A sudden fall can change your life in an instant. Whether you slipped on ice on a sidewalk while shopping around the Plaza or in the parking lot at Arrowhead Stadium, you may be entitled to compensation.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we understand how overwhelming dealing with these injuries can be for you and your family. We are here to lift that burden off your shoulders. As a dedicated Overland Park slip and fall accident lawyer, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate, personalized legal representation.
Unlike large firms, where you might get confused with other clients, here, you work directly with your attorney. You will have an open line of communication with your attorney, so you are never left wondering where your case is.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. While we are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave, we serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
Key Takeaways from Kansas and Missouri Slip and Fall Claims
- Slip and fall claims are governed by premises liability law, which requires property owners to keep their property reasonably safe or warn of known hazards.
- Kansas generally allows 2 years to file a slip and fall lawsuit, while Missouri generally allows 5 years (shorter deadlines apply for wrongful death).
- Comparative fault applies in both states, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, though your recovery can be reduced.
- Property owners may be legally liable if they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
- Slip and fall compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability damages, and wrongful death damages, depending on the severity of the injury.
How a Slip & Fall Attorney Can Help You
When you are in pain, dealing with insurance adjusters and complex legal paperwork is the last thing you should have to do. Our skilled Overland Park slip and fall attorney acts as your advocate.
Here’s how we can help:
- Gathering Evidence: We collect crucial evidence like security footage and medical records to support your claim.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: We deal with insurers who often try to minimize your payout, ensuring you get what you deserve.
- Building a Strong Case: We will build a strong case showing that a property owner’s negligence caused your injury, strengthening your position.
- Settlement and Litigation: We aim to secure you a settlement that meets your needs, but we’re ready to take your case to court if required.
What Makes the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. Different?
When you need help, you deserve a Kansas City slip & fall attorney you can trust. There are many options, but you deserve someone who will give you the attention you deserve and need.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Personalized Attention: You will get direct access to your attorney. Other firms will pass you around and complicate your claim. We won’t do that.
- Over 25 Years of Expertise: Our founder, Peter A. Jouras, Jr., has more than 25 years of experience in personal injury law, with a strong focus on Kansas and Missouri slip and fall injury claims, giving your case a strategic edge.
- Representation in Kansas and Missouri: Our attorney is licensed in both states, and we have the experience to handle cases throughout the KC Metro area, wherever your incident occurred.
- Risk-Free Representation: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Falls don’t just happen. They are often the result of unsafe conditions that were ignored by negligent property owners. We frequently help clients who have been injured due to:
- Wet, Oily, or Slippery Surfaces: Spills, leaks, cleaning residue, ice, snow, dust, or highly polished floors that reduce traction.
- Cluttered Walkways: Boxes, tools, office supplies, or other items left in walking paths.
- Loose or Improper Floor Coverings: Rugs, mats, or carpets that are unsecured, wrinkled, or placed incorrectly.
- Uneven or Damaged Surfaces: Cracked pavement, broken flooring, raised thresholds, or sudden changes in elevation.
- Trailing Cords and Cables: Electrical cords or wires stretched across walkways.
- Open Drawers or Doors: File cabinets, desks, or storage units left open in traffic areas.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting that makes hazards difficult to see.
- Weather-Related Hazards: Ice, snow, or moisture tracked indoors.
- Lack of Handrails or Guarding: Stairs or steps without proper safety features.
Common Places Slip and Falls Occur
Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. Negligence can happen anywhere, but we most often see these accidents occur at:
- Retail and Grocery Stores
- Restaurants and Bars
- Workplaces
- Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Hotels and Resorts
- Schools and Universities
- Sidewalks and Walkways
- Parking Lots and Garages
- Stairways and Escalators
- Parks and Recreation Areas
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Slip and Fall Accident?
Determining liability is key to your recovery. Generally, the person or company in control of the property has a legal duty to maintain a safe environment. This can include:
- A business owner
- A landlord
- A property management company
If a property owner knew, or should have known, about a hazard and failed to fix it or warn you, they may be liable for your injuries. As your slip and fall accident attorney who serves Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri, we investigate thoroughly to identify every party responsible for your suffering.
Common Injuries from Slip and Falls
While some slip and fall accidents may result in minor injuries, others can be quite serious. Some of the most common injuries from slip and falls include:
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Paralysis
If you have suffered any of these injuries due to someone else, you need a slip & fall attorney who serves the entire Kansas City metro. Contact The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. to schedule your free consultation.
We are located in Overland Park, but help clients all over the Kansas City metro area.
What to Do After a Slip & Fall Accident
If you have been injured, your health is the top priority. However, the steps you take immediately following an accident can impact your ability to recover compensation later.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record from a doctor also serves as vital evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident.
- Report the Accident: Inform the property owner, manager, or an employee on duty about what happened right away. Ask them to create an official incident report and request a copy for your records. This formal report helps establish that the accident occurred on their property and documents the immediate circumstances.
- Document Everything: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the scene. Capture the specific hazard that caused your fall, such as a wet floor, icy patch, broken step, or poor lighting. Take photos of your injuries as well. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements could be crucial later.
- Schedule a Free Consultation: Before you speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any documents, call our slip and fall law firm in Overland Park. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts or get you to settle for less than you deserve. We can handle all communications with them, protect your rights, and ensure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Compensation Available for Kansas and Missouri Slip & Fall Accident Victims
A serious fall can result in injuries that may need extensive medical care. We fight to recover a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your medical care, from the initial emergency room visit and ambulance fees to ongoing physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future surgeries or treatments you may require.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can be compensated for the income you’ve lost. This also includes any potential loss of future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the emotional impact of the accident, including the physical pain, trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life that you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Disability: If your fall results in a long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the ways this impairment affects your daily life, your ability to earn a living, and your need for ongoing care or assistive devices.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a loved one loses their life due to a slip and fall accident, the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of compensation may cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering resulting from the untimely passing of a loved one.
Kansas and Missouri Slip & Fall FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Injury Claim in Kansas and Missouri?
- Kansas: According to K.S.A. 60-513, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury claim. If the accident caused a fatality, the wrongful death statute K.S.A. 60-1901 also generally sets a two-year limit.
- Missouri: According to RSMo Section 516.120, you have five years to file a personal injury claim. However, for wrongful death claims, RSMo Section 537.080 you only have three years to file a claim.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for The Accident?
- Kansas: Under K.S.A. 60-258a, Kansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Missouri: According to RSMo Section 537.765, Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” system. You can generally recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your specific percentage of fault.
Do Businesses Have a Duty to Fix Hazards Quickly?
Yes. Property owners must repair hazards within a reasonable amount of time after they know (or should have known) about them. If they can’t immediately address the hazard, they must properly warn visitors of the dangers. If they fail to do so, they have breached their duty of care.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Overland Park Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved were injured because you were hurt on someone else’s property, you should not have to worry about your medical bills. Our Overland Park slip and fall attorney from The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. will help you get through this difficult time.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
