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Missoula Premises Liability And Slip And Fall Attorneys
When Unsafe Property Causes An Injury
Stores, landlords, and other property owners in Missoula and Western Montana must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. If you slipped, tripped, or were otherwise injured because someone ignored a dangerous condition, a premises liability claim can help with medical bills and lost income. Bulman, Jones & Cook guides clients through these cases with practical, local insight.
Common Property Hazards We See
Slip and fall injuries often involve wet floors, spilled liquids, or
icy sidewalks that were not treated in time after a Missoula storm. Trip and fall accidents can stem from uneven pavement, broken steps, cluttered aisles, or poor lighting in hallways and parking lots. We also handle cases involving negligent security, dog bites on private property, and other hazards that owners should have addressed.
Proving Fault In A Premises Case
To hold a property owner responsible, we must show they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. Evidence can include store logs,
maintenance records, prior complaints, camera footage, and witness statements. Our team moves quickly to preserve these details before they disappear.
Montana Weather And Local Conditions
In Western Montana, snow, ice, and changing temperatures create recurring
slip hazards in parking lots and on sidewalks. Property owners do not control the weather, but they do control how quickly they shovel, sand, or salt high traffic areas. Bulman, Jones & Cook understands local patterns on streets like Higgins, Brooks, and Reserve, and we factor that real world context into each case.
Premises Liability FAQs
Can I bring a claim if I fell in a store but did not report it right away?
Yes, you can still bring a claim even if you did not file an incident report at the time. It is helpful evidence, but not the only way to prove what happened. We can still use medical records, witness accounts, and photos to support your case.
What if I was hurt on a friend's property?
Many premises claims are paid by homeowner's insurance, not the friend personally. You should not have to shoulder medical bills just to avoid an awkward conversation. We handle matters with care so relationships can stay intact while insurance does its job.
The owner says I was not watching where I was going. Do I still have a case?
Property owners often try to blame the injured person, but that does not end the inquiry. If the hazard was not obvious or could have hurt anyone, you may still recover under Montana's comparative negligence rules. We work to show how the dangerous condition, not simple inattention, caused your fall.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Montana?
Most injury claims in Montana must be filed within a set number of years after the incident. Evidence is easier to gather when you act early, especially video footage and witness memories. Talking with an attorney soon after the fall helps protect your rights.
What if the property owner fixed the problem after my accident?
Fixing a hazard afterwards does not erase the fact that it was dangerous when you were hurt. It can even support the idea that the condition should have been addressed earlier. We rely on photos, witness testimony, and records to show how the area looked at the time of your injury.
Talk To A Missoula Premises Liability Lawyer
If you were injured in a store, restaurant, rental property, or public space in Missoula, Hamilton, Polson, Plains, or surrounding communities, you deserve clear guidance. Bulman, Jones & Cook will evaluate your claim, explain your options, and handle conversations with property owners and their insurers. Call 406 721 7744 or send a message to schedule a free consultation about your premises liability case.