Slips and falls happen more frequently than people know. When they do, they hurt you and cause you to spend a great deal of money. If you slipped and fell at Kansas City, you can be compensated. An experienced personal injury attorney in Kansas City can tell you what you have to do and sue on your behalf.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall if one loses balance and slips due to an unsafe or dangerous situation. It results due to slippery floor, uneven level of the floor, broken steps, or lack of light. Owners are liable for making the grounds secure for guests. If they did not take any precautions and there was an accident, then the owner is held responsible. Slip and fall are personal injury claims. They compensate you for medical bills, lost income, and inconvenience because of the accident. To succeed in such a claim, you need to prove that the property owner was negligent or had notice of the situation.
Why Are Slip and Fall Injuries Important?
The tumble can also result in terrible damage. Head trauma, sprain, fracture, or slash can reshape your life. These types of injuries can require going through physical therapy or nurses for months. The healing is expensive and the bills mount quite fast. Apart from medical bills, slips and falls can render you immobile or unable to work. You miss pay while you recover. They’re not all about money. They’re about recovering from an injury that never should have occurred.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A lawyer knows the law and how it can be applied to your defense. They will provide documentation of why and how your accident occurred. They can interview witnesses, obtain your medical records, and accompany them with photographs or video of the site of your accident. Your lawyer also negotiates with insurance companies for you. Insurance companies will usually try to give you less than your due. Your lawyer advocates for reasonable compensation. Your lawyer discusses things through and advises you on whether to settle or sue. When appearing in court, you’ll have a lawyer represent you. A lawyer crafts arguments and presents facts before a judge or jury. This helps your side of the story get well told.
What To Do Following a Slip and Fall
If you do fall, check yourself for injury first. If you’re confused or injured, go see a doctor. Even small damage must be examined. Occasionally, problems will not arise until later.
Then report what happened to the manager or owner. Get them to put it in writing regarding what happened. It is now in writing. Get a picture of where you fell and slipped. Get a picture of any condition such as spills, cracks, or lighting. Try also to get witnesses to the fall if at all possible. What they say will help your case. Document your medical treatment and cost. Document lost workdays or lost wages too. These can help your lawyer in the legal process to build your case.
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When Do You Need to Hire a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer?
It would appear that it would be a great idea for you to have an attorney hire you right after the accident. There are Kansas City laws which put time constraints on when you can sue. If you wait, you’ll lose your right to sue. Your attorney also prevents you from blowing it. Your attorney prevents you from talking to insurance companies. Your attorney knows how to answer and what not to answer. If you don’t know your case, a lawyer will advise you at no charge what you can do. Lawyers most often work on a “no win, no fee” basis. You pay only if you receive an award.
Kansas City Slip and Fall Injuries: Why They Happen
Slippery or wet floors from spills or mopping
- Rough and broken sidewalks and walks
- Dark parking lots or in the hallways
- Faulty handrails or stairs
- Worn-out or loose mats or rugs
- Snow or ice on sidewalks during winter
- Trash or obstructions along the sidewalk
All these can be remedied by the owners. Else, they can be sued for damages.
What are you entitled to in terms of damages?
If you succeed with your case, you are entitled to recover for:
- Medicines and hospital charges
- Physical therapy and future care
- Loss of wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Damage to property such as broken glasses or clothing
It is different in every case. It depends on how bad your injury is and how it affects your life.
How Kansas Law Affects Slip and Fall Suits
Kansas is one of the states that has comparative negligence law. What that means is that if you were not entirely responsible for your falling, then your damages will be reduced. For example, if it is determined by the court that you were 20% responsible for what occurred, then your recovery will be reduced by 20%.
Kansas does have a statute of limitations. You generally have two years from the date that the accident occurred in order to bring suit. If you allow this period to go by, you will no longer have the right to sue.
Why You Should Not Handle Your Slip and Fall Case Yourself
Most individuals feel that they can settle slip and fall claims on their own. Law is complex and insurance companies are tough negotiators. With an attorney, you can’t receive appropriate money you are entitled to or miss deadlines. A skilled and affordable Kansas City Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer protects your rights and achieves the best result. Lawyers know the law courts of the region and how to win a case in Kansas City.
FAQs On Kansas City Slip and Fall Cases
1. What do I do first if I slip and fall?
Take stock of your injuries and get to a doctor. Inform the owner of the property. Document what happened with photos and get witness statements. Keep all the evidence and seek advice from an attorney immediately.
2. Can I sue if I slipped on a slippery floor where there were no signs?
Yes. homeowners are required to warn visitors of slippery floors or dangerous conditions. If they did not post warning signs and did not have it cleaned in a reasonable amount of time, you might have a case.
3. How much time do I have to sue for a slip and fall in Kansas City?
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to sue. Otherwise, judges will probably throw your case out.
4. Do I get less money if I was partially responsible?
Kansas is a comparative negligence state. Your damages can be cut proportionate to your degree of fault but you will still collect money if you are less than 50% at fault.
5. How much does a slip and fall attorney cost?
They all work on contingency. You don’t pay a penny out-of-pocket. The lawyer only receives a percentage of your award if you do win your case.
