Slip and Fall Attorney in Des Moines

Every slip and fall case is different, but in all personal injury claims in Des Moines, Iowa, there are a few elements that we look at to see if you have a case. We check to see if:

• There were damages. In Des Moines, personal injury lawsuits seek "damages," such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To qualify for a lawsuit, the injury must entail significant associated costs, which may vary by state.
• Someone else was at fault. To get compensation from someone else’s insurance company in Des Moines, they must have acted negligently in a way that caused or contributed to your injuries.
• There’s enough insurance coverage. In Des Moines, personal injury lawsuits are typically filed against insurance companies rather than individuals. The responsible party must carry sufficient insurance coverage to cover the injured person's medical expenses or provide full compensation for their injuries.

If you are unsure if you have a case in Des Moines, Iowa, contact us. We're here to help.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Des Moines, Iowa, you should first and foremost seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor, as some injuries may not appear immediately.

If you’re at a business or commercial property, notify the manager or property owner and request an incident report. Also, take photographs or videos of the scene, especially the hazard that caused your fall. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact details; their testimony may be important later.

While recovering from your injuries, document your medical treatment, missed work, and other ways the injury has impacted your life. 

Another crucial step is consulting an attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process and safeguard your rights.

The statute of limitations sets a legal time limit for filing a lawsuit, which varies based on the type of case and your state.

If you’ve suffered a slip and fall in Des Moines, filing your claim within the specified timeframe after the accident is crucial. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.

However, it’s best to consult with an attorney in Des Moines as soon as possible after the incident, as gathering evidence and building a case can take time. Your attorney can also assist you with filing everything correctly and on time.

The time it takes to resolve a slip and fall case varies based on factors like the case's complexity, the severity of your injuries, and whether the property owner’s insurance company agrees to provide full and fair compensation.

Some cases are settled within a few months, while others may take a year or more if litigation is required. At Morgan & Morgan, we aim to resolve cases efficiently while fighting for maximum compensation for our clients in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our army of over 1,000 trial-ready attorneys is prepared to fight to the very end for the compensation our clients in Des Moines need and deserve to move forward with their lives. When you work with Morgan & Morgan, your attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case at every step of the way.

At Morgan & Morgan, our skilled slip and fall attorneys have successfully represented numerous clients in Des Moines and similar cases, recovering millions in compensation. As the country's largest personal injury law firm, with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

We take pride in ensuring that negligent property owners in Des Moines, Iowa, are held accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan in Des Moines, Iowa, today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Morgan & Morgan's slip and fall attorneys in Des Moines, Iowa, operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t face any upfront costs or expenses until your case is resolved. That’s correct—the Fee Is Free™, so you only pay if we win. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, ensuring we fully commit to securing your best possible outcome.

The compensation available in a slip and fall lawsuit depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and the overall impact on your life. Typically, compensation can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, financial relief for physical and emotional pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, permanent disability, or even future loss of earning capacity.

Every case is unique, so the amount of compensation can differ. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan in Des Moines, Iowa, can evaluate your case and better understand what you may be entitled to. Take advantage of a free case evaluation to learn more.

No. At Morgan & Morgan in Des Moines, Iowa, consultations are free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation. Hiring one of our slip & fall lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer; you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Your case in Des Moines, Iowa, will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team with a primary attorney overseeing your case and ensuring you receive personalized attention.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way. Depending on your case’s requirements and your ability, these meetings can be conducted in person, virtually, or by phone.

What happens if you slip and fall in your apartment building in Des Moines and sustain an injury? You might wonder if you can sue your landlord. This depends on the laws in Des Moines, Iowa.

In general, landlords are responsible for keeping all common areas of a property reasonably safe. Like other property owners, if a landlord is aware of an unsafe condition or reasonably should have known about it but fails to address it, they may be liable for damages incurred by the injured party.

Proving this depends on the circumstances of each case. To determine this, courts will consider factors such as the length of time the unsafe condition existed and the severity of the hazard. In certain circumstances, landlords can also be liable for slip and falls in a tenant’s apartment.

When a new tenant moves into a Des Moines apartment, the landlord must inform the tenant of any known defects on the premises. The failure to notify a tenant of defects that the tenant could not have discovered during a reasonable inspection of the property could mean the landlord is liable if a slip & fall accident occurs. Also, a landlord may be liable for slip and falls within a tenant’s apartment when a building code or ordinance is violated. As always, it depends on the circumstances of the case and local Des Moines laws.

You can still file a lawsuit in Des Moines, Iowa, even if you didn’t immediately report the slip and fall accident. However, reporting the incident as soon as possible strengthens your case, creating an official record of what happened. If you didn’t report it immediately, you’ll need to provide other compelling evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements from people who saw the accident, medical records that tie your injury directly to the fall, or photographs or videos showing the hazardous condition.

A Morgan & Morgan attorney in Des Moines can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case, even if you delay reporting the incident.

Airbnb is a popular alternative to traditional hotels and other standard accommodation options for travelers worldwide, including those visiting or staying in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Staying in homes and other properties listed on the service is often more affordable than hotels or resorts, but what happens if you or your family get hurt at someone else’s property? Whose insurance covers your slip and fall accidents?

Airbnb is known for providing hosts with Host Protection Insurance, the primary insurance policy for hosts during a guest’s stay, and carries $1 million worth of coverage per stay. If you’re injured on a host’s property, you’d likely seek compensation for your medical bills and other expenses from Airbnb’s insurer. Airbnb’s million-dollar insurance policy applies on a per-occurrence basis for an accident involving bodily injury or property damage, according to Airbnb materials on its site.

If you were injured in a slip and fall on government property in Des Moines, Iowa, you can file a lawsuit, but there are extra steps to follow. First, you must submit your claim notice to the government. You may file a lawsuit if they deny your claim or don’t respond. Because the process is more complex than regular slip and fall cases, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney with experience with these types of claims.

Trip, slip, and fall accidents can happen in various places, including grocery stores, shopping malls, sidewalks, and workplaces. Understanding the most common causes can help victims assess their eligibility for compensation.

Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Wet or slippery floors are the leading cause of slip and fall accidents. Liquids like water, oil, or other substances from spills, leaks, or cleaning can create dangerous conditions that often catch people by surprise. Businesses and property owners are responsible for keeping floors dry or marking them with warning signs when they are wet.

Uneven Flooring or Sidewalks: Cracked, uneven, poorly maintained floors and sidewalks are common causes of slip and fall accidents. Examples include torn carpets, broken tiles, loose or unstable floorboards, and raised sidewalks caused by tree roots or weathering. Property owners must repair or mark uneven surfaces to help prevent such incidents.

Inadequate Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it challenging to identify obstacles, uneven surfaces, or wet areas, significantly increasing the risk of a slip and fall. This is particularly hazardous in parking lots, stairwells, hallways, building entrances, and exits. Poor property maintenance often leads to insufficient lighting, and it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure all areas are well-lit and safe for visitors.

Clutter and Obstacles: Debris, wires, merchandise, or other items left in walkways create tripping hazards in high-traffic areas. Property owners and employees must keep floors clear of obstacles.

Defective or Broken Staircases: Broken handrails, loose steps, and uneven stair heights are frequent causes of staircase falls. Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that staircases are properly maintained and meet safety codes to prevent accidents. Falls on stairs can result in especially serious injuries, including head trauma or spinal damage.

Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can create hazardous conditions, especially when not properly managed. Icy sidewalks, slippery entryways, and rain-soaked floors increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. While property owners can’t control the weather, they are responsible for taking reasonable steps to minimize danger, such as shoveling snow, salting icy areas, and providing mats for wet shoes.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall or another accident on someone else’s property in Des Moines, Iowa, you have the right to hold the property owner responsible for their negligence. Property owners in Des Moines are legally required to maintain safe premises, and failure to do so can make them liable for any resulting injuries.

Premises liability law in Des Moines, Iowa, holds property owners responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. This applies to a range of locations, including homes, businesses, apartment complexes, and public spaces. To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must establish that the property owner’s negligence directly led to your injury.

You need to demonstrate that:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care: This duty depends on your status as a visitor. For instance, customers in retail spaces are owed the highest duty of care, whereas trespassers typically receive less protection.
• They breached that duty: The property owner failed to fix or warn you about hazardous conditions, such as a wet floor or broken handrail.
• The breach caused your injury: There must be a clear connection between the unsafe condition and your injury.
• You suffered damages: You must show that your injury led to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Collect evidence such as photographs or videos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records documenting your injuries and treatment to achieve this. Notify the property owner to ensure the incident is recorded. Contact a slip and fall lawyer at Morgan & Morgan in Des Moines.

Premises liability claims can be complex, and having an experienced attorney in Des Moines, Iowa, by your side will increase your chances of a successful outcome. At Morgan & Morgan, we bring over 35 years of experience in handling premises liability cases, understanding what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable. Our attorneys are dedicated to collecting evidence and building a strong case to demonstrate the property owner’s liability for your injury.

If negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company in Des Moines, Iowa, fail to produce a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a premises liability lawsuit. This legal action aims to hold the property owner accountable for your injury, both legally and financially. Compensation may include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and pain and suffering.

Although a slip and fall injury may initially seem minor, its consequences can be severe and long-lasting. These accidents often result in physical, emotional, and financial hardships, impacting nearly every part of your life. At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the significant effects of slip and fall injuries and are dedicated to helping victims of injuries in Des Moines, Iowa, recover the compensation they deserve.

Physical Impact 

A slip and fall injury's most immediate and noticeable effect is the bodily harm it causes. Injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions, such as:

• Broken bones: Fractures in the arms, wrists, ankles, or hips are common, especially in older adults.
• Head injuries: Slip and fall accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures, which may lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: A fall can damage the spine, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis in severe cases.
• Soft tissue injuries: Ligament tears, sprains, and strains can cause ongoing pain and require months of rehabilitation. These injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, or extended hospital stays, disrupting your daily life and limiting your independence.

Emotional Impact 

The emotional toll of a slip and fall injury can be just as significant as the physical damage. Victims in Des Moines, Iowa, may experience:

• Anxiety and fear: After an accident, it’s common to feel anxious about walking in public places or even within your own home, fearing another fall.
• Depression: The loss of mobility or independence can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, especially if the injury prevents you from working or enjoying activities you once loved.
• Social isolation: If your injury limits your ability to engage in social activities, you may feel cut off from your community, contributing to loneliness and emotional distress. These emotional struggles are a legitimate and important part of the recovery process, and victims deserve compensation for the mental anguish caused by a slip and fall accident.

Financial Impact 

The financial burden of a slip and fall injury can be overwhelming. Costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care add up quickly, and without adequate compensation, victims may find themselves facing serious financial difficulties. Key economic challenges include:

• Medical bills: Hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care can quickly become expensive, especially if your injury requires long-term treatment.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may lose weeks or months of income. In some cases, a victim may be unable to return to their previous job or may face reduced earning capacity due to injury.
• Rehabilitation costs: Long-term physical therapy, home modifications, and assistive devices (such as wheelchairs or walkers) can create additional financial stress. A successful slip and fall claim can help cover these expenses, allowing victims to focus on their recovery without the added burden of financial worry.

Impact on Quality of Life 

A serious slip and fall injury can significantly reduce your quality of life. You may face challenges in performing daily activities, such as:

• Loss of mobility: Injuries like fractures or spinal damage can limit your ability to move freely or care for yourself.
• Chronic pain: Many slip and fall injuries result in ongoing pain that affects your ability to sleep, work, or enjoy recreational activities.
• Loss of independence: Some victims may need help with personal care or mobility, requiring them to depend on others or transition to assisted living facilities.

In some cases, these changes are permanent, and victims are left with a diminished quality of life that impacts their ability to engage in hobbies, maintain relationships, and enjoy their day-to-day experiences.

To successfully prove that a property owner’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident in Des Moines, Iowa, you’ll need to gather solid evidence, including:

• Photographs or videos of the hazardous condition: Capture images of the wet floor, broken steps, uneven surfaces, or any other dangerous condition that caused your fall in Des Moines, Iowa
• Witness statements: Collect statements from anyone who saw the accident or can confirm the hazardous condition.
• Incident reports: If the accident happened at a business or other commercial property in Des Moines, Iowa, ask for an incident report and obtain a copy.
• Medical records: Ensure your medical records document your injuries, the treatment you’ve received, and how the injury affects your daily life.
• Maintenance logs or inspection reports: These reports can reveal if the property in Des Moines, Iowa, was routinely inspected for hazards or if safety standards were disregarded.

This evidence can help prove that the property owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.

If a property owner in Des Moines, Iowa, claims they were unaware of the hazardous condition that caused your slip and fall, they can still be held liable if negligence is proven. Property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions, including regularly inspecting their premises for potential hazards.

To strengthen your case in Des Moines, Iowa, gather evidence such as:

• Photos or videos of the hazardous condition.
• Witness statements from others who saw the condition.
• Maintenance logs showing whether the property was regularly inspected and maintained.

If the hazardous condition had existed for a long time or was obvious, the owner’s claim of unawareness might not absolve them of responsibility.