Injured In A Slip And Fall In Missouri? Do I Need A Lawyer?

Sansone & Lauber | | Premise Liability Articles

Slip and fall accidents happen in an instant—but the consequences can last a lifetime.

A single misstep on a wet grocery store floor, a cracked sidewalk, or an icy apartment staircase can leave you facing broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or worse.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Missouri, you may be wondering:

👉 Do I really need a slip and fall lawyer, or can I handle this on my own?

At Sansone & Lauber, we’ve spent decades fighting for injury victims across Missouri, holding negligent property owners accountable, and securing life-changing results.

Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know—your rights, Missouri’s slip and fall laws, how insurance companies work against you, and why hiring an experienced slip and fall attorney is often the difference between walking away with pennies or recovering the full compensation you deserve.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Missouri

Slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners, managers, and businesses responsible for maintaining safe conditions for guests, tenants, and customers.

Some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in Missouri include:

  • Wet or slippery floors in stores or restaurants

  • Uneven sidewalks and broken pavement

  • Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways

  • Snow and ice left uncleared on walkways

  • Loose carpeting, mats, or floorboards

  • Spills and debris not cleaned up in a timely manner

  • Broken handrails or unsafe staircases

These hazards might seem minor, but for an unsuspecting person, they can cause serious, life-altering injuries.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of ER visits across the U.S. In Missouri, these injuries can range from minor bruises to catastrophic trauma, such as:

  • Fractured bones (hips, wrists, ankles)

  • Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions

  • Knee and shoulder injuries (meniscus tears, rotator cuff damage)

  • Chronic pain conditions caused by nerve damage

Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term treatment can put an enormous strain on victims and their families. That’s why Missouri law gives you the right to pursue compensation when your fall was caused by someone else’s negligence.

Missouri Slip and Fall Laws: What You Need to Know

Before you decide whether to hire a slip and fall lawyer, it’s critical to understand how Missouri law applies to slip and fall cases:

1. Premises Liability Standards

Property owners in Missouri must take “reasonable care” to keep their premises safe. If they fail to fix dangerous conditions—or fail to warn visitors about them—they can be held liable.

2. Comparative Fault Rule

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible for not paying attention, your damages will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies love to exploit this to minimize payouts.

3. Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, you generally have 5 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long weakens your case—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and property owners make repairs that erase proof of negligence.

Why Slip and Fall Cases Are Tough to Handle Alone

Technically, you’re not required to hire a lawyer after a slip and fall accident. But here’s the reality:

  • Insurance companies will fight hard to deny your claim or pay as little as possible.

  • Property owners will argue they “didn’t know” about the hazard or that you should have “watched where you were going.”

  • Without legal experience, it’s easy to miss deadlines, undervalue your damages, or accept a lowball settlement offer.

At Sansone & Lauber, we’ve seen victims try to go it alone—only to walk away with a fraction of what their case was worth.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Helps You Win

When you hire Sansone & Lauber, here’s what we do to build a powerful case for you:

  1. Investigate the Scene – We gather evidence immediately: surveillance footage, accident reports, witness statements, and property maintenance records.

  2. Prove Negligence – We establish that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to act.

  3. Fight Comparative Fault Claims – We protect you from being unfairly blamed for your fall.

  4. Maximize Compensation – We calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.

  5. Negotiate Relentlessly – We go toe-to-toe with big insurance companies to demand top dollar.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Slip and fall victims in Missouri may be entitled to recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, physical therapy)

  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

We’ve won millions for injury victims across Missouri—including major verdicts and settlements for people just like you.

Real Missouri Slip and Fall Example (Case Study)

One of our clients suffered a severe hip fracture after slipping on an unmarked wet floor in a Missouri supermarket. The store’s management denied responsibility, claiming “the spill had just happened.”

Our team uncovered video footage showing employees walked past the spill for over 20 minutes without cleaning it. The result? A six-figure settlement that covered medical bills, lost wages, and lifelong pain management.

Do You Need a Lawyer for “Minor” Injuries?

A common misconception is that slip and fall cases are only worth pursuing if you suffered catastrophic injuries. The truth? Even “minor” injuries can have major long-term consequences.

For example:

  • A wrist sprain might lead to months of physical therapy.

  • A concussion could cause lingering headaches and memory issues.

  • A knee injury might make it impossible to return to certain jobs.

Insurance companies will dismiss these injuries as “minor”—until a lawyer shows them the real costs.

Slip and Fall Claims Against Different Defendants

We regularly handle claims against:

  • Grocery stores & big-box retailers (Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.)

  • Restaurants and bars with slippery floors

  • Apartment complexes with unsafe stairs or ice-covered walkways

  • Hotels and motels with poorly maintained hallways

  • Municipalities responsible for public sidewalks and parks

Each case requires unique legal strategies, especially when dealing with government entities (where stricter notice deadlines may apply).

FAQs About Slip and Fall Cases in Missouri

1. How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Missouri?

Generally, you have five years from the date of the accident, but don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly.

2. Can I sue the city if I slipped on a public sidewalk?

Yes, but lawsuits against government entities are more complex and may involve shorter deadlines.

3. What if the property owner says I was at fault?

Missouri’s comparative fault rule means you can still recover compensation—even if you’re partly at fault. A lawyer ensures your percentage of blame is minimized.

4. How much is my slip and fall case worth?

It depends on your medical bills, lost income, the severity of your injuries, and whether your life has been permanently affected. A slip and fall attorney will fight to maximize your recovery.

Why Choose Sansone & Lauber?

Not all personal injury firms are the same. At Sansone & Lauber, we pride ourselves on being:

  • Aggressive Advocates – We don’t back down from insurance companies.

  • Results-Driven – Our record includes multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

  • Client-Focused – You’re not just another case number—you’re a person who deserves justice.

We’ve been fighting for Missouri injury victims for over 20 years—and our results speak louder than words.

Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Missouri, the question isn’t whether you can handle it yourself—it’s whether you can afford not to have a lawyer fighting for you.

Insurance companies exist to protect profits, not people. Property owners will point fingers at you. And without aggressive legal representation, you risk walking away with far less than you deserve.

At Sansone & Lauber, we fight to get our clients every dollar of justice they’re owed. From investigating your fall to negotiating top-dollar settlements and winning jury verdicts, we don’t stop until you get results.

Call Sansone & Lauber Today

📞 Free Consultation. No Fees Unless We Win.

Call the St. Louis slip and fall lawyers at Sansone & Lauber today at 314-863-0500. 

Let us fight for your recovery while you focus on healing.