Do I Need a Lawyer for My Premises Liability Case in Missouri?

You’ve been hurt on someone else’s property. It doesn’t matter whether it’s another person’s home or a commercial establishment. You still have medical bills to pay and lost wages to make up for, leaving you with no choice but to file a premises liability claim. The question you may be asking yourself is, “Do I need a lawyer for my premises liability case in Missouri?”

The simple answer to the question is yes. It is highly advisable that you hire a premises liability attorney. However, you are not required by law to hire a lawyer to help you file your claim.

Premises Liability By the Numbers

Slip and fall injuries are the most common type of premises liability issue. They’re also the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. In 2023, 47,026 people died in falls either at home, at work, or on another person’s property. Many of these deaths were considered wrongful deaths, prompting premises liability lawsuits, and many more falls led to injuries requiring emergency care.

Premises liability extends beyond slip and fall injuries. In 2024, a Florida property owner settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $21 million after a tenant was murdered in a parking lot. Incidents leading to severe injuries can also lead to substantial settlements.

Do I Have a Case?

The first question your lawyer can help you answer is whether or not you have a premises liability case on your hands. As a general rule, if you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on a property other than your own, you usually have the right to file a premises liability claim and seek compensation for any injuries you incurred. If you’re not sure how to file a claim, seek legal help before you engage with any insurance companies.

The Key to a Successful Premises Liability Claim

The key to a successful premises liability case is to prove that the property owner was negligent. There are several steps to this process. You’ll need to show that:

1. The property owner owed a duty of care to you as an invitee or licensee.
2. The property owner breached their duty of care by failing to resolve a safety issue on the property.
3. The property owner’s failure to resolve the safety issue directly led to your injury.
4. You suffered actual harm from the injury, including monetary and/or non-monetary damages.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A lawyer can help you with your claim by:

• Collecting and evaluating evidence. You’ll need evidence to build your claim. It usually consists of medical records, accident reports, pay stubs, photos, surveillance footage, and/or witness testimony.
• Determining damages. Few people are able to accurately calculate all of their damages if they don’t have experience with personal injury law. You could easily miss non-monetary damages and settle for less than you should.
• Proving negligence. Your lawyer can use the evidence available to show that the property owner was careless in their failure to resolve a hazardous situation or provide a warning of the danger.
• Utilizing full knowledge of the law. Your lawyer will have an intimate knowledge of premises liability laws and how they apply in your situation. They can leverage that knowledge while interacting with the insurance company.
• Hiring expert witnesses. Expert witnesses are essential in many premises liability cases. From doctors to reconstruction experts, they can help to support your claim in ways you wouldn’t be able to alone.
• Negotiating a settlement. Few people have the kinds of negotiation skills required to reach a settlement with an insurance company that offers full compensation for their injuries. Lawyers build their careers on these skills. They won’t settle for a sub-par offer.

FAQs

What Is the Premises Liability Law in Missouri?

The premises liability law in Missouri holds property owners responsible for any injuries that occur on their properties as a result of unsafe conditions. It stipulates that the property owner owes a duty of care dependent on a visitor’s status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser and defines that duty of care as a need to keep the property in a state of general good condition or to warn about any issues present.

How Much Can You Get for Premises Liability Claims?

How much you can get for premises liability claims varies based on factors such as the circumstances surrounding the incident, the seriousness of any injuries you incurred, and any caps placed on the property owner’s liability insurance. You can maximize your payout by working with a skilled Missouri premises liability attorney.

What Is the Liability Limit in Missouri?

Liability limits vary based on the type of insurance policy held by the property owner. While there are minimum coverage requirements put in place by insurance companies for some property owners, such as business owners, there are no maximum limits as to how much premises liability insurance coverage you can carry. The state does not impose minimum liability insurance requirements.

What Does Premises Liability Coverage Cover?

Premises liability coverage covers lawsuits and costs resulting from injuries or property damage that occur on a person’s or a company’s property due to unsafe conditions. It covers:

• Medical bills
• Legal fees
• Property damage
• Settlements up to the policy’s limit

Exact coverage varies by insurer and policy. If you’re not sure what your premises liability insurance covers, contact your insurance provider.

Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer

You now have a clear answer to the question, “Do I need a lawyer for my premises liability case in Missouri?” The answer is a resounding yes. Now, it’s time to hire a premises liability lawyer.

The team here at Northland Injury Law can help you file your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take them to court to get the compensation to which you are entitled. We have extensive experience with premises liability cases and know how to leverage premises liability laws to get you paid. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.