A slip and fall accident can happen in seconds, but the impact can last a long time. Maybe it was a wet grocery store floor, an icy sidewalk, or a poorly lit stairwell. No matter how it happened, you didn’t deserve to get hurt because someone else didn’t take care of their property. At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we’ve been helping injured Montanans for more than 50 years. We’re a hometown firm with deep Montana roots — not a high-volume operation. When you call us, you’ll talk directly with our attorneys. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Montana Slip and Fall Laws Explained
Slip and fall claims are part of what’s called premises liability law. That just means property owners, landlords, and businesses have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe. When they don’t — and someone gets hurt — they can be held responsible. In Montana, you don’t automatically win a case just because you fell. We have to show that:
-
There was a dangerous condition on the property
-
The owner knew about it, or should have known
-
They didn’t fix it or warn about it
-
You were hurt as a result
That’s where having an experienced Great Falls slip and fall lawyer matters. We know what evidence works, how to document unsafe conditions, and how to prove negligence in Montana courts.
Common Places Slip and Falls Happen
Falls can happen just about anywhere, but some locations are more common than others. We often help clients who were injured in:
-
Stores and supermarkets where spills weren’t cleaned up
-
Apartment buildings with broken steps or missing handrails
-
Parking lots and sidewalks during winter weather
-
Restaurants and bars where floors get slick
-
Office buildings and workplaces with poor lighting or cluttered walkways
If you fell on someone else’s property — whether it’s public, private, or commercial — it’s worth having a lawyer review what happened.
Snow, Ice, and Winter Hazards in Great Falls
Winter in Montana brings its own set of risks. Property owners can’t control the weather, but they can control how they deal with it. When walkways, stairs, and parking lots aren’t cleared of snow and ice, it puts everyone at risk. We see a lot of cases involving:
-
Sidewalks that weren’t shoveled or salted
-
Ice buildup from leaking gutters
-
Icy apartment stairs or ramps
-
Parking lots that were plowed but left dangerously uneven
If you slipped on snow or ice, you might be wondering whether it’s “just an accident” or if someone’s negligence was involved. That’s what we investigate — whether the property owner had time to fix the problem and failed to do it.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause far more than just bruises. Victims often suffer injuries that affect their ability to work, drive, or even perform daily tasks. Common injuries include:
-
Fractured wrists, ankles, or hips
-
Back and neck injuries
-
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
-
Shoulder and knee damage
-
Torn ligaments or tendons
-
Cuts, bruises, and scarring
Even a seemingly simple fall can lead to expensive medical care, physical therapy, and time away from work. We’ll help you recover full compensation for your medical bills and any long-term effects on your health and livelihood.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
After a fall, most people are embarrassed or shaken up, but what you do in those first few minutes can make a big difference later. First, get medical care. Even if you think you’re fine, see a doctor — it protects your health and creates a record of your injuries. Report the fall to the property owner or manager so there’s a paper trail.
If you can, take photos of the area and the hazard that caused you to fall. Get names of any witnesses and hold on to the shoes or clothes you were wearing. Then, call our office. We’ll take it from there — investigating what happened and making sure the insurance company doesn’t try to minimize your claim.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get After A Slip & Fall?
The goal of a slip and fall claim is to get you back on track — financially and physically. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to money for:
-
Medical bills and future treatment
-
Lost income if you had to miss work
-
Reduced earning ability if you can’t go back to your job
-
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
-
Scarring or permanent injuries
Montana follows a “comparative negligence” rule. That means even if you were partly at fault — maybe you didn’t notice a sign or were distracted — you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t mostly responsible.
Talk to a Great Falls Slip and Fall Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, don’t try to handle it alone. Property owners and their insurance companies have lawyers working for them — you should, too. Call Conner, Marr & Pinski today for a free consultation. We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and start working to get you the compensation you deserve. You can reach us online or by phone anytime. You just made the right choice.
FAQs
How do you prove negligence in a slip-and-fall accident case in Montana?
To prove negligence, you need to show that the property owner had a duty to maintain safe conditions, that they failed in this duty, and that this failure led directly to your accident and injuries. This often involves collecting evidence like photos of the hazard, incident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.
How does comparative negligence affect a slip-and-fall claim in Montana?
In Montana, comparative negligence means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible, you can recover 70% of the total damages. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you won’t be eligible for any compensation.
What types of compensation can you claim for a slip-and-fall accident?
You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, you might also pursue damages for long-term disability, scarring, or loss of enjoyment of life.
What steps should you take after a slip-and-fall accident?
First, seek medical attention to document your injuries. Report the accident to the property owner or manager, and collect evidence at the scene if possible—photos, contact information for witnesses, and details of the hazard. Then, consider consulting an attorney to understand your options.
How Long Does a Slip and Fall Case Take To Settle?
The timeline for settling a case can vary widely, depending on the severity of injuries, complexity of the case, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate. Some cases settle in a few months, while others, especially those that go to trial, may take a year or more.
How Are Slip and Fall Settlements Calculated?
Settlements are typically based on economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). The severity of injuries, long-term impacts, and degree of fault can all influence the final amount.
Who Is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Liability generally falls on the property owner, though in some cases, a tenant, maintenance company, or even a government entity might be responsible. Liability depends on where and why the accident occurred and whether the responsible party was negligent.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Slip and Fall?
While there’s no set rule on reporting, it’s advisable to notify the property owner as soon as possible, as this creates an official record. However, the legal statute of limitations for filing a claim in Montana is typically three years from the date of the accident.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Slip and Fall Case?
Settlements vary widely based on the severity of injuries and other factors. Minor cases might settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe injury cases could result in settlements of six figures or more.
