One moment, you are walking through a store in one of the West End shopping centers or strolling along the historic streets of downtown Billings. The next, your feet are out from under you, and a sudden, sharp pain radiates through your body as you hit the ground. A slip and fall accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last for months, years, or even a lifetime, leaving you feeling vulnerable, confused, and consumed by medical bills and lost time from work.
When a property owner’s negligence leads to your injury, they should be held accountable. At Rimrock Law, we understand what you are going through. A dedicated Billings slip and fall lawyer from our team is here to listen to your story, protect your rights, and fight for full and fair compensation to help you heal and move forward. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our dedicated injury lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and options, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Why Choose Rimrock Law for Your Billings, MT Slip and Fall Case
When you’re injured and facing an uncertain future, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a dedicated advocate who sees you as a person, not just a case number. At Rimrock Law, our philosophy is simple: “For Us, It's Personal.” We bring this commitment to every client we serve in Billings and across Montana.
While you focus on healing, our team focuses on the fight. Here’s why so many Montanans trust Rimrock Law in a crisis:
- Deep Montana Roots: Our attorneys—Matthew Braukmann, James Dallner, and Phillip Lorenzo—have handled hundreds of personal injury cases right here in Montana. We know the local courts, the judges, and the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims. This homegrown experience is a powerful advantage for your case.
- A Record of Proven Results: With over 40 years of combined experience, our firm has recovered more than $100,000,000 for our clients. We are not afraid to take on large corporations and their insurance carriers. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we are in the strongest possible position to negotiate a fair settlement or win a verdict in court.
- A Compassionate, Team-Based Approach: We believe in working together to achieve the best outcome for you. You will have our entire team’s collective knowledge and resources behind you. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
At Rimrock Law, we handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to access elite legal representation without any financial risk or added stress.
Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case?
This is often the first question on an accident victim’s mind. Just because you fell on someone else’s property doesn’t automatically mean you have a case. The key to a successful slip and fall claim lies in a legal concept called premises liability. In simple terms, premises liability law requires property owners to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their visitors.
To build a strong case, your Billings slip-and-fall attorney must prove that the property owner's negligence caused your accident. This involves demonstrating four key elements:
- The Property Owner Owed You a Duty of Care: In Montana, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises free of unreasonable dangers. This applies to grocery stores, retail shops, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, and even private homes where you are an invited guest. Their duty is to fix known hazards and to regularly inspect the property for potential new ones.
- The Property Owner Breached That Duty: This is the core of the negligence claim. We must show that the owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition that caused your fall but failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you about it.
- Actual Notice: The owner or an employee was aware of the specific hazard, for example, they saw a spill and did nothing.
- Constructive Notice: The hazard existed for such a long period that a reasonably attentive owner should have discovered it during routine checks. For example, a puddle from a leaky freezer on the floor for hours, or a broken stair that had been deteriorating for weeks.
- The Breach of Duty Caused Your Injuries: It’s not enough to show there was a hazard. We must directly link that specific hazard to your fall and the injuries you sustained. For example, your medical records, photos of the scene, and witness statements can help establish that the broken tile, not clumsiness, was the direct cause of your fall and subsequent broken wrist.
- You Suffered Damages as a Result: You must have incurred actual losses because of the injury. These losses, known as damages, can include medical expenses, lost income from being unable to work, pain and suffering, and more. Without demonstrable damages, there is no basis for a claim.
Proving these elements can be complex, as property owners and their insurance companies will often try to argue that you were at fault. They might claim you were distracted, weren’t watching where you were going, or were wearing inappropriate footwear. An experienced slip and fall attorney in Billings will anticipate these tactics and build a robust case supported by strong evidence to counter them.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards
A dangerous condition can take many forms. Our legal team has seen firsthand how quickly a seemingly minor issue can lead to a catastrophic injury. We represent clients who have been hurt due to a wide variety of hazards, including:
- Wet and Slippery Surfaces
- Icy or Snowy Walkways
- Cluttered Aisles and Walkways
- Poor Lighting
- Uneven Surfaces and Damaged Flooring
- Defective Stairs and Handrails
- Unsecured Rugs and Mats
No matter what caused your fall, if it happened because a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled slip and fall accident lawyer in Billing can investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify the responsible party and hold them accountable.
What Damages Are Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims?
A serious fall can impact every aspect of your life, from your health to your finances to your emotional well-being. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation, or "damages," that help make you whole again. At Rimrock Law, we fight tirelessly to ensure you receive a settlement or award that fully accounts for all of your losses.
In a Montana slip and fall case, you may be able to recover compensation for damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all past, current, and future medical costs related to your injury, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost Income: If your injury prevented you from working, you can be compensated for the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injury resulted in a long-term or permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your previous job or earning the same level of income, we can seek damages for this loss of future earnings.
- Rehabilitation Costs: This includes expenses for occupational therapy, vocational training, and other programs needed to help you adapt to life after your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and hardship you have endured because of your injury.
- Emotional Distress: This accounts for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, fear, sleep disturbances, and PTSD.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent scars or physical disfigurement that can affect your self-esteem and confidence.
In the tragic event that a fall leads to a loved one’s death, our firm can also pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Billings Slip and Fall FAQs
After a traumatic accident, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. The legal process can seem confusing, but we are here to provide clear, straightforward answers. Below are some of the most common questions our Billings slip and fall attorneys receive.
What are the first things I should do after a slip and fall accident?
Your health is the top priority, so seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, aren’t immediately obvious. Next, if you are able, report the accident to the property manager or owner and make sure they create an official incident report. Use your phone to take pictures of the exact location and the hazard that caused your fall before it can be cleaned up or fixed. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Finally, contact a slip and fall lawyer before you speak to any insurance adjusters.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Montana?
In Montana, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim within this window, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation. While three years may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and building a strong case takes time. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.
What if my fall happened on government property, like a city park or a public building?
Claims against government entities (city, county, or state) have special rules and much shorter deadlines. Under the Montana Tort Claims Act, you must typically provide a formal “notice of claim” to the correct government agency within 120 days of the injury. Failing to meet this strict deadline can permanently bar your claim. These cases are highly complex, making it essential to work with a lawyer who has experience handling claims against government bodies.
The property owner’s insurance company offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it?
You should be very wary of any early settlement offer from an insurance company. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to resolve the claim for as little money as possible. The first offer is almost always far less than what your case is truly worth and likely won’t account for your future medical needs or long-term pain and suffering.
Never accept an offer, sign any documents, or provide a recorded statement without first consulting with your own Billings slip and fall lawyer.
Contact Our Trusted Billings Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Today
The pain and uncertainty following a serious fall can be unsettling. You may be struggling with physical recovery, facing a mountain of medical bills, and worried about how you will support your family. You do not have to carry this burden alone. Rimrock Law's compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys serving Billings are here to lift it from your shoulders.
We believe that when someone else’s carelessness turns your life upside down, you deserve a team of fierce advocates who will fight to protect your interests. Let the legal team at Rimrock Law be your voice and your strength during this difficult time. While you focus on healing, we will focus on holding the negligent party accountable and securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Your journey to recovery starts with a single phone call. Contact Rimrock Law today at (406) 606-1650 or through our online form for your free, confidential consultation.