A slip and fall can happen in an instant; one moment, you are walking, and the next you are on the ground in pain. Each year, Kansas City has many slip and fall accidents. Wet flooring, cracked sidewalks, and slippery steps happen everywhere in Kansas City, and once you have been hurt, you may be asking what to do now. Here are the steps to take right now if you have been injured due to slip and fall; these are important in order to protect yourself, your health, and your legal practice rights.
Step 1: Get Medical Help
Even if everything looks fine, you should visit a doctor. Not all injuries are visible. You could have a head injury, a sprain, or even some internal injury. A medical check-up could provide you with an early opportunity to catch these injuries. You should also have a medical record. This helps establish that your injury came from the fall.
Step 2: Report the Fall
Tell the property owner or manager. If you fell at a store, speak to a clerk. Ask for a written report. Take your own copy. Do not leave without reporting the incident. If there is no report of the fall, it can be harder to prove your case later.
Step 3: Take Notes and Photographs
Photos help tell your story. Use if you have it on your phone to take a picture that shows:
- The precise location of your fall
- Any spills, cracks, ice, or clutter
- Any warning signs or lack thereof
- Your injuries
- Your clothing and footwear
Note what happened. Include the time and date and any names of nearby witnesses.
Step 4: Collect Witness Information
If someone did witness your fall, you should collect their name and their phone number. Their account will help corroborate your account of what happened. Witnesses may also be able to identify personally what caused your fall.
Step 5: Don’t Say Too Much
Don’t say “It’s my fault” or “I am ok”. You might not know how bad your injuries are yet, and those words can hurt your claim down the road. Be courteous, and use very few words.
See also: How Can You Get Family Related Legal Advice?
Step 6: Save Everything
Hold on to:
- Medical bills
- Doctor notes
- Receipts for medicine or equipment
- Work records if you missed time
- Emails or letters from the property owner
Keep all this in one folder. It helps your lawyer build a strong case.
Step 7: Talk to a Kansas City Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall cases can be tricky. You must prove the property owner was careless. That’s not easy without help. An affordable Kansas City Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer knows the rules. They gather proof, talk to the right people, and fight for fair pay. Many offer free chats. You won’t pay unless they win your case.
What You Might Get Paid For
If your case is strong, you may get money for:
- Medical care
- Time missed at work
- Pain and stress
- Ongoing care or therapy
- Scars or lasting damage
Each case is different. A lawyer can give you a better idea of what your case is worth.
Missouri Laws You Should Know
Time limit to file: In Missouri, you have 5 years from the date of your fall to file a claim.
Shared fault rule: If you were partly at fault, you can still get paid — but less. If you were 20% to blame, your payment drops by 20%.
Proof needed: You must show the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t fix it.
Common Places for Falls in Kansas City
You can slip and fall just about anywhere, but these spots see the most claims:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Sidewalks
- Apartment buildings
- Parking lots
- Office buildings
- Nursing homes
- Malls and shopping centers
Where you feel matters. Public spots may have different rules than private homes or businesses.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Many falls happen because someone failed to fix a known danger. Common causes include:
- Wet floors with no sign
- Ice or snow on sidewalks
- Torn rugs or carpets
- Poor lighting
- Loose steps or rails
- Clutter or trash in walkways
- Uneven pavement
If the danger could’ve been fixed, the property owner may be to blame.
What If You Were Hurt at Work?
If your fall happened while working, it may be a workers’ compensation case. This means you file a claim with your employer, not the property owner.
Workers’ comp can cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehab costs
Tell your boss right away. Then speak to a work injury lawyer to learn your rights.
Mistakes to Avoid
Many people hurt their own case without knowing it. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t wait too long to see a doctor
- Don’t throw away receipts or records
- Don’t skip follow-up care
- Don’t post about the fall on social media
- Don’t give a recorded statement to insurance
- Don’t settle too fast — wait until you heal
A lawyer can help you avoid these traps and protect your claim.
Choosing the Right Lawyer in Kansas City
Not all lawyers are the same. Look for one who:
- Handles only injury cases
- Has won slip and fall cases before
- Knows Missouri law
- Offers a free meeting
- Works on “no win, no fee” terms
Check reviews. Ask friends. Trust your gut when you talk to them.
What Happens in a Slip and Fall Case?
Here’s what to expect:
- Free chat with a lawyer
- They investigate your fall
- They deal with the other side’s insurance
- They try to reach a fair deal
- If no deal, they may go to court
Most cases settle. A good lawyer keeps you in the loop and fights for what’s fair.
You Deserve to Heal and Move Forward
A fall can change your life. Don’t go through it alone. If you were hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, you may have a right to money. Take action now. Talk to a skilled Kansas City personal injury lawyer and learn your next steps.
FAQs
1. Can I sue if I slipped in a store but didn’t report it right away?
Yes, but it’s harder. Reporting right away helps your case. Still, photos and witness info can help prove what happened.
2. What if I was texting when I fell?
You may still have a case. If the floor was unsafe, the owner may share blame. A lawyer can explain your chances.
3. Can I sue if I slipped at a friend’s house?
Yes. Most claims go through their homeowner’s insurance. You’re not asking your friend to pay out of pocket.
4. How long does a slip and fall case take in Missouri?
It depends. Some cases settle in months. Others take longer, especially if they go to court. Your lawyer can give a better timeline.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a small injury?
Not always. But even small injuries can get worse. A free chat with a lawyer helps you decide if it’s worth it.
