A premises liability case (sometimes referred to as a “slip and fall”) alleges a defect or dangerous condition of property causes personal injury or death to a person. Missouri law requires owners and possessors of property to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe manner. This includes keeping areas free of foreign objects, slippery substances and hidden dangers. Some common types of premises liability cases are slip and falls, chemical exposure, construction accidents and failure to provide security.

The duty a landowner owes you depends upon what “status” you hold when you enter the property. Landowners owe little duty to trespassers, while they owe a greater duty of care to people who are “licensees” and the greatest duty to those who are considered “invitees.” Your status as a trespasser, licensee or invitee will be made by a personal injury lawyer and will likely determine if you have a valid premises liability claim against the property owner.

Property owners must also ensure their property complies with local building codes. Building codes exist for the safety and wellbeing of others. When properties do not meet code requirements, they are inherently unsafe. If a property owner negligently maintains their property and that negligence causes an injury, the property owner is liable. Sometimes, a landowner can be held strictly liable for injuries. This determination will be made by your Missouri personal injury attorney, based upon the particular facts of your case and the status of Missouri personal injury law existing at the time of the injury. This area of Missouri law is extremely complex. It is important that your Missouri injury lawyer have a complete understanding of Missouri premises liability law.

Sometimes, someone other than a landowner can be held liable for a person’s personal injuries. This is especially true with commercial property. Many times, commercial landlords will place the responsibility on the lessee to maintain and keep the property safe. In these cases, the premises liability lawsuit will be directed towards the possessor of the property. A careful review of the lease by a premises liability lawyer will determine what party is responsible for your injuries.

If you happen to be injured on city or government owned property, you must contact a St. Louis injury lawyer immediately. Missouri and other states have strict statutory requirements you must follow in order to pursue a premises liability claim. Many of these requirements must be completed within a number of days after the accident. Do not delay in contacting a Missouri injury lawyer in these kind of lawsuits. The sooner you contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney to investigate your premises liability claim, the better. These cases are time sensitive and if you do not move quickly to secure evidence, it can be destroyed or lost forever.

The Bradley Law Firm has over thirty years of experience handling personal injury and death cases from premises liability. Contact the Bradley Law Firm today and speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case for free.