Premises Liability Law
Legal Experts in Premises Liability & Slip and Fall Cases in St. Louis
The St. Louis Premises Liability & Slip-and-Fall Experts
Find Legal Support From a St. Louis Slip-and-Fall Attorney. When property owners fail to fix hazards or warn visitors, people get hurt. If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Backed by 46+ years in courtrooms and 7,500+ personal injury cases, Wolff Trial Lawyers builds evidence-driven cases and holds negligent property owners—and their insurers—accountable.
Premises Liability in Missouri: The Basics
Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners (and those who control or manage property) responsible when their negligence causes injuries to lawful visitors. It includes slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls, snow/ice injuries, unsafe stairs/railings, poor lighting, inadequate security, pool accidents, toxic exposures, fires, amusement park incidents, and more.
Missouri Property Owners’ Duty of Care
- Inspect & maintain: Take reasonable steps to find and fix dangerous conditions.
- Warn: Post signs, block off areas, or otherwise warn of hazards that can’t be fixed promptly.
- Act reasonably: What’s “reasonable” depends on the type of property, foot traffic, weather, and how long the hazard existed.
Owners, tenants, managers, and contractors can share responsibility depending on control over the premises and the hazard.
How We Prove Negligence
To recover compensation, we must show:
- Dangerous condition: A hazardous condition existed on the property.
- Notice: The owner/manager knew or should have known about it (constructive notice) and had time to act.
- Breach: They failed to fix it or adequately warn.
- Causation & damages: The hazard caused your injuries and losses.
Common Hazard Examples
- Spills, slick floors, and tracked-in water
- Ice/snow accumulation in lots and walkways
- Loose mats, curled rugs, unsecured carpeting
- Broken tiles, potholes, uneven sidewalks
- Loose or missing stair rails, riser defects
- Exposed cords, poor lighting, hidden steps
- Unfenced pools or unsafe pool decking
- Inadequate security (doors/locks/lighting)
- Construction site debris and unsafe work zones
- Fire hazards, toxic fumes, code violations
Damages & Compensation
Economic Losses
- ER care, hospitalization, surgery, follow-ups
- Physical/occupational therapy, pain management
- Medical equipment, home/vehicle modifications
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering; loss of normal life
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (in qualifying cases)
In most Missouri premises cases, non-economic damages are not capped (separate rules apply for medical malpractice and certain government defendants). We calculate all present and future losses with medical and economic experts.
What To Do After You’re Hurt on Someone Else’s Property
Right Away
- Get medical care immediately—document injuries.
- Report the incident to the manager/owner; request a written report.
- Photograph the hazard, lighting, footwear, and the scene before it’s changed.
Next Steps
- Collect witnesses’ info and preserve receipts/timestamps.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers until you have counsel.
- Call Wolff Trial Lawyers quickly—evidence can disappear within hours.
Why Choose Wolff Trial Lawyers
- Proven Experience: 7,500+ injury cases; decades of premises litigation.
- Evidence-First: We secure video, maintenance logs, weather data, and expert testimony.
- Trial-Ready: Insurers know we prepare every case as if it will be tried.
- Personal Attention: A selective docket means more time for you and your case.
Proudly Serving St. Louis & Surrounding Communities
Missouri: St. Louis City; St. Louis County (Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Brentwood, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, Florissant, University City); St. Charles County (St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Peters, Wentzville); Jefferson County (Arnold, Fenton); and nearby areas.
Premises Liability FAQ – St. Louis, MO
How do I prove the store knew about the spill or hazard?
You can show actual notice (they knew) or constructive notice (they should have known) based on how long it existed, inspection/cleaning schedules, prior complaints, and video/witness evidence. We gather and preserve this proof quickly.
What if the hazard was “open and obvious”?
Missouri law may reduce recovery if a condition is obvious, but it does not automatically bar claims. We evaluate lighting, distractions, placement, and code violations; owners still must act reasonably to fix or guard against dangers.
What if I was partially at fault?
Missouri uses comparative fault. Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault—but you can still recover. We work to minimize unfair blame by presenting full context and expert analysis.
How long do I have to file a premises claim?
In many Missouri personal injury matters, you generally have five (5) years from the date of injury, but shorter deadlines may apply (e.g., claims against government entities). Speak with counsel promptly to protect your rights.
Do property owners always pay, or does insurance cover it?
Most recoveries are paid by liability insurance (commercial or homeowners/landlord policies). We identify all applicable policies and pursue every available coverage layer.
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MEET St. LouiS'S Top Personal Injury Attorney
Alvin Wolff, J.D.
Alvin A. Wolff, Jr. is a distinguished St. Louis personal injury attorney with 46 years of experience handling more than 7,500 personal injury and medical malpractice cases, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for clients.
Known as “The St. Louis Personal Injury Law Firm,” Alvin and his team have earned Wolff Trial Lawyers a reputation for relentless advocacy, compassionate client care, and results-driven representation.
Relentless Advocacy = Real Results
Real World, Down-to-Earth Advice = No Jargon, No B.S.
Family Legacy of 100+ years in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Law
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Premises Liability
We secure compensation for victims of unsafe property and slip-and-fall accidents..
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case?
Every situation is different. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence — whether in a car accident, on unsafe property, or from medical errors — you may have a case. The best way to know is a free consultation. Speak with an attorney from Wolff Trial Lawyers for free today.
What should I do right after an accident or injury?
Get medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. Then, document everything — photos, records, and witness names — and talk to a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is five years, but medical malpractice cases may have a shorter deadline. It’s important to act quickly so you don’t lose your right to file.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle it myself?
Insurance companies often try to settle for less than you deserve. Having an experienced attorney on your side levels the playing field and usually leads to a stronger outcome.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, long-term impact, how the injury affects your life, and your quality of legal representation. While no lawyer can guarantee an amount, we fight relentlessly to get you the maximum compensation possible.
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Important Disclosure:
The Missouri Bar requires a disclosure that contacting an attorney on this website does not constitute an attorney client relationship.
Legal advice is not given here and any past case results listed have no bearing on what your case might be worth. Every case rises and falls on its own particular merits.
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