Property owners in Missouri have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent injuries to those who enter their land. This duty varies depending on the status of the injured person. Generally, property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, such as customers or guests invited onto the property for business purposes. They must regularly inspect and remedy hazardous conditions. Licensees, who enter the property with permission for their own purposes, are owed a similar but slightly lesser duty. Trespassers, who enter without permission, are owed the least protection, but even then, owners cannot willfully cause harm and must warn of hidden dangers that could cause serious injury or death.

Typically, property owners are responsible for injuries caused by dangerous conditions they knew about or should have discovered through reasonable care but failed to repair or warn visitors about. Examples include slippery floors, broken stairs, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or debris left in walkways. In some instances, property owners may also be liable for harm caused by criminal acts on the premises if the criminal activity was foreseeable and the owner failed to take reasonable security measures, such as locking doors, hiring security personnel, or installing surveillance cameras, to prevent foreseeable crimes. This form of premises liability is especially relevant in rental properties, shopping centers, and parking lots.

Missouri courts consider the specific circumstances of each case, including the location, whether the injured person was an invitee or trespasser, the property owner’s knowledge of the hazard, and their efforts to mitigate risks. 

Injured parties on another’s property should promptly document the conditions that caused their injuries and seek legal guidance. A Missouri premises liability lawyer can evaluate whether a property owner breached their duty of care and help injured victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Navigating a claim can be complex and time-consuming. Consulting with an experienced law firm ensures that victims and their families can gather the right evidence, work with experts, and advocate for maximum compensation. Gunn | Slater provides valuable, comprehensive insight into personal injury cases and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients. 

If you or someone you know suspects that they have a personal injury case, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gunn | Slater for effective and personalized consultation.