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Premises Liability

St. Louis Premises Liability Attorneys

Fighting for Individuals Injured by Dangerous Properties in Missouri

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a safety hazard on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Whether you were involved in a slip and fall, exposed to dangerous chemicals, or harmed due to a criminal act, it's crucial to seek immediate legal advice from a premises liability attorney in St. Louis.

At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we investigate the causes of hazardous conditions and help determine liability. If we determine you have a viable premises liability case, our premises liability lawyers in St. Louis can connect you with medical care providers and diligently pursue those responsible for your injuries and suffering. Our attorneys are steadfast and client-focused advocates with decades of experience managing complex injury cases. We handle every premises liability claim on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we achieve a successful result for you.

Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our St. Louis premises liability attorneys today.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept relating to the duty of care that property owners and occupiers must uphold to prevent injuries and accidents on their property. Under these laws, parties that own or control land or buildings are required to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors, guests, and tenants. This duty includes addressing hazards promptly, providing adequate warnings, and executing timely repairs.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident

Here’s what you should do:

  • Get Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem small, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries show symptoms later, and medical records are crucial evidence.
  • Report the Accident: Notify the property owner, manager, or responsible party about the accident. Make sure there’s an official incident report if possible.
  • Document the Scene: Take pictures or videos of the incident location, any hazards (like wet floors, broken stairs), your injuries, and anything else relevant. Also, collect contact info of any witnesses.
  • Preserve Evidence: Keep any damaged clothing, shoes, or other physical evidence that relates to the accident.
  • Write Down Your Account: As soon as you can, write a specific account of what happened while your memory is fresh.
  • Avoid Admitting Fault: When speaking to the property owner or insurance representatives, don’t admit blame or apologize as it could be used against you.
  • Consult a Premises Liability Lawyer: Contact an attorney who specializes in premises liability to understand your legal rights, discuss your case, and get guidance on compensation claims.
  • Keep Track of Expenses: Save receipts for medical bills, repairs, lost wages, and any other costs related to the accident.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Claims

Many dangerous property conditions can lead to premises liability claims. Structural hazards like broken staircases, uneven flooring, or unsecured carpets pose tripping risks. Poorly designed or maintained lighting can further exacerbate these dangers by obscuring obstacles that individuals should be able to avoid under normal lighting conditions. 

Inadequate maintenance is often the root cause of these hazards. Without regular inspections and repairs, minor issues can evolve into serious threats to visitors' safety. Property owners who neglect routine upkeep, such as failing to fix leaking roofs, clean up spills, or address faulty electrical systems, can find themselves liable when oversights result in harm.

Failing to adequately warn visitors about known hazardous conditions can also trigger liability in the event of a preventable accident. Property owners must inform entrants about any non-obvious dangers that could potentially cause injury. This might involve posting clear and visible signage for wet floors, construction areas, or other known risks. When owners fail to provide such warnings, unsuspecting visitors may get hurt, and the property owners or occupiers could be held liable for not fulfilling their responsibility to alert visitors.

Premises liability laws can be confusing. If you aren’t sure whether you have a valid claim, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff. Our St. Louis premises liability attorneys can assess what happened and walk you through your legal options.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Missouri


  • What Is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Lawsuits in Missouri?

    In Missouri, the statute of limitations for premises liability lawsuits is generally five years from the date you were injured. Failing to bring a claim within this period typically results in losing the right to sue.

    While five years is a substantial amount of time, it is in your best interest to seek legal advice as quickly as possible. The sooner you discuss your case with our team, the sooner we can start investigating and working to preserve evidence.

  • What Happens If the Property Owner Is Uninsured?

    When a property owner is uninsured in a premises liability case, recovering damages becomes more complicated. Typically, when a property owner has liability insurance, their insurance company provides legal representation and covers the costs of a settlement or judgment up to the policy limits. However, if the property owner lacks insurance, the financial responsibility for any damages awarded in a lawsuit rests solely on the property owner.

    In this scenario, you may face several challenges. Even if the court rules in your favor and awards damages, collecting on the judgment could be difficult if the property owner lacks sufficient financial resources or assets. The likelihood of receiving full compensation diminishes, especially if the property owner is unable to pay or opts to declare bankruptcy to discharge the debt.

    Despite these challenges, other avenues of recovering the compensation you deserve may be available. We can help investigate whether any other parties who may have insurance, such as property managers or maintenance companies, share liability for the premises. Our attorneys can also seek alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or payment plans, to negotiate a feasible settlement.

  • Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit?

    While it is technically possible to file a premises liability lawsuit without an attorney, hiring a lawyer with experience in this field is likely in your best interest. Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring a detailed understanding of legal nuances, evidence collection, and procedural rules. A lawyer can help you successfully navigate these complexities by crafting and submitting all necessary legal documents accurately and on time.

    A seasoned attorney will also possess the skills to investigate the incident thoroughly, gathering evidence and expert testimony crucial for substantiating your claim. Lawyers can effectively negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsels to potentially secure a fair settlement without the need for a lengthy court trial. In scenarios where a trial becomes unavoidable, an attorney can advocate on your behalf and persuasively present your case to a judge or jury.

About Your Personal Injury Case
  • We investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered.
  • We negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company where possible.
  • We work with your medical providers to develop a strong case of negligence.
  • We take your case to court to get you the best result.

We Get Results!

Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.

    "I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."

    They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.

    - Francine K.
    "The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."

    The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.

    - Rickey D.
    "You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."

    Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.

    - Terry H.

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Saint Louis, MO 63139
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