Premises Liability Attorneys Warrenton, MO
Warrenton, MO Personal Injury Law Firm
Call 866-382-4167 for a No-risk, No-obligation Case Evaluation | Warrenton, MO Slip and Fall Law Firm
Premises liability attorneys in Warrenton, MO. Anyone who owns or operates a property in Warrenton, MO has an obligation to ensure their property is reasonably safe for patrons. Unfortunately, a lot of times they neglect that duty, and innocent people are injured through the property owner's negligence. If you or a loved one was injured on someone else's property, you need experienced Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys to get you the full financial recovery you're entitled to. At Halvorsen Klote, our attorneys are committed to leveling the playing field between large corporations and insurance companies and injury victims every day. We fight for the injured in both Missouri and Illinois, and fight hard to see our clients get the justice and recognition they deserve. Speak to our premises liability attorneys today 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a free case evaluation.
What Are the Premises Liability Laws in Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri Revised Statute §537.348 and the Illinois Premises Liability Act stipulate the premises liability laws in their respective state.
Both states treat premises liability almost equally: A property owner has a duty to inform people of or repair a "dangerous condition" they either knew of or should have been aware of through reasonable maintenance. If they neglect that duty, they are responsible for any injuries suffered as a result of the dangerous condition.
The states do differ in one key aspect, related to the duty of care owed to different kinds of visitors.
Types of Visitors in Warrenton, MO Premises Liability Cases
The law differentiates between three types of visitors in premises liability claims:
- Invitees — A business invitee is someone whose presence on the property benefits the property owner or manager. This can include people dining at a restaurant or hotel guests. Invitees can also be considered people on property the public is allowed to be on, for example a park or a library. Property owners are liable for an invitee's injuries caused by dangers they knew about or should have known about.
- Licensees — A licensee is someone who has the permission of the property owner to be on the premises, but for personal, non-business reasons. These can be social guests, but the law might apply to someone who came into a store just to use the restroom. In Illinois, licensees have the same legal protections as invitees. In Missouri, property owners can only be held accountable for hazards they had express knowledge of; the "should have known" standard doesn't apply when a licensee is injured.
- Trespassers — Trespassers are on the site illegally. Because of that, they do not have the same protections as the first two categories, meaning they can't make a claim to get compensated for their injuries. There are two exceptions:
- Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act and Missouri Revised Statute §537.349, a landowner can still be liable for a trespasser's injuries if the landowner acted with "willful and wanton misconduct." Meaning, if the owner intentionally created or allowed a danger to exist because they wanted trespassers to get hurt, the trespasser may be able to sue the owner.
- Under the attractive nuisance theory, a child who is trespassing may be considered an invitee. An "attractive nuisance" is something present on the property that could be alluring to a child. Examples could be swimming pools, ladders or old appliances. If a child is injured by or because of an attractive nuisance, the family of the child may still sue the property owner or manager for the child's injuries.
Proving Your Premises Liability Claim in Warrenton, MO
In any personal injury case, you must prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care — Did the property owner or manager have an obligation to keep you from unreasonable hazards? The extent of the property owner's or manager's responsibility to keep you safe depends on what kind of visitor you are and what state you're in. Typically, anybody who is allowed to be on the property is owed a duty of care.
- Breach of duty — If they neglect their duty, that constitutes a breach of that duty. That could mean not mopping up a wet spot on the floor, or not roping off a area of the property that isn't safe.
- Causation — Did the hazardous condition directly cause your injuries? If you fell because you had improper footwear for conditions, it's likely not the property owner's fault. Similarly, if you didn't notice an obvious hazard because you were looking at your phone, the property owner may argue that you were injured because you were distracted, not because of the dangerous condition.
- Damages — To have a valid claim, you need to have suffered harm. Usually, you need to show financial loss, including lost wages and medical bills, to get compensation for how the injury affected you physically and mentally. If you sustained a minor cut, but had no expenses due to your injury, you may not have a valid claim.
Halvorsen Klote's Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys have proven numerous premises liability claims. If you want to discuss your case, or have questions about filing a personal injury lawsuit, don't hesitate to speak to one of our attorneys at no charge at 866-382-4167.
Most Common Premises Liability Claims in Warrenton, MO
Slip and Falls
Falling is accounts for 33% of all nonfatal preventable injuries. Slip and falls are responsible for over one million emergency room visits a year, and are the number one reason people need to lose days from work.
Slip and falls can be caused by:
- Slippery floors
- Broken staircases, handrails or floors
- Ice or snow
- Loose wiring
- Uneven flooring, rugs or carpeting
Negligent Security
Negligent Security often arises in apartment buildings, offices or hotels. The owners of these properties must guard against potential criminal activity that may reasonable occur. Examples of proper security could include a doorman or requiring a code to enter the building. Typically, negligent security claims are filed after someone has been the victim of a crime. While the criminal justice system may secure a conviction of the offender, you'll usually need to take civil legal action – with the assistance of premises liable attorneys – against a property owner to be compensated financially for your injuries and emotional anguish.
Swimming Pool and Amusement Park Accidents
Swimming pool accidents usually happen to children. Drowning is the leading cause of fatalities in children under the age of five. Public swimming pools need to have lifeguards, and barriers and lifejacket rules should also be in place to help protect children.
In 2016, more than 30,000 people sought emergency medical attention for injuries sustained at amusement parks. Injuries can be caused by mechanical issues, operator error, collisions, malfunctioning safety belts, electrician substandard designs. Anybody who operates a theme park must ensure that the rides meet safety requirements. If they didn't and you ended up injured, our Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys will hold them accountable.
Fire and Smoke Injuries
There are strict laws for smoke detectors and fire exits in public, private and business properties. Fires can cause terrible injuries and lifelong scarring, and even the inhalation of smoke can create substantial health risks. If a property owner did not adhere to local fire codes, your Warrenton, MO premises liability lawyers at Halvorsen Klote can hold them liable for any injuries you sustain. Liability can occur because of a variety of factors, from faulty wiring or gas leaks to leaving debris around heating units.
Construction Accidents
Construction companies have a responsibility to keep their construction zones safe. If you were hurt in a construction site accident in a slip and fall, car accident or by falling debris because the site was dangerous, you can hold the construction company responsible for premises liability.
Whatever the nature of your specific injuries, if you were injured because a property owner or manager did not keep their property safe, call Halvorsen Klote's Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys for the best possible financial recovery you're entitled to.
How Much Is My Warrenton, MO Premises Liability Claim Worth?
The damages you recover after a premises liability accident are meant to compensate you for the economic, physical and emotional hardships your injuries cause. With talented Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys, you'll be compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from time spent recovering
- Lost earning capacity if you can no longer make a living as you used to, or have to work less hours
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to and from medical appointments
- Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, scarring and loss of consortium
How much your premises liability injuries are worth will be based on the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your life and the skill and experience of your Warrenton, MO premises liability attorneys.
What Our Warrenton, MO Premises Liability Attorneys Can Do For You
When it comes to pursuing a premises liability case, the role of a lawyer is essential. Your Halvorsen Klote premises liability attorneys will:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your injuries and come up with a legal strategy to prove negligence
- Obtain evidence, including maintenance logs, inspections, previous complaints filed and/or surveillance footage
- Take depositions from witnesses, employees or others who may be familiar with the dangerous condition
- Answer the phone when you call and answer any question you may have
- Handle all the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing
- Negotiate the best possible settlement for you
- Take the fight in front of a judge and jury if the other side will not be fair in negotiations
Our compassionate and experienced attorneys will be by your side every step of the way, and will not stop until you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Other injury cases we take on in Warrenton, MO include:
- Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Auto Accident Attorney
- Bike Wreck Lawyer
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- Automobile Injury Attorney
- Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
- Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Injury Claim Lawyer
Speak to Halvorsen Klote's Warrenton, MO Premises Liability Attorneys Now
The idea of going up against a powerful corporation can be intimidating. But, if they or their policyholder injured you by their negligence, you deserve full compensation. We've devoted our lives to offering injury victims the same expert legal advocacy as the people who injured them. If you were injured because of a Warrenton, MO property owner's negligence, call our premises liability attorneys today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a complimentary case evaluation.
Joel Halvorsen
Attorney at Law
Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.
Greg Klote
Attorney at Law
Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.
Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.