When someone gets hurt on another person’s property, the legal process can be overwhelming. As premises liability lawyers in Gladstone, we’ve seen firsthand how a slip, trip, or fall can turn your life upside down.
These injuries often occur when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions or ignore potential hazards. That’s when we step in to help our clients seek the compensation they need to recover. At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring over 45 years of combined legal experience to every case we take.
Our team has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements, jury awards, and judgments. As trusted Gladstone personal injury lawyers, we know what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for justice on your behalf.
What Counts as a Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability law covers injuries caused by dangerous or unsafe property conditions. These cases may occur in stores, apartment buildings, parking garages, private homes, or public spaces. Common examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, loose mats, or icy walkways can all cause sudden and serious falls.
- Poor lighting or security: Inadequate lighting or a lack of proper surveillance can increase the risk of harm, particularly in stairwells or parking lots.
- Falling objects: Shelves, signage, or fixtures that aren’t properly secured can injure unsuspecting visitors.
- Uneven walkways: Cracked sidewalks, broken stairs, or unstable flooring can lead to trips and falls.
We take the time to evaluate what happened, determine who was responsible, and explain your legal options. If a property owner knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to fix it, they may be held liable for your injuries.
It’s also important to understand that different types of visitors are owed different levels of care under Missouri law. Invitees, such as customers in a store, are owed the highest duty. Licensees and even trespassers may still have limited protections depending on the situation. We consider these distinctions carefully as we build each case.
How We Prove Liability in Missouri
In Missouri, property owners have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment. But how do we prove they breached that duty? It starts with gathering evidence that shows they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. We look for:
- Surveillance footage: Cameras often capture what occurred before, during, and after the accident.
- Witness statements: Testimony from those who saw the incident or the conditions can help support your claim.
- Inspection records: We check whether the property was regularly maintained or if complaints were ignored.
- Photos and documentation: Images of the scene, medical records, and incident reports all strengthen your case.
We may also bring in expert witnesses, such as safety engineers or building inspectors, to explain why a property condition was dangerous and how it violated industry standards. Our goal is to connect the dots clearly — from the unsafe condition to your injuries — so that insurance adjusters and juries understand what went wrong.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Premises liability claims are subject to deadlines. According to MO Rev Stat § 516.120, you have five years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri. But waiting can hurt your chances. Evidence may disappear, and witnesses may forget key details. That’s why you should contact a premises liability attorney in Gladstone as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
We act quickly to preserve evidence, secure expert opinions, and begin negotiations with the other party. Our proactive approach helps us resolve many claims without going to court, but we’re always ready to litigate if needed.
In some cases, we’ve seen property owners attempt to fix the hazard after an accident, which can complicate claims unless the issue is documented right away. The sooner we get involved, the better positioned we are to protect your rights.
What You May Be Entitled to Recover
Every case is different, but if you were hurt because of unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment needs
- Lost income: Wages you missed due to your injuries, along with reduced earning potential if you can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel, mobility aids, or home modifications needed during recovery
In serious cases involving permanent injuries or disabilities, we may also pursue damages for long-term care and loss of enjoyment of life. We’ll walk you through the full scope of your losses and make sure nothing is left off the table.
How Our Gladstone Premises Liability Law Firm Helps
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a law firm. You’re gaining a partner committed to your recovery. Our Gladstone premises liability law firm works closely with clients to understand their goals, answer questions, and advocate aggressively for fair outcomes.
We know the tactics insurance companies use to try to reduce or deny valid claims. Whether it’s disputing liability or downplaying the severity of your injuries, they’re looking for ways to limit their payout. We push back with facts, legal arguments, and decades of experience to stand our ground.
The Foster Wallace team is here to support you every step of the way, from dealing with medical providers and insurance adjusters to preparing for litigation when necessary. You can count on us to keep you informed and empowered throughout the process.
