The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and pumpkin-spiced everything—autumn in Missouri is a beautiful time of year. But with the changing seasons come new risks, especially for slips, trips, and falls. It's crucial to stay safe. Understanding these common hazards is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.
Common Autumn Hazards
The picturesque autumn scenery can hide some serious dangers on walkways, sidewalks, and porches. Here are some of the most common causes of fall-related injuries during this season:
Fallen Leaves: While beautiful, a thick layer of wet leaves can create an extremely slick surface, similar to ice. Piles of leaves can also hide uneven pavement, potholes, or other trip hazards, making it difficult to see where you are stepping.
Poor Lighting: As the days get shorter and dusk arrives earlier, areas that were well-lit during the summer may become difficult to navigate safely. A poorly lit porch, a dark staircase, or an unlit parking lot can all increase the risk of a fall.
Wet Surfaces: Autumn weather often includes a mix of rain and cooler temperatures. Puddles, wet leaves, and moisture on concrete or tile surfaces can significantly reduce traction, leading to a slip and fall.
Hidden Obstacles: Debris, fallen branches, or even gardening tools left out from a busy weekend can become trip hazards, especially when concealed by leaves or in dim lighting.
What to Do If You Fall
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip, trip, or fall on someone else's property, it’s important to know what to do to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if an injury seems minor, see a doctor to have it assessed and properly documented. Medical records are crucial for any potential legal claim.
Document the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the area where you fell. Document the hazardous condition—whether it was a wet patch, a pile of leaves, a crack in the pavement, or an object that caused you to trip.
Report the Accident: Notify the property owner, manager, or business of your fall and the dangerous condition. Be sure to get a copy of any incident report that is created.
Premises Liability in Missouri
In Missouri, the law of premises liability states that property owners have a duty to keep their premises in a safe condition for visitors. This means they must either fix potential hazards or warn visitors about them. The level of care a property owner owes you depends on your legal status as a visitor—whether you are an "invitee" (like a customer), a "licensee" (like a social guest), or a "trespasser".
If a property owner's negligence—their failure to maintain a safe environment—directly caused your injury, you may have a valid personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is particularly important because Missouri is a "comparative fault" state. This means if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by that percentage.
Pulaski County Premises Liability Lawyers
At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we understand that an unexpected injury can turn your world upside down. You may be facing mounting medical bills and lost wages while you recover. Our team is dedicated to providing justice for injury victims in Missouri. We are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For a free case review with a Pulaski County attorney today, call us at (573) 888-8888.