Slip and fall accidents happen every day, often resulting in serious injuries. Whether it's a wet floor in a grocery store or uneven pavement outside a business, property owners in Missouri have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. But when exactly are they liable for a slip and fall? At AGH Law, we assist injured individuals in Kansas City by evaluating the facts of each case and helping them pursue rightful compensation.

The Legal Standard for Premises Liability

Under Missouri law, slip and fall claims are governed by the principles of premises liability. This means that property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. However, their level of responsibility depends on why the injured person was on the property:

• Invitees (e.g., customers at a business): Property owners owe the highest duty of care, including inspecting for hazards and warning about or fixing dangerous conditions.
• Licensees (e.g., social guests): Property owners must warn them of known dangers.
• Trespassers: Property owners generally owe little duty, though they may not willfully harm them and must address known dangers that could injure children (under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine).

Proving Fault in a Slip and Fall Case

To hold a property owner liable, the injured party must prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
2. The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
3. The owner failed to fix or warn about the danger in a reasonable amount of time.
4. The dangerous condition caused the injury.

Examples of conditions that can lead to valid claims include spilled liquids, icy walkways, poor lighting, broken stairs, and loose carpeting.

Comparative Fault in Missouri

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that even if you were partly responsible for your own injury (e.g., you were looking at your phone when you slipped), you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall

If you’re injured in a slip and fall, taking the following steps can strengthen your potential case:

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately.
• Take photographs of the hazard and surrounding area.
• Gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Seek prompt medical attention.
• Avoid discussing fault or posting about the incident on social media.

How AGH Law Can Help

At AGH Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a slip and fall injury can cause. Our team is committed to guiding Kansas City residents through the legal process with compassion and clarity. If you've been injured on someone else's property, we can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.