Have you been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Richmond Heights, MO? If so, you may have legal options. If your injuries were caused because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, a Richmond Heights slip and fall accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your damages. This may include getting money for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma associated with the accident.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers have recovered more than $70 million for our clients since opening our doors in 2002. We know the ins and outs of slip and fall cases and understand a property owner’s obligation to maintain safe premises. Our team of highly experienced lawyers can help you get the compensation you need to move forward after an accident.
There’s no harm in taking time to explore and understand your legal options. Call our office at (314) 207-4399 to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.
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How Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover Money Damages After a Slip and Fall in Richmond Heights
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file a lawsuit and recover compensation after a slip and fall. In over 30 years of experience, we have earned numerous accolades, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and being named Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.
In slip and fall accident cases, our experienced Richmond Heights personal injury lawyers help clients:
- Organize their legal case and keep track of deadlines
- Access high-quality advice
- File insurance claims, if necessary
- Negotiate with insurance and the defendant
- Calculate their damages
- File a personal injury lawsuit and go to trial
Of course, each case requires a unique strategy. Call us today in Richmond Heights, Missouri, to learn more about how we can help you build a legal case and recover the money that you deserve.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Case?
A slip and fall accident is a type of premises liability case. In a slip and fall, usually, a person slips and falls backward. Sometimes, a person may trip and fall forwards. Technically this is a trip and fall, but it is treated the same under the law. Both scenarios can cause serious injuries.
Premises Liability
Premises liability cases are a subset of personal injury law. Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for accidents that happen on their property. However, they are only held accountable if the accident occurred because of their negligence.
In a premises liability case, normally a property owner’s negligence is the failure to maintain a safe property or to fix known hazards. As a result, a lawful visitor gets hurt because of a dangerous condition on the property.
It is important to note that only lawful visitors and guests can pursue a slip and fall case in most instances. That’s because property owners don’t owe a duty to people unlawfully present on their property, such as trespassers. However, there are exceptions, especially in cases involving the attractive nuisance doctrine.
Causes of Slip and Fall Cases in Richmond Heights, Missouri
In our experience, there are many common causes of slip and fall cases in Richmond Heights. Some of the most prevalent include:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Unsecured steps
- Missing handrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Unsecured rugs
- Ice-covered walkways or sidewalks
- Potholes
- Tripping hazards
Property owners must ensure their property is safe and that these hazards are not present. If they are present, the property owner must usually fix it or identify the hazard to people visiting their property.
Where Do Slips and Falls Happen in Richmond Heights?
Slip and falls can happen anywhere in Richmond Heights. There is no limitation on what type of property can give rise to a slip and fall case. Frequently, slip and falls happen at:
- Grocery stores
- Nursing homes
- Playgrounds
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Someone’s home
- Doctor’s offices and hospitals
- Daycares
- Schools
- Parking garages
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels
- Movie theaters
Slip and falls can also happen on public property owned by the city. Whether the property in question is private or public, you may have a case for compensation. Call our trusted Richmond heights slip and fall accident attorneys today for a free case review.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accident Cases
The name ‘slip and fall’ makes this type of accident case sound relatively minor. The reality is that slip and fall cases can result in serious injuries. These injuries are no laughing matter and many clients will never fully recover.
We help clients who have experienced:
- Brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains
- Amputation
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Hand and wrist injuries
Many clients will have a combination of injuries or even catastrophic injuries. We can help you recover compensation no matter the severity or type of injury.
What Is the Value of My Richmond Heights Slip and Fall Accident Case?
During our initial consultation, many future clients ask us about the value of their Richmond Heights slip and fall case. This is a valid question. After all, if you’re struggling financially, you need to understand if bringing a legal case is worth it.
The value of your case is highly dependent on the type of injuries and recovery that you have experienced. However, two people with the same injury may recover drastically different amounts. That’s because the value of your case is specific to the impact on your life.
People who experience injuries that impact them in the following ways are more likely to recover more damages:
- Are permanent or disability
- Require ongoing medical treatment (like multiple surgeries or physical therapy)
- Impact their ability to work and earn income
- Cause emotional trauma
- Affect their overall quality and enjoyment of life
The best way for a lawyer to value your case is to listen to your story. It’s not just about your injury or medical bills. The value is about the overall impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Damages Available After a Richmond Heights Slip and Fall Accident
Accident victims in Richmond Heights, Missouri, are entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages for their injuries. Examples include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
We may also recover punitive damages in certain cases. Punitive damages punish a defendant for intentional harm or a flagrant disregard for others’ safety. You should speak to your lawyer to see if punitive damages may apply in your case.
How Long Do I Have To File a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit in MO?
Missouri has a favorable statute of limitations for slip and fall cases. It is much longer than many other states. In Missouri, you have 5 years to file a lawsuit based on a slip and fall accident. This is a significant amount of time. However, you may file insurance claims and negotiate outside of court before deciding to file a lawsuit.
Even though this is a long deadline, it is still important to keep it in the forefront of your mind. If you miss the deadline, your case will be dismissed. That means you lose your opportunity to ask for legal recourse in court. A lawyer will help you keep track of this deadline, and others, throughout your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Richmond Heights Slip And Fall Lawyer?
Many clients wrongfully assume that a Richmond Heights slip and fall accident lawyer is prohibitively expensive. In reality, most slip and fall lawyers charge a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a particular type of payment that makes an attorney affordable for anyone.
If your lawyer charges a contingency fee, it means that they will take a percentage of the final settlement or award instead of an hourly fee. You will agree on the percentage before hiring the lawyer.
This setup is excellent for clients who are struggling financially. That’s because you never have to worry about having enough money to pay your lawyer. The payment is contingent upon what you win. It also means that if your lawyer loses the case and you don’t get any money, you won’t need to pay the lawyer anything.
Lawyers who work for a contingency fee tend to work very hard for their clients. Not only are they passionate about their cases, their salary is directly tied to their client’s success. You don’t have to worry about a lawyer slacking off or claiming to do work that they didn’t do.
If you have any questions about the contingency fee arrangement, make sure to ask your lawyer in your initial consultation.
Call a Richmond Heights Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer To Set Up a Free Consultation
Don’t let the stigma of a slip and fall keep you from asking for help. These types of cases are not only legitimate but deserving of compensation, just like any other type of personal injury case.
If you’re ready to ask for legal advice, contact a Richmond Heights slip and fall accident lawyer at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation at (314) 207-4399. We are available to learn more about your case and explain your legal options. Our team will take your case seriously and give it the attention and time that it deserves.
