Kansas City Premises Liability Lawyer
Navigate This Page:
Types of Missouri premises liability cases
Elements of premises liability in Missouri
What to do after a slip and fall Missouri accident
Common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents
How much is your slip and fall case worth?
A look at criminal activity and premises liability Missouri laws
Talk to a Kansas City slip and fall lawyer about your case
Types of Missouri Premises Liability Cases
The right to own property is fundamental and protected by our Constitution. But rights come with responsibilities. Businesses and property owners must keep their properties safe and free from hazardous conditions that could be reasonably expected to hurt others. This applies to the building structure, parking area, and grounds.
A “premises liability” case arises when someone is injured by a defective or dangerous condition on a property owned by someone else. When a person is injured on a commercial or residential property due to the owner’s failure to make reasonable efforts to keep the property safe, the property owner will be held responsible for the injuries under premises liability laws.
The most common premises liability accidents are slip and fall events. However, those are not the only type of accidents that can occur on a commercial property. Common causes of covered by premises liability injuries include:
- Slip and falls
- Falling objects
- Inadequate security
- Unsecured swimming pools
- Cracked and uneven sidewalks
- Dangerous stairs and stairwells
- Defective escalator and elevator accidents
- Some criminal activities
- Animal attacks and dog bites
- Apartment and building fires
If you have been injured while on a property owned by another person or business, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries under premises liability law. Speak with Missouri premises liability lawyer Kevin A. Jones about your accident to determine if you have the right to claim compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Elements of Premises Liability Missouri
Premises liability cases can be complicated issues because the elements of proof are slightly different depending on what you were doing on the property. The law distinguishes between invited guests (“invitees”) and those who are allowed on the property for their own purposes (“licensees”). Invitees are generally people who are invited onto the property for the benefit of the owner, such as customers of restaurants, bars, and retail establishments. Licensees are people who have permission to use the owner’s for their own benefit and enjoyment. If you were invited onto the property as a social guest or were visiting for a non-business-related reason, you will likely be considered a licensee.
Why does it matter whether you were an invitee or licensee? The law generally imposes a higher obligation on property owners to take proactive steps to keep invitees safe. That means keeping an eye out for dangerous conditions and promptly fixing them or warning about them before people get hurt. For licensees, property owners generally only owe them fair warning about known dangerous conditions.
What To Do After A Slip and Fall Missouri Accident
Missouri premises liability law requires that you have proof that danger was present on the property that could have been managed before the accident occurred. This can be difficult because many property owners quickly make the necessary repairs after an accident occurs, and the evidence is lost. If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is recommended that you take the following steps:
- File an accident report with the property owner or management. You will want to have an official statement made. Make sure that you request a copy of this report.
- Take pictures of the scene. If you are unable to do so, ask that the management take pictures to attach to the report.
- Seek immediate medical care. Any accident can result in serious injuries.
- Follow medical advice. You will need to follow doctor care instructions so that you can make a physical recovery.
- Contact a Missouri premises liability lawyer about your case.
- Avoid posting information about your accident, injury, or any interactions with your attorney.
Common Injuries Associated With Slip and Fall Accidents
All premises liability accidents have the potential to cause serious harm to the victim. Many people do not realize the severity of injuries that can occur with a slip and fall accident. Falling without warning does not leave you prepared for impact. Because of this, many of the injuries that may have been lessened or avoided had the victim been prepared, are worse.
Some of the most common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Neck and spine injuries
- Fractured wrists and ankles
- Broken hips and tailbones
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
Multiple injuries are not uncommon, especially when the fall involves a stairway. Injuries for slip and fall are not limited to those listed above. If you have received any type of injury as a result of a slip and fall accident, you are encouraged to speak with an attorney.
How Much Is Your Slip and Fall Case Worth?
When you have been injured in a premises liability accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injury and losses. Every case will be different based on the facts of the case and the severity of the injuries.
Your case may qualify for one or more of the following types of compensation:
- Current and Future Medical Care. All cases will include the expenses associated with medical care for treating their injuries. If continued care is necessary for the future, compensation for those costs will be included in your settlement.
- Lost Wages. If you have had to miss work as a result of your injuries, your lost wages will be included in your compensation. Additionally, if you lost any other employer-paid benefits due to the accident, this will be included as well.
- Future Earnings. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job at full capacity or at all, your lawyer will include all future earning potential as part of your compensation.
- Pain and Suffering. This type of compensation will vary significantly for each case. This is based on the injuries and the extent that they have or will change your life.
Other forms of compensation may be available to you based on the facts of your case. During your consultation, your attorney will discuss with you all forms of compensation that will be available to you.
A Look At Criminal Activity And Premises Liability Missouri Laws
Premises liability laws also cover criminal activity that causes harm to a person on another person’s property if that criminal act could have been avoided. This type of case can be a little more complex than other premises cases, but it is still a valid case.
A perfect example of this type of case would be a property owner’s obligation to keep their parking area well-lit. If the parking area is poorly lit, and this allows a criminal to hide in the shadows and cause harm to a person, the property owner could be held liable. The owner should have known that leaving this area dark provides a place for criminal activity to occur, particularly if there has been previous criminal activity on the property.
Other scenarios apply to this type of case as well. If you have been injured by a criminal act on a commercial property, you should consult a Kansas City premises liability injury lawyer to determine whether you have a valid case.
Next Steps: Talk to a Kansas City Slip and Fall Lawyer About Your Case
If you have been injured on another’s property, it is a good idea to run your situation by a premises liability lawyer to determine if you have any recourse. Even if you feel partially at fault, you may still be entitled to reimbursement and compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Law Office of Kevin A. Jones works on a contingency basis. There is never a fee unless we win your case. Starting with the free consultation, you will never have any upfront legal fees while we work on your case.
All injuries should be treated seriously, and irresponsible property owners should be held accountable for the injuries and losses their negligence causes. If you have any questions about whether you were wrongfully injured on someone else’s property, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with Missouri premises liability lawyer Kevin A. Jones.
Practice Areas
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions often result in injuries that alter our abilities to work and enjoy life. A Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you get the resources you need to recover and get your life back on track.
Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicles dominate the roadways. Unfortunately, motor carriers often put speed and profits over safety. The consequences can be catastrophic. If you were hurt, call a truck accident attorney in Kansas City to discuss your legal remedies.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have every right to be on the road as other motorists. But all too often, they are seriously injured because others won’t share the road. Kevin A. Jones is an accident lawyer in Kansas City who holds road hogs accountable for their reckless driving.
Brain Injuries
The brain is the control center for the entire body. Brain injuries can cause life-altering physical and mental changes. If you had a head injury, click here to learn more about how a Kansas City personal injury attorney can help.
Wrongful Death
Human life is precious. But unfortunately, it is all too often cut short by the careless and reckless behavior of others. We are a wrongful death law firm in Kansas City, and we give closure to grieving families by holding wrongdoers accountable.
Dangerous Properties
Businesses and property owners have a duty to keep their properties safe for their customers and visitors. If you were wrongfully injured on someone else’s property, call a personal injury attorney in Kansas City to discuss your rights.
Why Choose Kevin?
Free Consultation
Kevin offers a free, no-obligation consultation to people who have potential cases within his practice areas. During your consultation, Kevin will review your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options.
Trial Tested
In his first decade of experience, Kevin has tried and argued more cases in court than most attorneys have in their entire careers.
Personal Attention
When you hire Kevin, you get Kevin. Not a paralegal, case manager, or a lawyer fresh out of law school. Kevin limits the number of cases he takes so he can give his clients the attention they deserve.
No Recovery = No Fee
Kevin takes cases on a “contingency” basis, meaning you only pay for his legal services if he succeeds in obtaining a verdict or settlement for you.
Book a free consultation!
Kevin A. Jones offers a free, no-obligation consultation to any person facing a legal problem. During your call, Kevin will review your situation, answer your questions, and inform you of your legal rights.
Call for a Free Consultation
(816) 892-9909
Law Office of Kevin A. Jones
28A Westwoods Dr
Liberty, MO 64068
(Meetings by appointment only)
The Law Office of Kevin A. Jones is located in Liberty, MO and represents clients in personal injury and employment law cases throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Liberty, Gladstone, Smithville, Kearney, Excelsior Springs, Riverside, Trimble, Platte City, Parkville, North Kansas City, Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, and Lee's Summit.