Slip and Fall Tips

Slip and Fall Tips

It is that time of year again in Kansas City! With extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures, roads and sidewalks are slick and can pose a hazard. Today we will be looking at 2 different ways slip and fall accidents can happen and how we can prevent them. 

Every day, many people in the United States have slip and fall accidents. They are quite common. However, there are multiple types of slips and falls and each case should be handled differently depending on where it happened and the severity of the damages. 

2 Types of Slip and Fall Accidents  

Grocery Store Slip and Fall  

Slip and fall accidents in a grocery store happen daily. But you need to know those store owners are responsible for making sure guests and shoppers are safe inside the property and out. That means smooth sidewalks, leveled parking lots, and stairs with safety rails and walkways free and clear of debris to name a few things. 

For example, if you slip and fall in a grocery store where there is no noticeable sign of a wet floor, you have the right to sue the supermarket for any injuries and damages you might have sustained. This is known as premises liability.  

Sidewalk Slip and Fall 

Depending on the state’s laws, the city and the property owners can be independently or jointly liable for slip and fall accidents.  

Just because you slipped and fell on a sidewalk does not mean that the property owner or the city was negligent. Also, the fact that the sidewalk was in a condition that caused you to slip does not necessarily mean that the property owner or the city was negligent. 

To prove that negligence, you must prove that they knew or should have known that the sidewalk was unreasonably unsafe.

What to do if you slip and fall  

• Take pictures of the accident scene from different angles and what caused you to fall 
• Take photos of your injuries 
• Gather witnesses’ information if available 
• File a written incident report and request a copy from the manager  
• Seek medical attention immediately regardless of the severity or visibility of your injuries 
• Do not say or sign any documents until you consult an attorney  

Injuries Caused by Grocery Stores and Sidewalk Trip and Fall Accidents 

The most common injuries resulting from a sidewalk, or a supermarket slip and fall are: 

• Back injuries 
• Head or traumatic brain injuries 
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Wrist, elbow, ankles, hip, and knee injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Soft Tissue Injuries. 
• Shoulder and neck injuries 
• Cuts and abrasions 

Deadlines for slip and fall injury claim 

When an injury occurs due to a slip and fall accident, the victim has a deadline to notify and file a claim against the responsible party and potentially a lawsuit. If the victim fails to do so the case can be dismissed.  

Negligence of a property that results in a slip and fall injury in Missouri leaves 5 years from the date of the injury to file the claim, this is called a statute of limitations. The same accident in Kansas is 2 years. 

Certain cities require that you notify the mayor and the city clerk of the injury within 90 days such as Kansas City, Missouri, if it is city property, otherwise the statute of limitations may be shortened to 90 days. 

How to win your case 

To have a successful case as mentioned briefly above you want to make sure that you can prove liability and negligence. Accepting liability is proving that the defendant is responsible for your injuries. You should not have to pay for medical bills and other damages that were the result of someone else’s negligence. You are entitled to full compensation. 

 The Devkota Law Firm has slip and fall attorneys ready to serve you and help you with your case and recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our slip and fall attorneys are just one call away to review your case and advise you on what steps to take. Give us a call for a free consultation at 816-312-5253 and remember: stay safe!