If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property—whether in a store, apartment complex, parking lot, or public area, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. These cases arise when a property owner or manager fails to maintain a reasonably safe environment, leading to accidents such as slips and falls, inadequate security incidents, or falling object injuries. In Missouri, strong evidence is the foundation of a successful premises liability case. Knowing what types of evidence to collect can make a significant difference in proving your claim and securing full compensation.

In any premises liability case, the injured person (the plaintiff) carries the burden of proving that the property owner was negligent. Missouri law requires showing that the owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury as a result. Establishing these elements depends heavily on credible, well-documented evidence gathered as soon as possible after the accident. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that critical details will be lost or destroyed, especially if the property owner repairs the hazard or overwrites surveillance footage. 

One of the most important forms of evidence is photographic and video documentation. Photos of the accident scene, the specific hazard (such as a wet floor, broken handrail, or uneven pavement) can help illustrate exactly what caused your fall or accident. If available, surveillance footage can also be a powerful tool, showing how long the dangerous condition existed and whether the property owner or staff took steps to address it. In Missouri, quickly requesting the preservation of video evidence through an attorney’s letter can prevent crucial footage from being deleted. 

Eyewitness testimony can also strengthen your claim significantly. Statements from other individuals who saw the accident, noticed the hazard beforehand, or can confirm inadequate maintenance practices may support your version of events. Similarly, employees or tenants who are familiar with past safety complaints can provide valuable insight into how often the property owner ignores known problems. For more complex premises liability cases, such as those involving structural defects or negligent security, expert witnesses—like engineers, safety specialists, or building code experts—can clarify how the property failed to meet proper safety standards. 

Medical evidence is another key piece of the puzzle. Prompt medical treatment establishes a record linking your injuries directly to the incident. Medical reports, imaging results, and healthcare provider notes document the scope of your physical harm and the estimated costs of recovery. Even non-physical evidence, such as hospital bills and time-off-work documentation, can demonstrate the financial impact the injury has had on your life. 

Finally, incident reports and maintenance records can help uncover whether the property owner was aware of the danger and failed to fix it. For example, if prior complaints or maintenance logs show repeated issues with the same hazard, it can strongly support a negligence claim. Your attorney can request this information through legal discovery to expose patterns of neglect or misconduct. 

Building a strong premises liability claim in Missouri requires careful organization, persistence, and professional legal guidance. Many victims underestimate the importance of early evidence collection, especially when dealing with corporate defendants or insurance adjusters who may try to minimize responsibility. A skilled Missouri premises liability attorney can help secure critical evidence, negotiate with insurers, and build a persuasive case for fair compensation. 

If you’ve been hurt on another person’s property, don’t wait to take action. Contact Gunn | Slater today for a free consultation. We’ll review the details of your injury, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and work to hold the negligent party accountable under Missouri law.