How long do I have to hire a lawyer after a slip and fall injury in Kansas City?

Here’s Our Advice: Don't Miss Your Window to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Kansas City

After an accident, it’s only natural—and often necessary—to take your time resting and recovering from your injuries. However, when it comes to filing a slip and fall lawsuit in Kansas City, time is not on your side. Understanding the Missouri statute of limitations is critical, as missing the deadline could mean forfeiting your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

In our state, there’s a specific timeframe within which you must file a slip and fall lawsuit. This timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, varies depending on the location and the circumstances of the incident. While every case is different, most Kansas City slip and fall accident victims have five years from the date of the injury to file a claim against the negligent property owner or manager. The Kansas City premises liability lawyers at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet can help you stay ahead of deadlines.

Exceptions to Kansas City Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations

With personal injury claims involving minors or individuals deemed mentally incapacitated, Missouri's legal framework accommodates their unique circumstances. This acknowledges the potential complexities in such cases, ensuring fairness in seeking compensation when they’re able to navigate the legal process.

If someone under 21 is injured in a slip and fall accident, the deadline to file a claim begins once they turn 21, and they have five years to do so.

For a person deemed mentally incapacitated for any reason, the statute of limitations timeline of five years begins once they’re declared mentally competent.

However, Missouri’s statute of limitations isn’t as lenient when a personal injury claim involves negligent government agencies or employees. Claims must be filed with the Office of Administration’s Risk Management Division within 90 days of discovering the injury. This requirement aims to streamline the resolution process while ensuring individuals promptly seek legal recourse when necessary.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Your health and safety are the top priorities. Even if you don't believe your injuries are severe, it's essential to have prompt medical attention. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.

Notify the owner, manager, or landlord of the property where the accident occurred as soon as possible. Request that they document the incident in their records. Be sure to obtain a copy of the incident report for your records.

If you're able, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the area where the fall occurred, including any hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Keep detailed records of your injuries, including photographs, medical reports, and receipts for any medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident.

Avoid making any formal statements or signing any documents provided by the property owner's insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements against you to minimize—and even deny—your claim. Instead, seek legal advice from an experienced Kansas City slip and fall lawyer at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet. We’ll evaluate your case, detail your legal options, and help you navigate the complex claims process to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

How Much Is Your Premises Liability Claim Worth?

Understanding the value of your slip and fall case becomes crucial when you're injured on someone else's property. However, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for estimating its worth. Several factors come into play, including the extent of your injuries, potential long-term effects like disability or disfigurement, and ongoing medical needs. Additionally, how your injuries impact your ability to work and your daily life also influences the overall assessment.

In premises liability cases in Missouri, victims can seek different types of damages:

Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and anticipated future medical costs.
General damages compensate for intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.
The court may choose to award punitive damages in cases where the defendant's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for safety.

Don’t Wait: Contact Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet to Build Your Case Today

While five years may seem like a long time, it’s better to get the wheels of justice in motion as soon as possible. Swift action can significantly affect the outcome of your case, as initiating legal proceedings early allows your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your fall. This includes assessing the property, identifying hazardous conditions, and proving negligence and liability.

Our team mobilizes quickly to ensure key evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed right away, and important deadlines are met. While you take the necessary time to recuperate, we’re working diligently behind the scenes to ensure you don’t lose valuable opportunities to build a strong case and potentially compromise the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have You Been Injured In The Kansas City Area Due To The Negligence Of Others?

If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area slip and fall or another type of accident on someone else's property, the most important thing you can do is find an experienced Kansas City premises liability lawyer to represent you. You should speak to a skilled premises liability attorney like the team at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet.

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Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area