Injured in a Slip and Fall? Our Seattle Attorneys Are Here

A slip, trip, or fall caused by the negligence of others can cause serious injuries. It’s hard to know what to do next. But Emerald City Law Group is here to help navigate the personal injury claim, including communication with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit.

From helping you get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve, contact Emerald City Law Group after your slip and fall.

Based in Seattle, We Assist People Across Washington and Offer Virtual Consultations. Initial Consults are Free, Confidential, and We’re Available 24/7 to Answer Your Questions

Seattle, WA Slip and Fall Accidents

The term “slip and fall” refers to a category of premises liability accidents. Any incident occurring on someone else’s property and leading to a fall or an injury can be considered a slip-and-fall case.

The most common slip-and-fall accidents our attorneys handle include:

  • Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Trip and Fall Accidents
  • Broken Staircase Accidents
  • Liquid Spills
  • Slippery Floors
  • Fallen Merchandise
  • Poor Lighting
  • Snow, Ice, and Water
  • Broken or Torn Carpets or Rugs
  • Cracked Sidewalks
  • Landscape Hazards (holes in the ground or loose gravel)
  • Uneven Surfaces
  • Potholes
  • Cords, Wires, and Ropes in Walkways

All these hazards can result in a serious slip, trip, or fall accident that causes catastrophic injuries that can last a lifetime.

Slip and Fall Injuries

The severity of the slip and fall depends on several factors, including the height of the fall, the surface that was landed on, and the age and health of the injured person.

Common slip and fall injuries:

  • Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are very common slip and fall injuries. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in the wrists, ankles, and hips.
  • Sprains and Strains: Sprains and strains of muscles, tendons, or ligaments are another frequently seen slip and fall  injuries. They typically occur in the lower back (lumbar area), legs, and arms.
  • Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Concussions are the most common head injury associated with slip and fall accidents.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be severe. They can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other lifelong disabilities.
  • Soft Tissue Damage: Soft tissue damage can include bruises, lacerations, and burns. These injuries are often painful and require medical attention.

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, seeking medical attention right away is vital. Even if you think your injuries are minor, have them evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.

Slip & Falls in Seattle, WA: What to Know

If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the negligence or wrongdoing of the person, business, or other entity that caused your fall. Working with a slip and fall accident lawyer is essential to prove that the other party was negligent and that they are responsible for your damages.

How Does Negligence Cause Slip and Falls?

Slip and fall negligence is a type of premises liability lawsuit that can be brought against a property owner or occupant responsible for a dangerous condition on their property that causes a visitor to slip and fall and be injured.

To prove slip and fall negligence, you must show that the property owner or occupant:

  • Had a duty to maintain the property in a safe condition for visitors.
  • Breached that duty by failing to fix a dangerous condition or warn visitors.
  • The breach of duty caused you to slip and fall.
  • You suffered damages because of the slip and fall.

These elements of negligence must be proven with evidence to support your claims. An experienced lawyer can investigate what happened and help prove that the other party is responsible.

Contributory Negligence May Limit Compensation

Like other states, Washington law follows a comparative negligence rule concerning a slip and falls. Under comparative negligence, you are only entitled to recover the percentage of your damages the other party is responsible for. For example, if the property owner bears 75% of your fall’s responsibility, you’re entitled to 75% of your total damages.

Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases

A statute of limitations is a specified period after which you cannot recover for a certain act or occurrence. The statute of limitations for slips and falls in Washington is three years. This means that if you’re injured by tripping and falling on someone else’s property, you must file a case against them no more than three years after your accident to recover any compensation for your injuries.

Slip and Fall Compensation

If you’re injured after slipping or tripping on someone’s property, you shouldn’t be responsible for the financial damage. But this is contingent on factors that are unique to your situation. A slip-and-fall lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you qualify for compensation.

You may be able to recover:

  • Past and Future Medical Bills
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of Earning Capacity
  • Slip and Fall Pain and Suffering
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life
  • Emotional Distress
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement

You will likely have to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the property owner or occupant who caused your slip and fall injuries to recover compensation. However, most slip-and-fall cases do not go to trial. The parties involved usually negotiate a settlement. Working with an experienced attorney who can secure the best settlement offer possible is important.

What To Do After a Seattle Slip and Fall?

If you are involved in a slip-and-fall accident, there are a few steps that you should take:

  1. Seek medical attention.  Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor. This will establish a baseline for the severity of your injuries, which is necessary to support your insurance claim.
  2. Document the accident. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, writing down any witnesses’ names and contact information, and getting a copy of your medical records.
  3. Report the accident to the property owner or manager. This creates a record of the accident and may also help to prevent other people from being injured in the same way.
  4. File a claim with your insurance company. This is especially important if you have medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
  5. Contact an experienced lawyer for slip and fall accidents. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and they can also represent you in any negotiations or litigation.

Washington Slip and Fall Info & Resources

Our slip-and-fall lawyers are here with answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re seeking information or assistance after a fall caused by another’s negligence. The sooner you contact Emerald City Law Group, the faster we can begin working on your case.

Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Yes, you can sue for a slip and fall accident if you can prove that the property owner or occupant was negligent. If you have enough evidence, you can get compensation for all your damages.

How is Liability Determined for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Liability in slip and fall cases often hinges on whether the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it promptly. If the owner was negligent in maintaining the property or failed to warn visitors about potential hazards, they might be liable for the accident.

Are Slip & Falls Covered by Home Insurance?

Slip and fall accidents are typically covered by homeowners’ insurance under the liability portion of the policy. If someone slips, falls, and gets injured on your property, this coverage can help pay for their medical and legal expenses. However, the specific coverage and limits will vary depending on the individual policy.

Get Help Today. Call Emerald City Law Group

A slip-and-fall attorney with Emerald City Law Group is ready to listen and help you navigate a personal injury case. If you cannot contact us right away , you can also have a friend or family member call. We will explain the process and your options.

Emerald City Law Group Will:

  • Determine who is at fault in your slip and fall case
  • Investigate the accident by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
  • Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf
  • Negotiate a fair slip-and-fall settlement offer
  • Take your case to trial if the insurance companies refuse to settle

Slip and Fall Attorneys Serving Washington – Free Consults 24/7

Emerald City Law Group provides Seattle and the greater Washington area with high-caliber legal representation for those injured in a slip and fall accident.

Seattle – Local Areas Served

    • King County – Bellevue, Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Seattle, & Woodinville
    • Snohomish County – Everett, Lynnwood, and Marysville.
    • Pierce County – Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and Lakewood

Greater Washington

  • Grays Harbor
  • Kittitas County
  • Spokane County
  • Cowlitz County
  • Douglas County
  • Mason County
  • Skagit County
  • Thurston County
  • Island County
  • Mason County
  • Grays County
  • Kitsap County
  • Lewis County
  • Whatcom County
  • Whitman County
  • San Juan County