Guide to Filing a Premises Liability Claim After a Parking Lot Fall

Commercial property owners and retailers, such as grocery stores, shopping malls, and restaurants, have a duty of care toward their patrons. Under premises liability law in Missouri, they are responsible for maintaining their property, including removing debris and warning of hazards in areas like the parking lot.

When a property owner or manager fails to uphold this duty, and someone is hurt, they may be liable for the resulting damages. If you suffer injuries in a parking lot fall, a slip and fall attorney from Cofman Townsley can help you understand your legal rights and assist you in filing a claim against the property owner or manager to compensate you for your damages.

Why Parking Lot Accidents Occur

Parking lot accidents, such as slip and fall or trip and fall incidents, can result in serious injuries. Parking lot accidents often occur due to poor maintenance, failure to clean or remove hazards, and failure to remove ice and snow.

• Poor maintenance: If the parking lot is not well-maintained, it can become uneven and full of potholes, making it difficult to walk on. Additionally, if the property owner fails to maintain the parking lot’s lighting or security, it can increase the risk of accidents.
• Not cleaning or removing hazards: If a spill occurs in the parking lot and is not cleaned up promptly, it can create a slip and fall hazard. Similarly, if debris or other objects, such as boxes, landscaping material, or construction items, are left in the parking lot, it can create a tripping hazard for visitors.
• Not removing ice and snow: In colder climates, snow and ice can create hazardous conditions in parking lots. If a property owner fails to remove snow and ice promptly, it can create slippery surfaces, resulting in slip and fall accidents.

How to File a Premises Liability Claim

To win damages in a parking lot fall claim, you must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. You can take several steps after incurring injuries in a parking lot fall to protect your rights and file a compensation claim:

• Get Medical Attention

If you’ve been injured, seek medical care immediately. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are serious, get checked out by a medical professional. Your medical records can also serve as evidence in your claim and prove the extent of your injuries. An accurate diagnosis can also ensure your attorney estimates the appropriate damages for your injuries, including long-term medical needs or future lost wages.

• Gather Evidence

Take pictures of the scene where your injury occurred, including any hazards or dangerous conditions that contributed to your accident. Capture nearby signs or lack of signage in photos and snap pictures of security cameras so your attorney can ask for the footage.

If you slipped on a liquid, take pictures or video footage of your wet clothing to preserve the evidence. Ask the manager or property owner for a copy of the internal report they file. If the police come to the scene, inform your attorney so they can ask for a copy of the police report.

If there were any witnesses to your accident, get their names and contact information. Also, keep track of all medical bills and expenses related to your injury and give them to your attorney.

• Speak to a Lawyer

Contact an attorney specializing in premises liability claims, like our team at Cofman Townsley. We can help you understand your legal rights and provide legal advice on your options for compensation. A slip and fall claim is typically filed against the property owner’s liability insurance. We can help you submit the documentation and negotiate for fair compensation.

If their insurer won’t pay, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit with the court to seek damages on your behalf. This can help you receive compensation for your fall injuries, including medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Reach Out to an Attorney for Help

If you were hurt in a parking lot fall, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to file a premises liability claim. The legal process can be complex and overwhelming. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.

At Cofman Townsley, we have decades of experience handling premises liability claims, including parking lot fall claims. Our attorneys will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to take action. Contact Cofman Townsley today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.