Slip & Fall

When you are out shopping, visiting a recreational space, or running errands as part of your daily routine, you reasonably expect that the places you frequent have kept their property safe and well-maintained for the public. If a property owner fails to keep their space free of hazardous conditions, accidents may occur. Slip & fall accidents can be devastating, impacting a person’s health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

At Countryman Injury Law, we provide compassionate legal representation to victims of slip & fall accidents in Washington. Through our creative approach to premises liability cases, we have successfully secured full and fair compensation for countless individuals. If you were the victim of an accident caused by the negligence of another person or business, we are here to help. To speak with an experienced attorney about your case, consider connecting with our team at (425) 492-5554 today.

What Is Premises Liability?

According to Section 59.18.060 of the Revised Code of Washington, landlords have a legal responsibility to keep their property safe and usable. Premises liability is an umbrella term that is used to describe a variety of legal claims that can arise from dangerous conditions on another person’s property. In essence, if a person is injured due to unsafe property conditions, they may initiate a premises liability claim and recover compensation.

Slip & fall injuries are a common source of premises liability claims. These injuries typically occur due to slippery floors, uneven ground, or hazardous walkways on another person’s property. Perhaps a business failed to keep their floors clean and hazard-free, and an innocent person slipped and fell as a result. If that person sustained injuries due to the accident, they may have a premises liability claim.

Examples of Slip & Fall Accidents in Washington

At Countryman Injury Law, we have represented countless slip & fall victims. The following are some common examples of slip & fall accidents that we have encountered throughout our years practicing this area of the law:

Slippery supermarket floors. Slip & fall accidents are exceedingly common in supermarkets, where tiles can become slippery due to dropped liquids or the misting systems that are used to keep vegetables fresh. Regardless of the reason, if the store created unsafe conditions for customers, the business may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Hazardous parking lots. Parking lots are often the home of debris, uneven pavement, inadequate lighting, or snow/ice that can cause a person to slip and fall on the premises.
Uneven sidewalks. Loose concrete or uneven sidewalks may cause a person to slip and fall. In these situations, the homeowner, landlord, or business that is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks on their property may be held liable.
Exposed wiring or other tripping hazards. This issue is particularly common on construction sites, where exposed wiring, machinery, or equipment may be improperly secured and cause a person to trip and fall.

Slip & fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to amusement parks to swimming pools. Regardless of where your accident occurred, if another person or business failed to maintain their property, you may be able to hold them liable for any resulting damages.

What Are Common Injuries Associated with Slip & Fall Accidents?

Hitting the ground suddenly in a slip & fall accident can cause a range of serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with these accidents include:

Back and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Cuts and lacerations
Wrist injuries
Ankle and knee injuries
Chronic pain

These injuries can be minor or severe in nature and may impact your overall quality of life. Your health and wellbeing is the most important priority, but between mounting medical bills and lost income from missing work, you may be left feeling overwhelmed. For this reason, seeking compensation for your losses is essential after experiencing a slip & fall accident.

What Damages Are Available in Slip & Fall Lawsuits?

If you were the victim of a slip & fall accident, you may be able to recover damages to offset the costs and expenses associated with your injury. These damages can be either economic or non-economic, depending on the facts of your case. Economic damages refer to compensation for “objectively quantifiable” losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are designed to compensate a person for their pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, emotional distress, and other subjective factors.

Why Should I Seek Assistance from an Experienced Attorney?

After sustaining an injury on another person’s property, it is important to seek assistance from an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Based on Washington’s statute of limitations laws, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long to begin your legal action can hinder your ability to recover compensation. Your attorney will ensure that your slip & fall lawsuit is filed quickly, efficiently, and in adherence to the legal standards set forth in Washington’s statutory codes.

An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through every stage of the legal process, advocating for your rights and interests at every step. They will assist you when filing your lawsuit, gathering necessary evidence to prove fault, and negotiating the maximum settlement available in your case. Overall, having a slip & fall lawyer in your corner is key to ensuring that your case is resolved successfully and that you receive the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.

Securing Compensation with Countryman Injury Law

No person should be left to deal with the consequences of a slip & fall injury on their own. Fortunately, there are legal protections put in place to provide compensation for victims of these accidents. Successfully securing this compensation, however, can be a complex and difficult process. At Countryman Injury Law, we defend the rights of slip & fall victims. When you work with our team, you can rest easy knowing that we will prioritize your needs and take all measures necessary to win your case. To learn more about how we can help, consider scheduling a free consultation with our team at (425) 492-5554 today.