An instant slip and fall accident can forever change your life. One second fine, the next, pain, receiving medical treatment and perhaps missing work altogether. Slips and falls happen more often than people realize, and not always for the negligence of the injured person. If you slipped and fell in Kansas City, you probably have a case. Property owners have a duty to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition. If the owner was negligent and you suffered an injury then you may be entitled to some compensation. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City right away. In this guide we will discuss what you need to do next, your rights, and how a lawyer can help you.
Contents
- 1 So what is a slip and fall?
- 2 Where Do These Accidents Happen?
- 3 Types of Injuries From a Fall
- 4 Steps to Take After You Fall
- 5 Can the Property Owner Be Held Liable?
- 6 What Can You Sue For?
- 7 How Long Do You Have to File?
- 8 Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
- 9 Do These Cases Go to Court?
- 10 Can You Handle the Case Without a Lawyer?
- 11 How to Pick the Right Lawyer
- 12 FAQ: Slip and Fall Injuries in Kansas City
- 13 1. What if I slipped outside a business on ice?
- 14 2. What if I slipped inside a store but didn’t see a warning sign?
- 15 Get Help Today
So what is a slip and fall?
Simply put, a slip and fall is exactly that. An accident with you slipping, tripping, or falling due to unsafe conditions. If you were on someone else’s property, you slipped, tripped, or fell because that person was negligent, then you may have a case.
Common causes include:
- Wet floors with no sign
- Torn or loose carpet
- Broken steps or railings
- Ice or snow not cleared in time
- Spills in stores or restaurants
- Uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting in hallways or parking lots
These dangers are often easy to fix. When they aren’t fixed, people get hurt. And that’s when the law steps in.
Where Do These Accidents Happen?
Slip and fall accidents happen anywhere. Here are some of the most common spots:
- Grocery and retail stores
- Fast food and dine-in restaurants
- Apartment buildings and condos
- Office buildings
- Schools and hospitals
- City sidewalks or public spaces
- Parking decks
It does not matter if the property is private or public. If someone knew- or should have known- about a danger or risk and failed to remedy it, they may be held liable.
Types of Injuries From a Fall
Not every fall is minor. Some people get hurt badly. Some need surgery. Some never fully heal.
Injuries can include:
- Broken wrists, arms, or ankles
- Ligament tears
- Hip fractures (especially with older adults)
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury/concussions
- Neck or back damage
- Deep bruises and cuts
Pain isn’t always instant. Some injuries get worse over time. That’s why you should always see a doctor after a fall—even if you feel okay.
Steps to Take After You Fall
Act fast. What you do right after your fall can help—or hurt—your case.
Here’s what to do:
- Get medical help. It’s the first step, even if you feel fine.
- Report the accident. Tell a manager, owner, or whoever’s in charge.
- Take photos. Snap the floor, lighting, signs, and anything else around.
- Talk to witnesses. Get their names and contact details.
- Save what you wore. Clothes and shoes might help prove your case.
- Stay quiet online. Don’t post anything about the fall or your injury.
- Call a lawyer. They’ll guide your next steps and deal with the insurance.
The more proof you gather early, the better your case will be later.
Can the Property Owner Be Held Liable?
Yes—if they were careless. Kansas law says property owners must fix known dangers. They must also check often for new ones.
To win your case, you must show:
- A dangerous condition was there
- The owner knew or should’ve known
- They did nothing or didn’t act fast enough
- That danger caused your injury
If the owner says you were partly to blame, don’t panic. Kansas law still lets you recover money—as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
What Can You Sue For?
If someone else’s mistake caused your injury, the law lets you ask for money. This is called “damage.”
You can ask for money for:
- Doctor bills
- Medicine and supplies
- Physical therapy
- Lost income from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Future care or help at home
- Permanent injury or disability
Your lawyer will look at your case and explain what it’s worth. Each case is different.
How Long Do You Have to File?
In Kansas, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you may lose your rights. There are some exceptions. If you fell on city or state property, you might have only a few months. That’s why it’s smart to act fast.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
Slip and fall cases sound simple. But they’re not. You must prove the property owner made a mistake. You must show that mistake caused your injury. That’s not easy—especially when you’re hurt.
A Kansas City lawyer will:
- Gather proof (photos, reports, records)
- Talk to witnesses and experts
- Review medical records
- Handle calls from the insurance company
- Fight for fair money—no low offers
- File your claim and go to court if needed
And the best part? Most injury lawyers charge nothing unless they win. That’s called a contingency fee.
Do These Cases Go to Court?
Not always. In fact, most slip and fall cases settle out of court. That means both sides agree on an amount. But if the insurance company won’t pay fair, your lawyer may take it to court. That’s where a judge or jury will decide.
Can You Handle the Case Without a Lawyer?
You can try—but it’s not smart. The law is tricky. One wrong move can cost you the case. Insurance companies know the system. They may try to blame you or offer a small amount. A lawyer knows how to push back. Your job is to heal. Let your lawyer handle the legal process part.
How to Pick the Right Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Kansas City. Not all are right for you.
Look for someone who:
- Focuses on injury law
- Has handled slip and fall cases
- Offers a free consultation
- Is easy to reach and talk to
- Has strong reviews and a good record
- Cares about your case—not just the money
Ask questions. Take notes. Choose someone you trust.
FAQ: Slip and Fall Injuries in Kansas City
1. What if I slipped outside a business on ice?
If the owner didn’t clear the ice or salt the walkway, they may be at fault. Take photos and call a lawyer.
2. What if I slipped inside a store but didn’t see a warning sign?
Stores must warn people about wet floors. If there was no sign, the store may be liable.
- Can I file a lawsuit if I was on my cell phone at the time of the fall?
You could still have a case. Under Kansas law, there can be a shared fault. Consult a lawyer for help.
- Is there a time limit to file a claim?
Yes. You have two years from the date of your injury. Don’t wait. Some deadlines can be shorter
- Do lawyers charge for the initial meeting?
Most personal injury lawyers will give you a free initial meeting. You do not pay if they don’t win.
Get Help Today
Don’t try to fight a slip and fall case by yourself. You have a right to talk to a knowledgeable lawyer who will fight for you. If you are hurting, losing time from work, or are just not sure what to do next – call a local skilled Kansas City Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer today. That may be the most important phone call you could make.