altering injuries.
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we help victims of fall accidents hold negligent property owners accountable. With extensive experience handling premises liability claims and slip and fall cases, we know what it takes to pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Understanding Premises Liability in Missouri
A slip and fall accident on ice may seem like a simple accident, but under Missouri law, it can be the basis for a premises liability lawsuit if negligence was involved. Premises liability is the legal concept that holds property owners and property managers responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for customers, visitors, and other lawful guests.
In the context of winter weather, this means business owners must take reasonable measures to address icy walkways, parking lots, and entryways. That might include:
- Applying salt or sand to icy areas
- Shoveling snow promptly after a storm
- Placing warning signs on wet floors and slippery surfaces
- Repairing broken drainage that allows ice to form
When a property owner fails to take these precautions and someone is injured, the injured person may have grounds for a slip and fall lawsuit.
Examples of Ice-Related Slip and Fall Cases
Fall accidents outside businesses often happen in:
- Storefront parking lots
- Sidewalks leading to office buildings
- Restaurant entrances
- Gas station forecourts
- Apartment or condo complexes with shared walkways
Under Missouri law, the circumstances matter. For example, if you slipped on a public sidewalk maintained by government agencies, special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines may apply. However, if the incident occurred on someone else’s property, which is owned by a private business, the liable party could be the business owner or their property management company.
Legal Steps to Take After a Slip on Ice
If you’ve been injured, your top priority is your health, but your legal rights need protection too. Here’s what to do after a slip and fall accident:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor. Some slip and fall injuries, like brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
Document the Scene
Take photos or video of the icy area, any wet floors inside, and the surrounding conditions. This evidence can be vital in proving a fall accident case.
Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the fall, get their names and contact information.
Report the Incident
Notify the business, but avoid giving detailed statements to the insurance company before speaking with a slip and fall attorney.
Consult a Lawyer Promptly
A fall accident lawyer can guide you through the personal injury claim process and make sure you meet all Missouri law deadlines.
Potential Damages in a Slip and Fall Claim
Fall accident claims can involve significant costs, not just medical bills, but long-term consequences. If you’re the injured party, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy
- Lost income: Wages missed while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation: Physical pain, emotional anguish, and diminished quality of life
- Severe injuries: Costs associated with broken bones, head injuries, or traumatic brain injury
Our fall lawyers work to recover compensation that reflects the true cost of your fall injuries, not just the immediate bills.
Challenges in Slip and Fall Cases
Proving that a negligent property owner is at fault can be more complex than most accident victims expect. The defense may argue:
- The ice was a “natural accumulation” and unavoidable.
- You were wearing unsafe footwear.
- You were distracted and could have avoided the fall.
That’s where having experienced fall attorneys matters. We know how to counter these arguments and build strong evidence showing the liable party failed in their duty to keep the property safe.
How Hipskind & McAninch, LLC Can Help
Our firm has represented countless fall accident victims in St. Louis slip and fall cases, from minor fall injuries to catastrophic spinal cord injuries. We provide:
- Legal guidance through the process: Explaining your rights and the steps in a slip and fall claim
- Representation in negotiations: Standing up to the insurance company to push for fair compensation
- Courtroom advocacy: If necessary, taking your fall lawsuit to trial to pursue compensation
- Personalized attention: Every fall accident case is unique, and we tailor our strategy to your needs
Whether your fall claim involves a small storefront or a large commercial complex, our fall accident lawyers understand the nuances of premises liability claims in Missouri.
Deadlines and Missouri Law
Under Missouri law, you typically have five years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim, but waiting can hurt your case. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and icy conditions melt. Prompt action ensures your attorney can secure critical proof before it’s gone.
If your accident occurred on government property, you may have only 90 days to provide notice. A knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer will ensure you meet every deadline and filing requirement.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries We See
While every fall accident case is different, some injuries occur more often than others:
- Broken bones in the wrist, ankle, or hip
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injury from hitting hard pavement
- Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or full paralysis
- Severe bruising, ligament tears, and chronic back pain
Even a seemingly minor slip can leave an injured person with long-term pain and limited mobility.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been hurt because a property owner failed to keep their property safe during icy conditions, you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. The fall lawyers at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, are ready to fight for the pain and suffering compensation and lost wages you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. When you work with us, you gain a strong advocate who understands fall cases in St. Louis and how to hold the liable party accountable.
Hipskind & McAninch, LLC is committed to protecting the rights of accident victims in Missouri. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a slip on ice, let us put our experience to work for you and help you pursue compensation that covers every aspect of your recovery.
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