Seattle Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall accident occurs when you lose your balance and suddenly drop to the floor or other surfaces. You can slip when you lose traction on a slippery surface, or you may trip over an obstacle in a walkway, causing you to fall. Falls are one of the most common causes of injury and death in the home and at work, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek compensation when you suffer from a slip and fall injury due to another’s negligence. At Herschensohn Law, our Seattle slip and fall lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you recover from your losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable For My Slip And Fall Injury?
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall injury, one of the first questions that may come to mind is who can be held liable. Determining responsibility is essential for pursuing compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we frequently answer questions about liability and legal responsibility in these types of cases. Below, we provide some straightforward answers to help you understand the basics.
Who Is Typically Liable For A Slip And Fall Injury?
The most common party held liable in a slip and fall injury is the property owner or manager. This includes business owners, landlords, or homeowners, depending on where the accident occurred. Property owners are generally required to maintain safe conditions for visitors, and if they fail to do so, they may be responsible for your injuries. However, liability can also depend on whether the dangerous condition that caused the fall was known, or should have been known, by the property owner. A Seattle Slip and Fall lawyer can help evaluate the specifics of your case to determine if the property owner is at fault.
Can A Landlord Be Held Liable For A Tenant’s Slip And Fall?
Yes, in certain situations, a landlord can be held liable for a tenant’s slip and fall injury. This is usually the case if the landlord was responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred, such as common areas in an apartment building, stairwells, or sidewalks. If the landlord failed to make repairs or address hazards they knew about or should have known about, they may be held liable. A Seattle Slip and Fall lawyer can review your rental agreement and the circumstances of your injury to assess whether the landlord may be responsible.
What If I Slip And Fall In A Store Or Business?
If you slip and fall in a store or business, the owner or the company managing the property may be liable for your injury. Businesses have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for customers. This includes cleaning up spills, maintaining clear walkways, and posting warning signs for potential hazards like wet floors. If they fail to do so and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds for a claim. It’s important to gather evidence, such as photographs of the scene and witness statements, to strengthen your case.
Can The Government Be Held Liable For A Slip And Fall Accident?
In some cases, government entities can be held liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on public property, such as sidewalks, parks, or government buildings. However, filing a claim against a government entity can be more complicated than suing a private party. There are specific procedures and shorter deadlines that must be followed. In Seattle, slip and fall claims against the government must comply with Washington’s Tort Claims Act. It’s recommended to work with a Seattle Slip and Fall lawyer to help navigate this process and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.
What If I Was Partially At Fault For My Slip And Fall?
Even if you were partially at fault for your slip and fall accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. Washington follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. A lawyer can help you determine the extent of your liability and ensure that your case is fairly evaluated.
At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients in Seattle determine who is responsible for their slip and fall injuries and pursue compensation. If you’ve been injured, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’re injured falling on someone else’s property, you have a legal right to seek compensation from the responsible party. Our slip and fall attorneys in Seattle, WA can help you seek compensation from the responsible party.
Seattle Injury Attorneys With a Reputation for Success
The injury attorneys at Herschensohn Law have dedicated years of practice to slip and fall victims in Seattle, Kent, and across King County. We can aggressively advocate for your fair compensation in insurance negotiations and the courtroom.
Our lawyers have successfully pursued millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including slip and fall accidents on commercial property and in the workplace.
No Upfront Costs for Legal Representation
When you work with Herschensohn Law, you receive an initial case review with no cost or obligation. You pay nothing for our legal services until we achieve a favorable settlement or verdict for your slip and fall claim.
Slip and fall accidents can cause debilitating injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord injury, broken limbs, or even permanent impairment. You could require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term medical treatment.
Any injury from a slip and fall accident can result in expensive medical bills, lost work, physical pain, and emotional distress. At Herschensohn Law, our Seattle slip and fall attorneys can help you recover financially from these losses.
Factors That Could Affect Your Slip and Fall Settlement Value
Every slip and fall case has unique characteristics that affect the potential settlement value, such as:
- The extent and severity of your injuries
- Whether you require surgery
- Whether you need extended physical therapy
- The length of your recovery period
- Whether the injury caused a long-term or permanent disability
- Whether you require assistive devices, prosthetics, or long-term care
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, the personal injury lawyers at Herschensohn Law can guide you through the legal process.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from your workplace to the local grocery store. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:
- Slippery surfaces from ice, snow, and water
- Loose rugs, mats, and floor coverings
- Clutter in walkways, stairs, and lobbies
- Unsafe portable ladders or step stools
- Poor lighting and lack of visibility
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
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“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
When you visit a retail establishment, office building, or other property, the owner or manager of that property has to maintain safe premises, per Washington State law. The property owner or manager may be responsible for your slip and fall accident if:
- They allowed a known dangerous condition to exist.
- They did not attempt to repair or warn of a known dangerous condition.
- They should reasonably have known that the condition posed a danger.
- They failed to take any steps to prevent injury.
Duty of Care for Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
The duty of care owed by the property manager or owner can differ for the property’s invitees, licensees, or trespassers.
- Invitees
An invitee is on the property with the owner’s permission. Their presence either provides an economic benefit to the owner or the property is open to the public. The property owner or manager must maintain safe premises for invitees. They must also inspect the property regularly for potential hazards. If the owner discovers a hazard, they must repair the problem or post a clear warning.
- Licensees
Licensees are permitted on the property by express or implied invitation for non-business purposes (a social visit, for example). The owner of the property must create a safe environment or warn of known hazards but does not have to inspect the property for potentially dangerous conditions.
- Trespassers
Property owners have no duty of care to adult trespassers on the property without their permission. However, the attractive nuisance doctrine may apply if the trespasser is a child. The attractive nuisance doctrine requires owners to eliminate or warn of potential hazards that may attract children.
Exceptions for Recreational Facilities
Per RCW 4.24.210, recreational property owners in Washington State carry less responsibility for individuals who use the property for certain outdoor activities. Visitors who engage in these activities are expected to understand the inherent risks. However, the property owner must still correct or conspicuously warn of any known dangerous artificial latent conditions.
The Seattle slip and fall attorneys at Herschensohn Law can help you understand how these designations affect your claim.
If you or someone you love suffered a slip and fall injury while on someone else’s property, you could recover financial compensation for your losses. RCW 4.16.080 establishes a statute of limitations of three years for personal injury claims, so it is important to speak with our attorneys as soon as possible following your accident.
Contact our Seattle slip and fall lawyers online or call (206) 588-4344 today to discuss your case. At Herschensohn Law, we can help you understand your legal rights after a slip and fall accident in a free, no-obligation consultation.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
We’re proud to fight—and win—for injured people in Kent, Washington. View our case results to learn more.
References
- Washington State Department of Transportation. (2019). Crashes Involving – Motorcycles. Retrieved from https://remoteapps.wsdot.wa.gov/highwaysafety/collision/data/portal/public
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.