Most people don’t realize how serious a slip and fall accident can be until it happens to them or someone they love. You’re walking into a store or leaving an apartment building, and in a flash, you’re on the ground, in pain, unsure how badly you’re hurt, or what even happened.
At Yellowstone Law, our Billings slip and fall lawyers help people who’ve been injured because someone else failed to take safety seriously. Whether you suffered from head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or something else, you should never be left to deal with the consequences alone. Our legal team can investigate your case, explore your best legal options, and help you move forward with confidence.
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Tale of Contents
- Why Choose Yellowstone Law for Your Billings Slip and Fall Claim?
- Slip and Fall Claims in Billings, Montana: A Legal Overview
- Hazards That Commonly Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Billings
- Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be More Serious Than They Seem
- Do You Have a Valid Billings Slip and Fall Claim?
- Who’s Responsible? Determining Liability After a Fall in Billings
- Legal Status Matters: Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers in Montana
- What Is Your Case Worth? A Look at Damages in Slip and Fall Claims
- Why Act Quickly? Montana’s Deadline for Filing a Claim
- Questions People Often Ask About Slip and Fall Lawyers in Billings, MT
- Get Real Help From a Local Legal Team You Can Trust
- Take Control of Your Case: Talk to a Billings Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose Yellowstone Law for Your Billings Slip and Fall Claim?
Choosing the right legal team after a serious fall can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Yellowstone Law, we know what it takes to win in Montana courts and against insurance companies that undervalue slip and fall injuries.
Over 81 years of combined experience
Slip and fall cases are rarely straightforward. Proving liability requires a deep understanding of Montana’s premises liability laws and how they apply to private, commercial, and public spaces. Our team of personal injury attorneys and support staff brings decades of combined legal experience to every case, along with an extensive knowledge of the Billings area and local courts.
Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
Our firm has secured more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, including those harmed by unsafe conditions on others’ property. While no two cases are alike, our results speak to our commitment and ability to build strong cases.
No upfront fees, ever
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue your claim without added financial pressure.
Focused on your well-being
From day one, our team takes care of the legal details so you can focus on recovering. We maintain regular communication, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you always know what’s happening with your case.
Slip and Fall Claims in Billings, Montana: A Legal Overview
Montana sees more fatal falls than most other states per capita, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while slip and fall injuries are often brushed off as minor, they can lead to lifelong complications, especially for older adults.
Slip and fall accidents fall under a broader category of personal injury law known as premises liability. These claims arise when a person is injured due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property.
Montana property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for guests, customers, and tenants. When they fail to do so, and someone gets injured, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries and financial losses.
A slip and fall accident claim might be appropriate if:
- A hazardous condition existed on the property.
- The person responsible for maintaining the property knew or should have known about it.
- The property owner or other responsible party failed to correct or warn about a known hazard.
- You were injured as a result.
These cases are common in grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, and even private homes. Proving liability often depends on documenting the hazard and how long it existed before your fall.
Hazards That Commonly Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Billings
Falls are often the result of neglected hazards that could have been easily fixed or marked. In a city like Billings, where winter weather adds extra risk, property owners must stay on top of both indoor and outdoor safety.
Here are some of the most common conditions that contribute to dangerous slip and fall accidents:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, recent mopping, or tracked-in moisture from rain or snow
- Cracked pavement or uneven sidewalks, especially near business entrances and parking lots
- Loose floor mats or frayed carpeting that bunch up or slide unexpectedly underfoot
- Ice and snow buildup on walkways, stairs, and entry areas that haven’t been cleared or salted
- Poor lighting in stairwells, parking garages, and hallways that hides tripping hazards
- Cluttered aisles or debris in stores, walkways, or common areas of apartment buildings
- Broken railings or loose handrails on staircases that give way when leaned on
In Billings, the city’s Municipal Code § 22-406 requires property owners and occupants to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after snowfall ends. This applies to both residential and commercial properties.
If ice cannot be removed, the code states that “sand, salt, or other suitable substance shall be spread to minimize danger” until it can be safely cleared. Failing to comply may not only violate the law but also support a negligence claim when someone is injured as a result.
Each of these hazards presents a foreseeable risk, especially for seniors or people with mobility issues. When a property owner fails to remove these dangers or post clear warnings, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur.
Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be More Serious Than They Seem
Many people assume falls only cause bumps or bruises. In reality, falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury in the United States, and the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. The National Floor Safety Institute reports that slip and fall accidents account for over one million emergency room visits annually.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head trauma from blows to the head
- Broken wrists, hips, or ankles from trying to catch a fall
- Back and spinal cord injuries that may require surgery or therapy
- Soft tissue damage, like sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
Older adults are especially vulnerable. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in seniors and often result in long-term care needs or mobility loss. Even younger people can suffer life-changing injuries, especially if the fall impacts the spine or head.
Do You Have a Valid Billings Slip and Fall Claim?
You might have a valid slip and fall case if your injuries occurred on someone else’s property due to a hazard that should have been corrected or warned about. In Montana, property owners owe varying duties of care depending on your status on the property—but generally, they must take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
To strengthen your claim, it’s important to document your injuries and take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Hire a lawyer to guide you and protect your rights
- Keep all medical appointments and follow treatment plans closely
- Write or record how your injury affects daily life, including pain levels, mobility issues, or missed work
- Preserve clothing and shoes worn during the fall
- Photograph visible injuries and any lingering bruises or swelling
Documenting these details helps your Billings slip and fall accident attorney show the impact of the fall and build a stronger case for compensation.
Who’s Responsible? Determining Liability After a Fall in Billings
In a Montana slip and fall claim, liability often hinges on who was in charge of maintaining the property where you were injured. This could be a business, a landlord, a government agency, or even a private homeowner. Each has different legal responsibilities under state law, and each case requires a close look at who had control over the area where the fall occurred.
For example, a store owner may be liable for not cleaning up a spill in an aisle. A landlord might be liable for failing to fix a loose stair rail in a common area. In some cases, both a tenant and a property owner could share responsibility.
When our Billings slip and fall accident attorneys investigate your claim, we gather evidence like incident reports, maintenance logs, video surveillance, and witness statements to determine who was responsible and whether they acted reasonably under the circumstances.
Legal Status Matters: Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers in Montana
Your legal status at the time of the fall can influence how your case is handled. Montana premises liability law recognizes three main categories of people on a property:
- Invitees are typically customers or clients visiting a business. They are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must inspect for hazards and fix or warn about them.
- Licensees are social guests or visitors with permission to be on the property. Owners must warn them of known dangers.
- Trespassers generally aren’t owed a duty of care, but owners still must avoid intentionally harming them.
Most slip and fall victims are invitees or licensees. If you’re unsure how you’re classified under the law, a Billings slip and fall accident lawyer can explain how your legal status might affect your case.
What Is Your Case Worth? A Look at Damages in Slip and Fall Claims
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on how seriously you were injured and how those injuries affected your life. While every case is different, victims may be able to pursue compensation for a range of losses.
Slip and fall damages often include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost income, if you missed work or cannot return to your job
- Reduced earning capacity, if your injuries limit your ability to earn at the same level in the future
- Pain and suffering, both physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term care needs
- Out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation to medical appointments
Calculating these damages requires a detailed understanding of your injuries, your prognosis, and the financial impact on your future. At Yellowstone Law, we work with doctors, vocational experts, and economists to build a strong case for compensation when these accidents result in serious or catastrophic injuries.
Why Act Quickly? Montana’s Deadline for Filing a Claim
In Montana, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim, including for slip and fall accidents. This is called the statute of limitations and is outlined under Montana Code Annotated § 27-2-204. If you miss this deadline, your claim may be dismissed entirely—even if it’s strong.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as when the injured person is a minor or the claim involves a government agency. But in most cases, the clock starts ticking on the date of the fall.
Speaking with a Billings slip and fall accident attorney as soon as possible helps preserve your rights and gives your legal team time to gather key evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
Questions People Often Ask About Slip and Fall Lawyers in Billings, MT
How long do slip and fall cases usually take to resolve?
Every case is different, but many slip and fall claims in Montana are resolved within several weeks, especially if the injuries are well-documented and the facts are clear. More complex cases may take longer, depending on medical recovery and how cooperative the insurance company is. Working with an experienced attorney can speed up the process by keeping your case organized, focused, and ready for trial if insurers refuse to offer you a fair deal.
What happens if I was partially at fault for the fall?
Montana uses a modified comparative negligence rule (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-1-702). You may still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. A skilled Billings premises liability lawyer can challenge unfair blame from insurers or property owners and help minimize the impact of shared fault on your claim.
Can I sue the city or county if I fell on public property?
Yes, but there are special procedures and shorter deadlines for claims against government entities. For example, you must file a notice of claim under Montana’s Tort Claims Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-9-301 et seq.) before suing.
Do I need to prove the property owner knew about the hazard?
In most cases, yes. You’ll need to show that the owner either knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it in a reasonable timeframe. That’s one reason hiring a lawyer early is so important. We help collect the right documentation and testimony to prove this.
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall lawyer in Billings?
At Yellowstone Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows injured people to access legal help without taking on more financial risk.
Get Real Help From a Local Legal Team You Can Trust
There’s no substitute for local experience when it comes to personal injury law. At Yellowstone Law, we don’t just know the statutes—we know the courts, the community, and how insurance companies operate to reduce or deny claims here in Billings.
We’ve helped thousands of people recover after serious falls caused by negligence. Our team handles every detail of your case, from investigating unsafe conditions to negotiating with insurers and preparing for trial if needed. With decades of experience and millions of dollars recovered for injured Montanans in the Billings area, we’re here to fight for you.
Slip and fall injuries can have lasting consequences. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on getting better.
Take Control of Your Case: Talk to a Billings Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
Shane D. Colton, Billings Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
If you were injured because someone failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition, you may have a valid slip and fall claim under Montana law. Let the team at Yellowstone Law review your situation and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Reach out today by calling (406) 259-9986 or contact us online for a free consultation. There’s no cost to talk with us and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Yellowstone Law – Office Location
310 Grand Avenue,
Billings, MT 59101
Call Now For A Free Consultation(406) 259-9986