Stephen Schultz | June 27, 2025 | Personal Injury
Stephens Lake Park is a favorite spot for families, joggers, pet owners, and kids enjoying the outdoors. Most visits are safe and uneventful, but sometimes, hazards like a loose brick, a broken swing, or a slippery walkway after rain can turn a peaceful day into a painful one. If you’ve been injured at the park, it’s important to know the right steps to take.
This article will look at the key steps you should take after an injury at Stephens Lake Park, including how to document the incident, seek medical attention, report the hazard, and protect your legal rights.
What Types of Hazards May Lead to Injuries in the Park?
Parks are meant to be peaceful and enjoyable, not hazardous, but accidents can and do happen. Cracked walking trails, raised pavement from tree roots, rotting railings, and missing warning signs are just a few examples of dangers that may be present. A child might slip and fall on a loose board at the playground, a jogger could slip on moss-covered paths, or a park bench might give way beneath a visitor.
While Columbia’s parks department works diligently to maintain public spaces, natural wear and tear from weather, time, and heavy use can take a toll. When these issues aren’t addressed promptly, they can lead to serious injuries.
When and Why a City May Be Liable for Unsafe Conditions
When a city owns public property, it also carries the responsibility for keeping it safe. If city employees knew—or reasonably should have known—about a hazardous condition and failed to address it, the city may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Under Missouri law, it is possible to file a personal injury claim against a municipality, but there are strict legal requirements. You must be able to prove negligence, and you must adhere to specific notice and filing deadlines. That’s why it’s critical to document the scene, your injuries, and any contributing hazards as thoroughly as possible.
What You Should Do After an Injury in a Park
Your safety comes first. Move out of danger and call 911 if you need immediate medical assistance.
Once you’re safe, begin documenting the scene:
- Take clear photos of the area where the injury occurred, including the hazard and your injuries.
- Save any clothing or shoes you were wearing, as they may serve as important evidence.
- Report the incident to Columbia Parks and Recreation as soon as possible.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Next, seek prompt medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms may take days to appear. Keep detailed records of all medical bills, test results, and prescriptions. Acting quickly and preserving evidence will strengthen any potential injury claim.
Who May Be Held Liable for Unsafe Conditions in a Park?
Liability depends on the specific circumstances of your injury—where it occurred, how it happened, and who was responsible for maintaining the area. If the hazard involved city-owned property or equipment, the City of Columbia may be liable. However, private contractors are sometimes hired to maintain certain parts of the park, and if their negligence played a role, they could also share responsibility.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine who’s at fault by reviewing maintenance records, examining contracts, and conducting a thorough investigation. Identifying the right party is a crucial step in building a strong claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Park Injury
An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to build a strong case from the start. They’ll gather key evidence—including medical records, photographs, city maintenance reports, and a detailed timeline of events. They can also interview witnesses, consult with expert specialists, and ensure every critical detail is documented.
Most importantly, a skilled lawyer will identify potential weaknesses in your case and proactively address them, preventing the other side from using them against you. Their guidance can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured at Stephens Lake Park, please contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur. No fees. No pressure. Just honest advice. Tell us what happened, and we’ll walk through your options.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
