St. Louis Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
The polished floors of a Downtown office building, the historic brick sidewalks of Soulard, the busy aisles of a grocery store in the Central West End—these are the backdrops to daily life in St. Louis. But in an instant, they can become the scene of a life-altering injury.
A puddle left unmopped, a piece of pavement cracked and broken, a poorly lit stairwell—these are not minor inconveniences. They are hazards born from negligence, and when they cause you to fall, the consequences can be devastating.
The property owner’s insurance company is already building a case against you, looking for any reason to deny your claim and protect their bottom line. In this fight, you need a powerful advocate to level the playing field. You need a skilled St. Louis slip and fall accident lawyer to uncover the truth and demand the justice you are owed. At DM Injury Law, we are here to take on that fight for you, so you can focus on healing.
Your story deserves to be heard. Contact our St. Louis office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your rights.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your St. Louis Slip and Fall Accident Case
Choosing the right law firm after a serious fall can feel like another daunting task, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your recovery. You need a team with the resources of a big-time firm but the personal, compassionate touch of a local advocate who genuinely cares about your well-being. That is exactly what you will find at DM Injury Law.
We have built our reputation on helping people just like you—Midwesterners who have been wronged by the carelessness of others. Our firm combines over a century of collective legal experience with a deep-seated commitment to fighting for the underdog. We see you as a person, not a case number, and we tailor our approach to fit your unique situation and goals. While we handle a high volume of cases, we never lose sight of the individual at the heart of each claim.
Here’s why so many in St. Louis and across the Midwest trust us to be their voice:
- Proven Results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, providing them with the financial resources needed to rebuild their lives.
- Big Firm Firepower: Insurance companies are powerful entities with teams of lawyers dedicated to minimizing your claim. We level the playing field with our extensive resources, skilled investigators, and fearless trial attorneys.
- A Large Team: Our attorneys and support staff of investigators, case managers, and medical records specialists will help you with every part of your case. No matter where you’re at with your claim, we’re here to offer support.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
You deserve a powerful advocate who will stand by your side. Let DM Injury Law fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Results
You need the maximum settlement or verdict to cover all of your financial losses after a serious accident. DM Injury Law will help you seek the compensation you deserve. Take a look at some of our past slip-and-fall case results:
- $1,000,000: Our client fell through an attic floor while doing house renovations.
- $500,000: Our client sustained many serious injuries after falling through a balcony.
- $255,000: Our client broke his ankle after he slipped on ice in a parking lot.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
A slip and fall accident claim is a type of personal injury lawsuit that falls under a legal concept called “premises liability.” In simple terms, Missouri law requires property owners and managers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors, customers, and tenants. This is often referred to as their “duty of care.”
When a property owner fails to uphold this duty—either by creating a dangerous condition or by failing to fix a hazard they knew or should have known about—they can be held legally responsible for any injuries that result.
A successful slip and fall claim isn’t just about proving you fell and were injured on someone’s property. It’s about demonstrating that your fall was a direct result of the property owner’s negligence. This involves showing that a hazardous condition existed, the owner was aware (or should have been aware) of it, and they did not take reasonable steps to warn you or remedy the situation. Our job is to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case that proves this negligence and connects it directly to your injuries and losses.
Common Slip and Fall Cases We Handle
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere and for countless reasons. Our experienced attorneys have seen it all and are equipped to handle claims arising from a wide variety of hazardous conditions. We regularly represent clients who have been injured in falls at:
- Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Spills in aisles, dropped produce, leaking freezers, and freshly mopped floors without “wet floor” signs are common culprits.
- Restaurants and Bars: Food and drink spills, greasy kitchen floors, and poorly lit entryways can create serious fall risks.
- Retail Stores and Shopping Malls: Cluttered aisles, fallen merchandise, and poorly maintained flooring can lead to dangerous trips and falls.
- Parking Lots and Garages: Potholes, cracked pavement, inadequate lighting, and uncleared ice or snow create treacherous walking surfaces.
- Apartment Buildings and Rental Properties: Broken stairs, loose handrails, uneven sidewalks, and poor lighting in common areas are frequent causes of tenant injuries.
- Hotels and Motels: Wet bathroom floors, worn-out carpeting, and unsafe conditions around pools can lead to serious guest injuries.
- Workplaces: Construction sites, warehouses, and offices can all contain hazards like spills, debris, or unsecured cords that lead to on-the-job falls.
- Public and Government Property: Poorly maintained city sidewalks, parks with broken equipment, and unsafe public buildings can also be the site of preventable falls.
No matter where your fall occurred, if it was caused by someone else’s failure to maintain a safe environment, you may have a valid claim.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
You might feel like your accident was a fluke, but the reality is that falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury in the United States. The statistics are staggering and highlight just how serious this issue is:
- According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are the third-leading cause of preventable injury-related deaths for all ages and the number one cause for those 65 and older.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 319,000 older patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- The NSC also notes that falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths at home and in the community.
These are not just numbers; they represent real people whose lives have been turned upside down by a preventable accident. These statistics underscore that property owners have a critical responsibility to keep their premises safe, and when they fail, the consequences can be devastating.
Who May Be Held Liable in a St. Louis Slip and Fall Claim?
Identifying the responsible party is a critical first step. In some cases, it’s straightforward, but in others, multiple parties could share liability. Depending on the circumstances of your fall, the liable party could be:
- A Commercial Property Owner: This includes owners of retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, and shopping centers. They are responsible for the overall safety of their property.
- A Business or Tenant: The business leasing a commercial space is often responsible for the day-to-day safety and maintenance of the area they occupy.
- A Property Management Company: Owners often hire third-party companies to manage maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections. This company could be held liable for its negligence.
- A Landlord: In a residential setting, landlords are responsible for maintaining the safety of common areas like lobbies, stairwells, and parking lots.
- A Homeowner: If you are injured as a social guest at someone’s home, the homeowner may be liable if they knew about a danger (like a broken step) and failed to warn you.
- A Government Entity: If your fall occurred on public property, such as a city sidewalk or in a government building, you might have a claim against the city, county, or state. These cases often have special rules and shorter deadlines, making it crucial to contact an attorney immediately.
Our legal team will conduct a meticulous investigation to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure you can pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
What Damages Are Available in a St. Louis, MO Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit?
A serious fall can impact every aspect of your life, from your health to your finances to your emotional well-being. A successful lawsuit aims to provide compensation, known as “damages,” to make you whole again by covering all of these losses. In a Missouri slip and fall case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses you have incurred.
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your treatment, such as ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the paychecks you missed while recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your old job or earning the same income as before, you can be compensated for this future loss of earnings.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Reimbursement for expenses like transportation to doctor’s appointments or the cost of assistive devices like crutches or a wheelchair.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific price tag.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury and your recovery process.
- Emotional Anguish: Damages for the anxiety, depression, fear, or PTSD that can result from a traumatic accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or social events you once loved, you can be compensated for this loss.
- Permanent Disfigurement or Scarring: Compensation for the physical and emotional impact of lasting scars or disfigurement.
Our team works closely with you, your doctors, and financial experts to meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages. We will never let an insurance company pressure you into accepting a lowball offer that doesn’t cover the true cost of your accident.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
St. Louis Slip and Fall FAQs
It’s completely normal to have a lot of questions after an unexpected and painful accident. Here are answers to some common questions we hear from our clients.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including slip and falls, 5 years from the date of the accident, according to RSMo § 516.120.
Illinois
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have 2 years to file a slip and fall injury claim in Illinois.
While this seems like a long time, it is critical to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and building a strong case takes time. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever.
What if The Property Owner Claims I Was Clumsy or Partially at Fault?
Don’t be discouraged. This is a very common defense tactic. Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 10% at fault, you would receive $90,000. Our job is to fight back against these accusations and minimize any percentage of fault assigned to you.
The Insurance Company for The Property Already Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
You should be very cautious about accepting an early offer from an insurance company. Their primary goal is to protect their profits by settling your claim for as little as possible. The first offer is almost always far less than what your case is truly worth and likely won’t account for future medical needs or your full pain and suffering. Never sign anything or accept a check without first having an experienced lawyer review the offer.
Contact Our Trusted St. Louis Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today
After a fall, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You’re in pain, you’re worried about your finances, and you’re facing a powerful insurance company that does not have your best interests at heart. You do not have to face this fight alone. The compassionate and aggressive legal team at DM Injury Law is ready to stand up for you.
We are more than just lawyers; we are your advocates, your guides, and your support system through this difficult time. We will handle every legal detail so you can put all your energy into your physical and emotional recovery. When you put our big-time law firm on your side, you can trust that we will be there every step of the way.
A St. Louis slip and fall attorney from our team will:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident to secure crucial evidence.
- Identify all liable parties and their insurance carriers.
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your claim.
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
- Prepare to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to make a just offer.
Your journey to justice starts with a single phone call. Let us show you what sets us apart.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation, call our St. Louis office now at (314) 888-4444 or fill out our simple online form. We are here to listen to your story and help you take the first step toward getting your life back.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.