SLIP AND FALL LAWYER IN BELLEVUE HELPING INJURED CLIENTS RECOVER TOP COMPENSATION FOR THEIR ACCIDENT
Slip-and-falls, sometimes called slip, trip, and falls, are the most common type of personal injury case. Because of that, working with a seasoned slip-and-fall attorney is key for a successful case. Learn how slip and fall claims work in Washington and the steps you should take to get compensated for your injuries.
WHAT COUNTS AS A SLIP-AND-FALL ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON?
A slip and fall is an accident that can occur when an individual encounters an unsafe situation, such as uneven flooring or a wet, slippery spot that causes a loss of balance and a fall to the ground. Falls often lead to significant injuries. The hazard encountered by the slip-and-fall victim should have been remedied by the party in charge of maintaining the property; however, that individual or organization was negligent and failed to resolve the issue.
Slip-and-fall claims are negligence-based, meaning that the property owner or manager of the property owed a duty of care to the injured person and then breached that duty. The breach is a direct cause of the accident, and as a result, the victim was injured and sustained significant damages. Responsible property owners can be individuals, businesses, or governmental entities.
WHO IS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MY INJURIES AFTER A SLIP AND FALL?
A slip and fall can occur on private property (such as a private residence or apartment complex), on a commercial space such as a retail store, warehouse, place of employment, or government property. By determining who may be the responsible party, you can clearly understand where your compensation may come from.
For example, suppose you tripped and fell on a staircase with uneven, poorly maintained steps while visiting someone in their home. In that case, that homeowner is likely responsible for your accident, and you may seek compensation through their homeowner’s insurance policy. If your accident happened at work, you might need to file a worker’s compensation claim and receive payment through your employer’s worker’s comp insurance. If you tripped and fell on a dangerous floor or walkway at a commercial property such as a store or shopping center, you may seek compensation from a commercial liability insurance policy. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a fall accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can help determine if you have a case against the property owner and then advise you on the best course of action for your case.
CAN I GET COMPENSATION FOR A SLIP AND FALL ON GOVERNMENT PROPERTY?
Suppose you are taking a walk in a public park managed by the city when suddenly you step in a hole on the walking path and end up falling and breaking your arm. There was no warning letting park users know about the hazard and plans to repair the walking path had never been completed by the city. In this case, you may have a slip-and-fall claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the park’s walking paths.
If your accident took place on government property, you are still eligible to seek compensation for your damages. However, claims against a government entity are often subject to deadlines different from other personal injury claims. If you can prove that the government failed to meet its duty to maintain the walkway, you will be entitled to compensation for your financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. You are also entitled to compensation for non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and scars. You may be eligible for other compensation. If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your financial losses and, in some cases, pain and suffering.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO INITIATE A SLIP AND FALL CLAIM?
Most slip and fall claims fall under the state’s statute of limitations of three years. Claims against governmental entities require that certain actions be taken before filing your lawsuit. If you are considering making a claim against a governmental entity, you should contact an attorney to determine all deadlines. It is also important to keep in mind that in any claim involving a slip, trip or fall, the longer you wait to retain an attorney. However, the longer you wait, the less likely you will win your case. This is because the burden of proof in a slip-and-fall claim belongs to the victim, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to gather the proof needed to support your case.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident, reach out to Cascade Injury Law, PLLC, as soon as possible. Our firm has helped many clients in Bellevue, WA, and surrounding areas to navigate their slip-and-fall cases, and we can help you build a strong case and reach a favorable outcome. Call 425-654-8121 to learn more.
