Kansas City has no shortage of places to unwind—boating on the Missouri River, water slides at local amusement parks, dirt biking near Platte Purchase Park. But a fun afternoon can turn serious in seconds when someone acts negligently, skips safety steps, or fails to warn about known hazards.
When a recreational activity turns into a ride to the ER in an ambulance, it’s easy for the liable parties to call it “just an accident.” But most of these incidents could have been prevented with routine inspections, clear warnings, working safety gear, or other basic measures.
A Kansas City recreational accidents lawyer with Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers may be able to help if you or someone close to you is dealing with serious injuries from a recreational accident. We know these aren’t random events, and we've seen how deeply these injuries can affect every aspect of our clients’ lives. We’re here to listen, support you, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Key Takeaways for Kansas City Recreational Accidents Lawyer
- Recreational injuries are often caused by carelessness, poor maintenance, or faulty equipment.
- Kansas City’s rivers, lakes, parks, and trails see several serious recreational injuries each year.
- Accident liability may fall on individuals, businesses, property owners, or manufacturers.
- Many victims are entitled to financial compensation for their medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery needs.
- Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers investigates each case thoroughly and brings in relevant experts to prove liability and damages.
- Our Kansas City attorneys provide compassionate, experienced representation to help you rebuild your life.
Why Choose Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers for Your Recreational Accident Case?
After decades of helping injured clients in Kansas City and throughout Missouri, we’ve learned that legal representation is about much more than litigation. It’s about trust, compassion, and showing up for people when they’re going through the worst time of their lives. Here’s how we stand apart.
Personalized, one-on-one legal care
As a boutique law firm, we only take on a select number of cases so that every client receives personal attention. You’ll work directly with our team and never feel like your case is one of many on a long list. We know the stakes are high for you. That’s a responsibility we take to heart.
History of life-changing results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, including a $30 million carbon monoxide poisoning case and an $11 million bad faith verdict. These outcomes reflect our commitment to securing full, fair compensation in high-stakes injury cases.
Nationally recognized leadership
Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers is known nationwide for its work in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith cases. We are trusted by clients, co-counsel, and referring attorneys for our courtroom skill, attention to detail, and in-depth understanding of insurance company tactics.
We work on a contingency fee basis
You pay nothing unless we win. We front all costs to investigate your case, hire qualified experts, and prepare your claim. This means you can pursue justice without worrying about legal bills during an already difficult time.
Deep Kansas City roots and local insight
Our founding attorneys are Kansas City natives with strong ties to the community. We understand the regional laws, venues, and local conditions that may affect your case, from I-70 ATV trails to summer weekends at Oceans of Fun.
What Types of Recreational Accident Cases Do You Handle?
We represent clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries or lost loved ones in a wide range of recreational settings. Kansas City offers no shortage of lakes, trails, and parks—but when property owners, manufacturers, or operators cut corners, serious harm can follow.
ATV and UTV accidents in Kansas City and beyond
All-terrain vehicle crashes are common in Jackson County and rural Missouri, especially near trail areas like Blue River Glades or Swope Park. Many accidents happen because of defective design, improper maintenance, or rental companies ignoring safety standards.
Boat explosions and fires on Missouri waterways
Kansas City’s proximity to the Missouri River, Longview Lake, and Smithville Lake brings boating injuries into sharp focus. Propane leaks, fuel system failures, and improper maintenance can cause deadly explosions or fires. Boat rental companies and manufacturers may be held liable under both federal and state law.
Drowning and near-drowning injuries
Whether at a hotel pool near the Country Club Plaza or a public splash pad in Independence, drowning accidents often point to poor supervision, lack of safety barriers, or broken equipment. These incidents may also involve municipal liability or premises liability, depending on ownership and operation.
Jet ski collisions and high-speed crashes
Jet skis, also known as personal watercraft (PWC), can reach speeds over 50 mph. On busy summer weekends at Lake Jacomo or Blue Springs Lake, crowded conditions can make operator negligence or inexperience especially dangerous. Injuries often include blunt trauma, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
Water slide and water park injuries
Large Kansas City-area amusement and water parks draw thousands of visitors each summer. Inadequate staff training, defective slide design, and failure to follow state pool safety regulations can turn a fun day out into a tragedy.
Who May Be Legally Responsible for a Recreational Injury?
Determining liability in these cases isn’t always straightforward. Several parties may share legal responsibility for your injury. At Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers, we conduct extensive investigations to identify all potentially liable individuals or companies and pursue claims on your behalf. Parties that may be held liable, depending on your case, include:
- Property owners, for failing to maintain safe conditions or warn about known hazards
- Rental companies, for ignoring safety rules, skipping inspections, or renting out damaged equipment
- Manufacturers, for defective vehicles or recreational equipment (including failure to warn)
- Event organizers, for inadequate crowd control or emergency response plans
- Operators or supervisors, for acting recklessly or ignoring rules
We also examine whether liability waivers were properly drafted or enforceable under Missouri or Kansas law. In many cases, signing a waiver does not eliminate your right to file a lawsuit, especially if gross negligence was involved.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A serious recreational injury often leads to more than just immediate medical bills. In Missouri, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of losses tied to your accident.
These may include:
- Medical expenses related to emergency care, surgery, rehab, and future treatment
- Lost income if you missed work or can no longer return to your job
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, which may affect your quality of life
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Every case is different, and we work to make sure your compensation reflects the full scope of your injuries—both now and in the years ahead.
Common Injuries in Kansas City Recreational Accidents
Recreational injuries can have permanent consequences. Our firm focuses on serious and catastrophic injury cases, including those involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Severe burns from explosions or fires
- Drowning and hypoxic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding or crushed organs
- Amputations and orthopedic trauma
If you or your loved one was hospitalized at Truman Medical Center, Saint Luke’s Hospital, Research Medical Center, or another Kansas City hospital, your treatments and medical records form the backbone of your personal injury claim.
What to Do After a Recreational Injury in Kansas City
If you’ve already sought medical attention for yourself or your loved one, you’ve taken the most important first step. Now, there are a few other steps you can take to protect your legal rights and strengthen your case.
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible: A skilled attorney can begin investigating right away, preserving evidence and speaking with witnesses.
- Follow your treatment plan: Continue all prescribed therapy and attend every medical appointment. Gaps in care can hurt your case.
- Keep a recovery journal: Write or record how the injury affects your daily life, including pain levels, mental health, and lost opportunities.
- Save all paperwork: Keep receipts, hospital bills, and correspondence from insurance companies or third parties.
- Avoid posting on social media: Even casual updates can be used against you by insurance defense attorneys.
How Missouri Law Affects Your Recreational Injury Claim
Missouri law plays a major role in how your injury claim is handled and how much compensation you may be able to recover. If your accident happened in Kansas City, Missouri, here’s what you should know.
Fault laws impact your compensation
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly or mostly at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault, your total recovery would be reduced by 30%.
This rule underscores the importance of working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kansas City who can push back on an insurance company’s efforts to pin undue blame for the accident on you.
Missouri’s statute of limitations
You have five years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim in Missouri. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is typically three years. Some exceptions may apply, such as when the injury isn’t immediately discovered or when minors are involved, but it’s always best to act quickly to preserve your claim.
No caps on most damages
Missouri does not place a cap on non-economic damages such as pain and suffering in most personal injury cases. That means your recovery is based on the facts of your case, not an arbitrary legal limit. This can make a significant difference in cases involving long-term injuries or life-altering trauma.
Working with a firm deeply familiar with Missouri personal injury law can make the difference between a partial recovery and a full, well-supported claim. Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers knows how to build strong, evidence-based cases that hold up under scrutiny.
FAQs: Recreational Accident Cases in Missouri
What if I signed a liability waiver before the accident?
Waivers are not always enforceable, especially if gross negligence or reckless behavior was involved. Missouri courts will often closely examine whether the waiver was properly worded and voluntarily signed. Don’t assume you have no case because of a form you signed.
How much does it cost to hire a recreational injury lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We only collect if we win your case. During your consultation, we’ll explain exactly how fees and costs work, so there are no surprises.
Can I sue a city or government agency for a recreational injury?
Yes, but special rules apply. Claims against public entities like city-owned parks or public pools often require filing a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe, sometimes within 90 or 180 days. If you suspect a public agency may be responsible, contact us right away.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t report the accident right away?
Yes, but waiting too long can make your case more difficult. In recreational settings, there may not be a formal accident report like there would be for a car crash. If you didn’t notify a manager, property owner, or rental company at the time, it’s still possible to move forward, but document everything you can now. Photos, medical records, witness statements, and your own notes can help fill in the gaps.
What if the company blamed me for “assuming the risk”?
In Missouri, "assumption of risk" is sometimes raised as a defense, especially in recreational injury cases. But that doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.
The key question is whether the risk that caused your injury was obvious and whether you were adequately warned. If a business knew about a hidden hazard and failed to fix it or warn you, they can still be held liable.
Are there safety regulations for Missouri recreational businesses?
Yes. Depending on the type of activity, different safety standards and regulations may apply. For example, water parks and pools must comply with Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services rules for water quality, signage, and lifeguard staffing. Boat rental companies must follow U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements. Any violations of these important safety rules could support your case.
A Local Law Firm That Takes Your Injury Personally
We care about the work we do because we’ve seen the ripple effects these injuries cause. A serious accident at a lake, trail, or park may not make national headlines, but for the person injured and their family, nothing is ever the same.
We’ve visited parents with severely injured children, spouses who’ve lost partners, and individuals learning how to live with lifelong injuries. When you hear those stories nearly every day, it changes you. You start seeing your neighbors, your friends, your own family.
That’s what drives us. We want to hold careless parties accountable, not just for you, but to prevent the next person from going through the same devastating injuries and losses.
Kansas City Recreational Accident Lawyers Who Know How to Win
If someone else’s poor choices left you with medical bills, pain, or the unthinkable loss of a loved one, you deserve answers. You also deserve a team that will fight for everything you’re entitled to under the law.
Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers handles serious recreational accident cases across Missouri and Kansas, including:
- ATV and UTV accidents
- Boat explosions and collisions
- Drowning injuries at pools, lakes, and hotels
- Jet ski crashes
- Water slide and water park incidents
- Snowmobile and dirt bike crashes
- Accidents involving defective or poorly maintained equipment
We focus exclusively on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. If your injuries require surgery, long-term care, or have permanently affected your life, we are the firm to call.
We bring deep investigative resources, seasoned legal strategy, and a powerful record of results. Whether your case involves private property, a commercial entity, or a government body, we’ll build a claim that reflects the true impact this injury has had on your life.
Your Battle Is Our Battle. Call Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers Today
If you’ve been seriously hurt in a recreational accident, the road ahead may be daunting. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let our Kansas City recreational accident lawyers take the lead. Contact us at (816) 931-4611 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen, offer a plan, and help you move forward.
Contact Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers immediately after any Recreational accident to discuss your legal rights