The Ups & Downs of Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries incurred from falls or dangerous conditions on land or in buildings are perhaps the most common accidental injuries in the United States. Property owners in Washington State bear a significant responsibility to maintain safe and hazard-free premises for residents, visitors, and patrons alike. Whether it’s a commercial property or private residence, property owners are obliged to promptly address dangers, maintain the property in a safe condition, and provide adequate warnings of potential risks. Tragically, not all property owners are diligent in this regard, leading to hazardous slip and fall accidents that can have life-altering consequences.
This area of the law is complex. There are many variables which go into the analysis of whether the facts of the case are sufficient to take the matter to a jury. Each case must be evaluated on its own because of the complexity of the issues. Should you become a victim of such a mishap in Washington State, it is recommended that you obtain an attorney’s opinion. BFR Injury Lawyers stand ready to assist you in pursuing justice. With our seasoned team of Washington-based lawyers, we can support you in your legal battle against negligent property owners and help you obtain the financial restitution to which you are entitled.
Why BFR Injury Lawyers Are the Right Choice for Your Washington Slip and Fall Case
- Proven Track Record: Our personal injury lawyers have demonstrated success in complex cases, recovering significant compensation for clients over the years.
- Comprehensive Medical Support: BFR Injury Lawyers offer a unique advantage with a dedicated medical department to facilitate your recovery, arrange for specialist consultations, and collect essential medical evidence.
- Fair Fee Structure: We take pride in our contingency fee system, which ensures you pay nothing unless we win your case, and then only an agreed-upon percentage of your award.
Understanding the Damages Available to Slip and Fall Victims in Washington
Slip and fall accidents may cause severe physical harm, ranging from fractures to spinal cord injuries, or even traumatic brain injury. The recovery can be both physically taxing and financially draining. BFR Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for:
- Immediate and Future Medical Needs: Includes all medical costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
- Loss of Property: If personal belongings were damaged during the incident.
- Income Losses: Includes both lost wages and potential future earnings if you’re unable to return to work.
- Emotional and Psychological Distress: Chronic pain, disability, PTSD, anxiety, and diminished quality of life can all be considered.
Crafting a Robust Slip and Fall Case in Washington
Building a successful slip and fall claim requires the careful handling of evidence to prove:
- Duty of Care: The owner’s moral and legal obligation to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of Duty: Concrete proof that the owner failed in this duty.
- Causation: A clear link between this failure and your accident.
- Damages: Specific details of the losses and suffering you endured.
Slip and Fall Cases in Different Settings
We’re equipped to handle cases across various settings, such as:
- slipping on ice in a parking lot;
- tenants who are injured by a landlord’s failure to maintain a safe rental;
- motel or hotel guests who are injured because of unsafe stairways;
- children who are injured by unsafe conditions on land or in a building, even if they are not there without permission;
- tripping over an unsafe shopping cart used for big-box purchases at Best Buy, Costco or other retail stores;
- tripping over parking lot curbs or holes in the pavement or sidewalks in disrepair; and
- convenience stores who fail to protect customers from reasonably foreseeable criminal conduct by third persons (for example, allowing consumption of alcohol in the parking lot).
We will investigate the specific regulations and standards applicable to the location of your accident.
Nature of Duty Owed Under Premises Liability Theory
In premises liability cases, the nature of the duty owed depends on the location of the incident and the relationship between the defendant and plaintiff. For instance, if one is invited to a friend’s house for dinner, the law describes that person as a “licensee”. The duty of a homeowner to a licensee or social guest is a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring a person who is on the land with permission and of whose presence the owner or occupier is, or should be, aware. The duty includes a duty to warn of dangerous conditions, the existence of which the social guest might not be aware.
If one goes to a retail store to shop, that person is described by the law as an “invitee”. The duty of a store owner to a customer is a duty to exercise ordinary care to maintain in a reasonably safe condition those portions of the premises that such person is expressly or impliedly invited to use or might reasonably be expected to use. The store owner’s obligation includes the duty to discover unreasonably dangerous conditions and to correct the dangerous condition.
If a person is on land or in a building without permission, the law describes that person as a “trespasser”. The duty of the owner to a trespasser is a duty not to engage in willful or wanton misconduct only. There are exceptions and permutations of the rules depending on such factors as whether the owner of land maintains an “attractive nuisance” such that they could expect young children to be enticed and attracted because of youthful curiosity.
BFR Injury Lawyers: Experienced Advocates for Slip and Fall Victims
We understand the complexities of slip and fall cases and how they can be intensely personal and challenging. With compassion and legal acumen, we can craft a strong case tailored to your unique circumstances.
Consult BFR Injury Lawyers Today
A slip and fall accident in Washington State should not be allowed to derail your life. Reach out to BFR Injury Lawyers, who are committed to advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to secure the optimal outcome for your situation. Contact us today for a no-obligation/no-cost consultation, and take the first step toward justice with our dedicated team of specialist lawyers.