Premises Liability Attorneys Webster Groves, MO
Webster Groves, MO Personal Injury Lawyers
Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Case Evaluation | Webster Groves, MO Slip and Fall Attorneys
Premises liability attorneys in Webster Groves, MO. Property managers in Webster Groves, MO have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries on the premises. Unfortunately, a lot of times they fail in that responsibility, and innocent people who did nothing wrong get hurt. When that happens, you need knowledgeable Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys to fight for your rights. 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 so our clients can finally get a sense of justice and recognition. Speak to our premises liability attorneys today 866-382-4167 or fill out our online form for a no-risk, no-obligation case review.
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 each state.
Both states treat premises liability almost equally: A property owner has an obligation to warn against or fix a "dangerous condition" they either knew of or should have been aware of through reasonable prudence. If they fail in that responsibility, they can be held liable for any injuries suffered because of the poorly maintained property.
The states are different in one key aspect, related to the duty of care owed to different kinds of visitors.
Types of Visitors in Webster Groves, MO Premises Liability Cases
The law differentiates between three types of visitors in premises liability claims:
- Invitees — A business invitee is someone who is visiting the premises to benefit themselves and/or the proprietor. This can include people dining at a restaurant or residents in an apartment complex. A public invitee is someone on property that the public can access, such as recreational areas or a library. Those in control of the property can be held accountable 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 the owner doesn't get any express benefit from their presence. a party guest, but the law might apply to someone who stopped into a store just to use the restroom. In Illinois, licensees have the same rights as invitees. In Missouri, property owners are only liable for dangers they had express knowledge of; the "should have known" doctrine doesn't apply when a licensee is injured.
- Trespassers — Trespassers are on the site without permission of the property owner. Therefore, they do not have the same protections as people that are allowed to be there, meaning they can't sue the property owner to get compensated for their injuries. There are two exceptions:
- According to Illinois Premises Liability Act and Missouri Revised Statute §537.349, a property owner 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 be there because they wanted trespassers to get hurt, the trespasser may be able to sue the owner.
- Under the attractive nuisance principle, a child who is trespassing may be considered an invitee. An "attractive nuisance" is something that is likely to attract children. Examples could be swimming pools, trampolines or construction projects. If a child is injured by or because of an attractive nuisance, the child and their family can make a claim for compensation.
What Do I Need to File a Premises Liability Claim in Webster Groves, MO?
With all personal injury claims, you must prove the following four elements in order to win a claim for negligence:
- Duty of care — Did the landowner owe you a duty of care to prevent unreasonable risks of injury? The extent of the property owner's or manager's duty of care depends on what kind of visitor you are and your jurisdiction. Typically, anybody who is allowed to be on the property is owed a duty of care.
- Breach of duty — If they fail in their duty, that constitutes a breach of that duty. That could mean not fixing a broken staircase, or not roping off a area of the property that isn't safe.
- Causation — Did the hazardous condition cause or contribute to your injuries? If you fell because you were running, you may not have a valid claim against the property owner. Similarly, if you didn't see warning signs because you weren't looking where you were going, you might not be able to make a claim.
- Damages — In order to make a claim, you have to show that you suffered injuries, loss and other expenses. Usually, you need to show financial harm, such as lost wages and medical bills, to get compensation for emotional distress and pain and suffering. If you sustained a minor cut, but did not suffer any financial loss, you likely do not have enough to make a case.
Halvorsen Klote's Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys have gotten great results for our clients in a variety of cases. If you want to discuss your case, or have questions about filing a personal injury lawsuit, call one of our attorneys at no charge at 866-382-4167.
Types of Premises Liability Cases in Webster Groves, MO
Slip and Falls
Falling is accounts for a third of all nonfatal preventable injuries. Slip and falls are responsible for over one million emergency room visits a year, and are the primary cause of lost days from work.
Slip and falls can be caused by:
- Wet or oily floors
- Broken staircases, handrails or floors
- Ice or snow
- Loose cords
- Uneven flooring, rugs or carpeting
Negligent Security
These cases often arise in apartment complexes, office buildings 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 keycard to enter the building. Typically, lawsuits for inadequate or negligent security occur after someone has been the victim of a crime. While the police and criminal courts are responsible for convicting the offender, you'll usually need to file a civil lawsuit – with the help 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 are most common in children. Drowning is the primary cause of fatalities in children between one and four years old. Public swimming pools must have lifeguards, and have strict measures to protect children from injuring themselves.
In 2016, an estimated 30,900 people sought emergency medical attention for injuries sustained at amusement parks. Negligence can include mechanical issues, operator error, collisions, ride ejections, electrician poor 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 Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys will help you secure justice and maximum compensation.
Fire and Smoke Injuries
Local Webster Groves, MO laws are stringent when it comes to fire codes for all types of 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 Webster Groves, 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 blocked exits to leaving debris around heating units.
Construction Accidents
Construction zones need to be secured with obvious warning signage. If you were injured in a construction site accident in a slip and fall, car accident or by falling debris because the site was dangerous, you can make a claim against the construction company.
Whatever the nature of your specific injuries, if you were injured because a property owner or manager was negligent, call Halvorsen Klote's Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys for the full compensation you are owed.
How Much Is My Webster Groves, MO Premises Liability Claim Worth?
The value of your claim depends on the economic, physical and mental hardships your injuries cause. With experienced Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys, you cans secure compensation:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from time spent recovering
- Lost earning capacity if your accident results in permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to and from medical appointments
- Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, scarring and loss of consortium
How much money you get in your premises liability settlement depends largely on the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your life and the skill and experience of your Webster Groves, MO premises liability attorneys.
The Role of Your Webster Groves, MO Premises Liability Attorneys
Given the complex nature of litigation and premises liability laws, having a qualified lawyer on your side is essential. When you hire us, our premises liability attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident and come up with a legal strategy that gets you the most compensation possible
- Obtain evidence, including maintenance reports, inspections, previous complaints filed and/or surveillance footage
- Take depositions from witnesses, employees or others who may have knowledge of the hazard
- Answer the phone when you call and answer any question you may have
- Handle all documentation and litigation so you can focus on your physical recovery
- Negotiate the best possible settlement for you
- Represent you in court 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 Webster Groves, 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
Reach Out to Halvorsen Klote's Webster Groves, MO Premises Liability Attorneys Today
The thought of having to fight back against a powerful corporation can be daunting to many. But, if they or their policyholder injured you by their negligence, you are entitled to full compensation. We've committed our careers to helping the average person get the same expert legal representation as the people who injured them. If you were injured because of a Webster Groves, MO property owner's negligence, call our premises liability attorneys today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a free case review.
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.