I Slipped And Fell In A Store In Missouri — Can I Sue?

Sansone & Lauber | | Premise Liability Articles
I Slipped And Fell In A Store In Missouri

If you slipped and fell in a store in Missouri, yes — you can sue the store owner if their negligence caused your injuries.

Under Missouri premises liability law, property owners and businesses must keep their property reasonably safe for customers.

When they fail to do so — for example, by ignoring a spill, leaving debris on the floor, or failing to warn customers about a hazard — they can be held financially responsible for the injuries that result.

At Sansone & Lauber, our Missouri slip and fall lawyers have successfully recovered millions for victims injured in stores, supermarkets, malls, and other public spaces.

We know how to prove negligence, build strong evidence, and take on big-box retailers and their insurance companies.

📞 Call us now at (314) 863-0500 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.

🏛️ Missouri Law on Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability, which means a property owner or occupier can be held liable for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions.

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.348, property owners owe different duties of care depending on whether the injured person is:

  • An invitee – someone invited for business purposes (like a customer in a store).

  • A licensee – a social guest or someone allowed to be there.

  • A trespasser – someone with no permission to enter.

Because customers are considered invitees, stores have a high legal duty of care. They must:

  1. Regularly inspect the premises for dangerous conditions.

  2. Fix any hazards in a reasonable time.

  3. Warn customers of risks that aren’t immediately obvious.

If they fail to do any of these, and someone slips and falls, they can be held liable for damages.

⚠️ Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Missouri Stores

Slip and fall accidents happen every day across Missouri — in Walmart, Target, Schnucks, Home Depot, Menards, Costco, and countless local businesses. The most common causes include:

  • Wet or slippery floors (spills, mopped floors, leaks)

  • Uneven or cracked flooring

  • Torn or loose carpeting or mats

  • Poor lighting in aisles or stairways

  • Ice or snow near entrances not cleared properly

  • Cluttered aisles or debris on the floor

  • Missing or broken handrails

  • Unmarked hazards during cleaning or maintenance

Even a small puddle can cause catastrophic injuries — especially for older adults or those with mobility issues.

💥 Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

A “simple fall” can lead to serious, sometimes life-changing injuries. We’ve represented clients who suffered:

  • Broken bones (hips, wrists, ankles)

  • Head and brain injuries (concussions, TBIs)

  • Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs

  • Torn ligaments or soft-tissue injuries

  • Chronic back and neck pain

  • Facial or dental trauma

  • Severe bruising and internal injuries

These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery — sometimes even permanent disability. That’s why it’s critical to contact a Missouri slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.

🧾 What You Need to Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Case in Missouri

To win your case, your lawyer must show four elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of care – The store owed you a duty to keep the premises safe.

  2. Breach of duty – The store failed to repair, clean, or warn about the hazard.

  3. Causation – That failure directly caused your fall and injuries.

  4. Damages – You suffered measurable harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain, etc.).

Proving these elements takes skill and evidence. At Sansone & Lauber, we move fast to secure:

  • Surveillance footage before it’s erased

  • Incident reports

  • Witness statements

  • Store maintenance and inspection logs

  • Photos and measurements of the hazard

  • Medical records documenting your injuries

Big corporations and insurance companies have legal teams ready to deny responsibility. You need an aggressive St. Louis slip and fall lawyer who knows how to fight back.

🕒 How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Slip and Fall in Missouri?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the accident (RSMo § 516.120).

That might sound like plenty of time, but you should never wait. Stores often fix hazards or erase security footage quickly, and witness memories fade fast.

Contact an attorney immediately after your fall so they can preserve evidence and protect your right to sue.

💰 What Damages Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

If the store’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital bills, surgery, rehab)

  • Future medical costs if ongoing treatment is required

  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Emotional distress

If the store’s conduct was reckless or intentional — for example, if they ignored multiple prior complaints — you may also pursue punitive damages to punish wrongdoing.

📸 What To Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in a Store

Your actions after the fall can make or break your claim. Here’s what to do:

  1. Seek medical attention right away. Even if pain seems minor, injuries can worsen later.

  2. Report the incident to store management. Ask for a written incident report and keep a copy.

  3. Take photos and videos of the scene, the hazard, your shoes, and any visible injuries.

  4. Get contact information for any witnesses.

  5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer.

  6. Save your clothes and shoes from that day as evidence.

  7. Call Sansone & Lauber as soon as possible at (314) 863-0500.

We’ll launch a rapid investigation to preserve video footage and evidence before it disappears.

🧠 Real-World Example: Slip and Fall Case in a Missouri Supermarket

Our firm represented a woman who slipped on spilled detergent at a major supermarket chain in St. Louis County. The store had no “Wet Floor” signs, and the manager admitted the spill had been there for over 20 minutes.

We proved the store’s negligence using:

  • Surveillance footage from the prior 30 minutes,

  • Employee shift logs, and

  • Witness statements from shoppers.

Result: $425,000 settlement covering her medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Every case is different, but this shows how powerful the evidence can be when your attorney moves quickly.

🧩 Comparative Fault in Missouri Slip and Fall Cases

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. That means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages — but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example:
If your damages total $100,000 and you’re found 20 % at fault for not noticing a warning sign, you could still recover $80,000.

That’s why it’s critical not to admit fault or say things like “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” Insurance companies love to twist words. Let your lawyer handle all communications.

🛒 Types of Businesses Commonly Sued for Slip and Fall Injuries

We’ve represented clients injured at:

  • Grocery stores (Schnucks, Dierbergs, Aldi, Walmart)

  • Department stores (Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s)

  • Home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards)

  • Restaurants and fast-food chains

  • Shopping malls and retail outlets

  • Gas stations and convenience stores

  • Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens)

  • Hotels and motels

  • Hospitals and nursing homes

No matter where your fall happened, if the business failed to keep their property safe, you have the right to demand justice.

🧱 How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Builds Your Case

At Sansone & Lauber, we handle everything from start to finish:

  1. Investigation: We gather photos, witness statements, and official reports.

  2. Evidence preservation: We send legal notices to prevent the store from deleting video.

  3. Medical documentation: We work with your doctors to prove the extent of your injuries.

  4. Economic analysis: We calculate lost wages and future medical costs.

  5. Negotiation: We handle all communication with the store’s insurance company.

  6. Litigation: If the store won’t offer a fair settlement, we take your case to trial.

Our aggressive approach consistently leads to strong settlements and verdicts across Missouri.

🧮 How Much Is a Slip and Fall Case Worth in Missouri?

The value of your claim depends on several factors:

  • Severity and permanence of your injuries

  • Total medical costs and future treatment needs

  • Time missed from work

  • Whether liability is clear or disputed

  • Impact on your quality of life

Slip and fall settlements in Missouri can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, especially when serious injuries, surgeries, or long-term disabilities are involved.

At Sansone & Lauber, we treat every case like it’s going to trial. That’s how we maximize results.

🚫 Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Slip and Fall Claim

Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Waiting too long to seek medical attention

  • Failing to report the incident immediately

  • Throwing away shoes or clothing

  • Posting about your accident on social media

  • Accepting a quick settlement before knowing your prognosis

  • Not hiring an attorney soon enough

Insurance companies act fast — you need someone faster.

👩‍⚖️ Why Choose Sansone & Lauber

  • Proven track record: Millions recovered for Missouri injury victims.

  • Local experience: We know St. Louis juries, judges, and insurance tactics.

  • Aggressive representation: We don’t back down from big corporate defendants.

  • Personal attention: You work directly with your attorney, not a case manager.

No fee unless we win: 100 % contingency-based representation.

We’ve earned a reputation as Missouri’s trusted trial lawyers for serious injury cases — and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

📞 Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Missouri Today

If you were hurt after slipping or tripping in a Missouri store — whether it’s a grocery aisle, parking lot, or department store — don’t wait.

Contact Sansone & Lauber today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and tell you exactly what your next steps should be.

You deserve accountability, compensation and justice.

📍 Serving clients throughout Missouri — including St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Jefferson City, and beyond. Call (314) 863-0500 for immediate help!