Building code violations like broken railings, blocked fire exits, defective stairwells, or loose flooring often lead to severe injuries in St. Louis. Unfortunately, many people who are hurt in code violation accidents struggle to recover fair compensation. They do not know their rights or how to prove code violations, making it harder for them to hold careless property owners accountable.
At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our personal injury attorneys act fast to protect your rights when you suffer an injury on someone else’s property. We keep our case volume low so clients get direct, easy access to their attorneys.
Our premises liability attorneys share over five decades of injury law experience, and we have won multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. While some other attorneys work to settle cases as fast as possible, we are willing to take your case all the way to trial if necessary to seek maximum compensation for you.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review with an experienced building code violation injury lawyer in St. Louis.
Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Code Violations in St. Louis?
St. Louis property owners are often liable for injuries resulting from code violations. Liability depends in part on who had control over the property. Other potentially responsible parties may also include property managers, tenants, or contractors.
To hold someone liable, you must show that a code violation existed, that it directly caused your injury, and that the responsible party failed to fix the issue or warn you about the danger.
For example, if a staircase did not have a required handrail and you fell, you would need to prove the missing handrail violated safety codes and contributed to your fall. Our St. Louis premises liability lawyers could use inspection records, building plans, photos, and expert testimony to connect the safety violation to your injury.
What Are Common Building Code Violations That Lead to Injuries?
A few examples of building code violations that could cause accidents and severe injuries include:
- Missing or damaged handrails – Stairways without secure handrails increase the risk of severe falls, especially for children and older adults. Building codes often require handrails on stairs with a certain number of steps.
- Uneven or broken flooring – Cracked tiles, loose floorboards, or sudden elevation changes can cause visitors to trip or fall.
- Inadequate lighting – Many codes require a minimum light level for public and shared spaces. Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages can prevent people from seeing hazards in their path.
- Blocked emergency exits – Obstructed or poorly marked exits violate fire safety codes and can lead to injuries during an emergency.
- Noncompliant ramps or stairs – Ramps that are too steep or stairs that lack uniform height can be dangerous and often fail to meet accessibility or construction standards.
- Faulty electrical wiring – Exposed or outdated wiring poses serious risks of electric shocks or fires, particularly in older buildings.
Legal Rights of Victims Hurt by Unsafe Property Conditions
You may have the right to compensation if you suffered an injury because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Missouri law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions, especially in places open to the public or where visitors are expected.
If they failed to address known hazards or warn you about them, they could be liable for your injuries and resulting losses, such as your medical bills and lost income. However, you must act quickly. Under Missouri law, you must file an unsafe property conditions lawsuit within five years of an accident. The sooner you act, the better, since vital evidence can disappear in a short time.
Proving a Premises Liability Case Involving Safety Neglect in St. Louis
To recover compensation after suffering an injury on someone else’s property, you must prove that the owner or another responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your injury. You must also demonstrate that the liable party failed to warn you about the danger or fix it.
Common types of evidence in these cases include:
- Photos or videos of the hazard – Images taken at the scene can show broken steps, missing railings, poor lighting, or other hazards that caused your injury.
- Accident reports – If the incident happened at a business or rental property, a formal report may include key details about the time, location, and potential witnesses.
- Building inspection reports – These documents can reveal prior safety violations or confirm that the property failed to meet building codes.
- Witness statements – Testimony from people who saw the accident or knew about the unsafe condition can support your claim.
- Expert opinions – Engineers, contractors, or safety specialists can explain how the condition violated codes and contributed to your injury.
- Medical records – Documentation of your injuries helps prove the extent of the harm you have suffered while helping to link your injuries to the accident.
Examples of Safety Neglect That Often Cause Accidents
While violations of formal building codes often cause accidents, general neglect can also cause injuries if property owners do not take safety seriously. Common examples of serious safety risks that do not necessarily rise to the level of formal building code violations include:
- Failing to clean up spills or debris
- Ignoring reports of loose flooring or railings
- Missing safety features
- Not replacing burned-out light bulbs in hallways or stairwells
- Letting ice or snow build up on walkways
- Skipping routine safety inspections
- Leaving cords or equipment in walking paths
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Building Code Violation Injury?
Injuries related to code violations usually fall under premises liability law. A successful premises liability claim could include compensation for:
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Current and expected medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Why You Need a St. Louis Injury Lawyer After a Code Violation Accident
Proving a property owner violated building codes or reasonable safety practices requires strong evidence and compelling legal arguments. You also need to deal with insurance adjusters and complex legal procedures.
That is a heavy burden when you are injured, but our experienced premises liability lawyers can protect your rights. We can collect evidence, document your injuries, build a solid case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary.
Sumner Law Group, LLC, is ready to fight for you and seek compensation by holding property owners accountable for safety hazards related to building code violations. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at our law firm.
