Des Moines Slip & Fall Lawyer

Fighting For Slip & Fall Accident Victims in Iowa

Unexpectedly sliding on or tripping over something can result in serious injuries. For this reason, the property owner has a duty to maintain the premises in a safe condition and to warn visitors about potential hazards. You deserve compensation from a property owner who breached this important obligation.

Hope Law Firm represents clients in all of Iowa in premises liability claims involving trips and falls and slip and falls. Our Des Moines slip and fall lawyers can investigate what caused an accident and collect evidence to link the accident to the injuries.

If you sustained an injury, you can turn to Hope Law Firm for recovery. Call (515) 298-5056 now to get started with a free initial consultation with our slip & fall lawyer in Des Moines.

What Compensation is Available For a Slip & Fall Accident Claim?

We pursue the maximum possible damages to cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished future earning capacity
• Disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

How to Prove Property Owner Negligence

Businesses are responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions about which they knew or should have known. Owners have an obligation to regularly inspect the premises, to repair dangerous conditions, and to warn customers until the problem can be rectified. Defendants commonly claim that they did not know and had no way of knowing about the hazardous condition. Our law firm counters the defense with strong evidence to the contrary.

For example, if you slipped on spilled milk in the grocery store, we might present photographs and eyewitness testimony about the accident scene that show how long the milk was on the floor. Such evidence might show that: the milk had spread outward, that it had turned a brownish color and congealed, and that people walked through the liquid.

Our lawyers strategically use evidence of the length of time a dangerous situation persisted to prove failure to inspect the premises, one of the primary elements in a premises liability claim.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

If businesses fulfill their duty to inspect their property and perform regular repairs, dangerous conditions are usually quickly noticed.

Trips, slips, and falls often result from:

• Icy steps and sidewalks
• Spilled liquids in supermarket aisles
• Slick material used to construct floors
• Cracked and uneven pavement
• Unattached rugs
• Electrical cables strewn across walkways
• Obstructions left in the paths of customers
• Broken stairways and railings

Businesses are responsible for keeping objects from toppling and falling on people. An over-stacked shelf, an unsecured AC unit, and poorly constructed scaffolding pose serious dangers to the public.

Common Injuries in Slip & Fall Accidents

Common injuries include the following:

• Fractures and broken bones: Wrists, hips, and ankles are especially vulnerable during falls. Hip fractures, in certain, often require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Head injuries: A sudden fall can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions or more severe brain damage. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can impact memory, mood, and cognitive function.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: Falls could cause slipped or herniated discs, spinal fractures, or even paralysis in severe cases.
• Soft tissue injuries: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and deep bruising may not be visible but can lead to long-term discomfort and limited mobility.
• Cuts and abrasions: Falling on hard or rough surfaces can result in painful scrapes and lacerations, which sometimes require stitches or leave scars.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip & Fall Accident Claim in Iowa?

In Iowa, the law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes slip and fall accidents. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a case against the responsible party.

Failing to file within this timeframe generally leads to losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries. While two years may seem like a long time, building your case as soon as possible is important. Valuable evidence—such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, and documentation of hazardous conditions—can quickly disappear.

An experienced attorney can help determine how Iowa law applies to your case and ensure all procedural requirements are met.

Contact us today to get started with our slip & fall accident lawyer in Des Moines.