Columbia Slip and Fall Lawyer
Upon entering another person’s property, you expect the area to be free from any hazards that would cause you to fall and injure yourself. Sadly, not all property owners keep up their end of the bargain and, in turn, place the health of innocent people at risk.
If you slipped and fell due to a landowner’s reluctance to correct the hazard, which caused your accident, reach out to a passionate injury attorney today. A Columbia slip and fall lawyer could work with you to hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries. Call now to get started on your case.
When Would Someone be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall?
In order to hold a person accountable for a slip and fall accident, it is vital that the victim establish negligence against the party at-fault. Negligence occurs when a landowner or property manager has a legal duty to another person. The landowner must conform their conduct to a certain standard to fulfill the duty. In a Columbia slip and fall case, that duty is to maintain a safe premise. If the landowner fails to maintain a safe environment and directly cause injury to the person to whom the duty is owed, they should be held liable for negligence.
One key to proving fault is the existence of a dangerous condition on a landowner’s property while the plaintiff was using the property as intended. A dangerous condition is a defect in the physical condition of the property that is reasonably likely to cause injury. Another related question is what duty the landowner owed to the visitor. Depending on the visitor’s legal status, the landowner may or may not be required to have alerted or protected the visitor from physical hazards.
Common Causes of Slips and Falls
There are many possible causes of slip and fall injuries. Some of the most common include the following property or facility maintenance issues:
- Cluttered and disorganized aisle
- Accumulated snow or ice
- Poor lighting
- Uneven pavement or walkways
- Improperly flagged holes or ditches
- Wet or slippery flooring
- Unsafe stairwells
- Poorly maintained hand railings
Proving that a slip and fall accident occurred because of an unannounced or uncorrected hazard may be difficult without the help of a Columbia slip and fall lawyer. An attorney could help you collect evidence and documentation that could prove crucial in holding the negligent landowner responsible for your injuries.
What are the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Case?
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120(4), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims begins to run or when a slip and fall injury occurs. A Columbia slip and fall lawsuit for bodily injuries, in most cases, must be filed within five years of the incident.
If a plaintiff fails to file within five years, they lose the right to enforce their rights. While five years may seem like a long time, plaintiffs are advised to act as soon as possible after an accident occurs. The insurance claim and litigation processes can move slowly, not to mention that recency makes a case more compelling.
Get in Touch with a Columbia Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Landowners owe their guests a safe and hospitable environment in which they are free to walk around without fear for their safety. While most property owners live up to this duty of care, other owners are not as responsible.
Suffering a slip and fall injury through no fault of your own can be frustrating, but with the help of a Columbia slip and fall lawyer, you may be able to hold the guilty parties accountable for your damages. To learn more about filing an injury claim, or require assistance in determining your eligibility for compensation, be sure to schedule a consultation today.