Cape Girardeau Slip and Fall Accident Guide

• Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz
• What is a Slip and Fall?
• Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
• What are Your Slip and Fall Injuries Worth?
• Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau
• Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering a Slip and Fall
• What to Do After Suffering a Slip and Fall Injury
• Contact a Seasoned Cape Girardeau Slip and Fall Attorney Today

Why Choose Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz

Choosing the right legal representation is imperative if you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury in Cape Girardeau. Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz sets itself apart from other firms with their years of experience and client-centric approach. Here’s why you should choose us:

Experience

With over 100 years of combined trial experience, our team of personal injury lawyers has the knowledge and skill to handle even the most detailed slip and fall cases. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our previous personal injury clients and have the resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.

No Fees Unless We Win

At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we understand the financial burden of a slip and fall injury. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case. We are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our Client-Centric Approach

Our firm prioritizes clear communication and understanding of your unique needs. We tailor our strategies to achieve the best possible results for you. We treat our clients like family, providing support and guidance throughout the legal process.

Our office is conveniently located just across from the Osage Center and northwest of Southeast Missouri State University at:

1610 N. Kingshighway, Suite 201

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

What is a Slip and Fall?

A slip and fall refers to an accident where a person slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to dangerous conditions. These accidents commonly occur in places such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, or public sidewalks. Slips and falls can result in severe injuries, ranging from broken bones and head injuries to sprains and bruises.

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can lead to various types of injuries, depending on the circumstances of the fall. Some common types of slip and fall injuries include:

• Fractures: The impact of a fall can cause fractures in bones, particularly in the wrists, hips, and ankles. Fractures can be both painful and debilitating, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head and brain injuries: Falling on a hard surface can lead to head and brain injuries. These injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in behavior.
• Back and spinal cord injuries (SCI): Slip and fall accidents can cause damage to the back and spinal cord, leading to chronic pain, paralysis, and mobility issues. In severe cases, these injuries can have long-term or permanent effects on a person’s quality of life.
• Soft tissue injuries: When a person falls, they may experience soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or torn ligaments. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

It’s imperative to seek medical attention after a slip and fall, even if you don’t feel like you have injuries or don’t think your injuries are severe. You want your injuries documented in a medical record to help connect them to your slip and fall accident, as this will serve as valuable evidence in your slip and fall claim.

What are Your Slip and Fall Injuries Worth?

Determining the worth of your slip and fall injuries involves evaluating several critical factors. While every case is unique, the following factors generally play a significant role in determining the compensation you may be entitled to:

• Severity of injury: The severity of your injuries directly affects the value of your claim. More severe injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and significantly impact your daily life, leading to higher compensation.
• Damages: The total damages you have incurred due to the slip and fall accident, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, contribute to the overall worth of your claim.
• Applicable insurance policies: The insurance coverage available, such as homeowner’s or business liability insurance, can impact your compensation. Understanding the insurance policies involved is necessary for maximizing your potential recovery.
• Experience of the lawyer you hire: A seasoned slip and fall attorney has the knowledge and negotiation skills necessary to build a strong case and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, if the property owner’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior.

It’s important to consult with one of our Cape Girardeau slip and fall attorneys, who can evaluate the specific details of your case and provide accurate guidance on the potential worth of your slip and fall injuries.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Cape Girardeau

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere in Cape Girardeau, but there are certain locations where they are more common. Some common places where slip and fall accidents occur include:

• Retail Stores: Grocery stores, shopping malls, and retail outlets often have slippery floors, loose mats, or poorly maintained surfaces that can lead to slip and fall accidents.
• Restaurants and Bars: Spilled drinks, food debris, or wet floors in restaurants and bars can create hazardous conditions for customers, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
• Sidewalks and Parking Lots: Uneven pavements, potholes, or snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks and parking lots can pose serious tripping hazards, especially during inclement weather.
• Residential Properties: Depending on the circumstances, home owners may have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. Slip and fall accidents can occur in residential properties due to poor lighting, broken stairs, or slippery surfaces.
• Workplaces: Slip and fall accidents are prevalent in workplaces, especially in industries like construction, where hazardous conditions are common. Unmarked wet floors, debris, or defective equipment can contribute to these accidents.

If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident in Cape Girardeau, be sure to gather evidence and seek legal representation from our firm to hold the responsible party accountable.

Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering a Slip and Fall

After suffering a slip and fall injury, you may expect the responsible party’s insurance company to act in your best interest; however, insurance companies are often focused on minimizing their liabilities and may employ certain tactics to reduce the amount they have to pay. Here are some common insurance company tactics and how to fight back:

• Quick settlement offers: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement soon after the accident, hoping you will accept a lower amount without considering the full extent of your injuries. It’s essential to consult with a slip and fall attorney who can assess your case and negotiate for fair compensation.
• Blaming the victim: Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the victim, arguing that your own negligence caused the slip and fall accident. An experienced attorney can gather evidence and demonstrate the property owner’s negligence to counter these claims.
• Delaying the claims process: Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process, hoping you will become frustrated or desperate and accept a lower settlement. Having a dedicated slip and fall attorney can push the insurance company to act in a timely manner.
• Requesting unnecessary documentation: Insurance companies may request extensive documentation and medical records, hoping the process becomes overwhelming and discourages you from pursuing your claim. An attorney can assist in providing the necessary documentation and protecting your rights.
• Denying liability: Insurance companies may try to deny liability, claiming that the property owner or occupier is not responsible for your injuries. An experienced slip and fall attorney will gather evidence to establish liability and hold the negligent party accountable.
• Downplaying injuries: Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries, arguing that they are not as serious as you claim. A skilled attorney can help gather medical records and expert opinions to prove the true extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Remember, the insurance company’s priority is to minimize its financial liability. By working with one of our skilled slip and fall attorneys, you can level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After Suffering a Slip and Fall Injury

If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury in Cape Girardeau, taking the right steps after your injury can help strengthen your case. Here’s what you should do:

• Continue with necessary follow-up medical appointments: Seeking timely medical attention and following your doctor’s instructions for treatment and rehabilitation is imperative for your well-being and strengthening your claim. If you need continued or follow-up medical care, be sure you get it.
• Adhere to your doctor’s instructions with work and activities: Strictly following your healthcare professional’s instructions can demonstrate your commitment to recovering from your injuries and reduce potential arguments about the severity of your injuries.
• Preserve Evidence: Gather and preserve any evidence related to your slip and fall accident. Take pictures of your injuries or property damage. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports can also be valuable evidence. Don’t worry if you don’t have these; your Cape Girardeau slip and fall attorney can get them for you.
• Obtain a copy of any police or incident reports: If the slip and fall accident occurred on someone else’s property, it’s important to obtain a copy of any police or incident reports filed at the scene. These reports can provide important details about the accident and establish liability.
• Keep detailed records: Maintain a record of all medical expenses, including bills, prescriptions, and therapy costs. Additionally, keep track of any missed work days, your injuries’ impact on your daily life, and your ability to take care of yourself and your family.
• Be aware of the Missouri personal injury statute of limitations: In Missouri, there is a five-year statute of limitations within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. In the event the injury is so serious that it results in death, the statute of limitations is only three years. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with these time restrictions.
• Consult a slip and fall attorney: Finally, consult with a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney from our firm who can assess the strength of your case, provide legal guidance, and handle the complexities of the legal process on your behalf. Be sure to take all of your documentation and evidence to your attorney.

Contact a Seasoned Cape Girardeau Slip and Fall Attorney Today

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that can impact your daily life and financial stability. Our attorneys understand the challenges of slip and fall cases and have successfully represented countless clients in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas. Whether you slipped on a wet surface, tripped over a hazard, or fell on uneven pavement, we have the knowledge and resources to effectively pursue your claim.

When it comes to your slip and fall case, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we have over 100 years of combined trial experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We have the experience and the resources to go after the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident in Cape Girardeau, seek legal representation from Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz. With our extensive trial experience and client-centric approach, our skilled slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to you and your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t bear the burden alone. Instead, contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz today at (573) 335-6651 to schedule an initial case consultation with a seasoned Cape Girardeau personal injury attorney. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Testimonial:

I had never worked with lawyers, and at first I was scared, not knowing what to expect. When I first met with Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I’m a shy person, and they gave me confidence to speak out. The experience was very good. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend them. They’ll take care of everything. – Laura A.