Free Case Evaluation
Seattle Slip and Fall Lawyer
Helping injured victims recover compensation after preventable slip and fall accidents in WA
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability claims. While a minor fall might be no big deal, sometimes these accidents lead to severe injuries, like broken bones, sprains, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. When this happens, people are usually stuck with a lot of medical bills and have to take time off work, meaning they aren't bringing any money in.
Under Washington law, you may be able to recover compensation from the property owner if your fall resulted from their negligence. If you’ve suffered an injury from a slip, trip, or fall because of unsafe property conditions, our team is here to help evaluate your case and figure out what your next steps should be. Reach out to Smith McBroom today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Free Case Evaluation
What is a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall occurs when someone is injured because of a dangerous condition on another person’s property. These types of cases fall under Washington’s premises liability laws, which are designed to hold property owners or managers responsible when their failure to keep a space safe leads to harm.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Wet or slippery floors
Slippery floors are a common reason people fall and hurt themselves. Whether it’s from spilled drinks that aren’t cleaned up, recently mopped floors, or snow tracked in from outside, this can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Icy sidewalks and walkways
Sidewalks and walkways pose major risks in the winter. Snow and ice that aren’t cleared in a timely manner or black ice concealed on steps and entryways can make these areas hazardous. When a property owner doesn't shovel properly or put down salt, people can easily slip and fall.
Uneven flooring and pavement
Sidewalks in disrepair, cracked concrete patios, and broken flooring, such as tiles, can result in tripping hazards. This can leave someone with major injuries.
Poor lighting
When there isn't enough lighting in hallways or stairwells, it's possible for people to misstep and end up falling. This is especially true if there are other small hazards in the way, like changes in floor heights or objects left on the floor.
Loose carpeting and floor mats
Businesses and residential properties should regularly check for curled-up rugs, loose carpets, and poorly placed floor mats. Any of these can shift and cause a person to trip and fall.
Broken stairs and handrails
Missing, wobbly, or broken rails, loose steps, and structural defects in staircases are especially dangerous. These can be a frequent cause of slips and falls where someone becomes seriously injured, especially if they fall down the stairs.
Falls can happen just about anywhere, but when the underlying cause is a neglected property issue, you may have the right to hold the owner responsible and recover compensation for what you’ve lost.
What do you have to prove in a Washington slip and fall claim?
To win a slip and fall claim, you have to prove more than that you just fell. The following elements must be established:
A dangerous condition existed
You must prove that a dangerous condition existed. It might be any of the above or anything else that should have been addressed but wasn't.
The property owner knew or should have known about it
You generally have to show the property owner knew about the matter, should have known about it, or that the unsafe condition was reasonably foreseeable under the circumstances. A property owner should inspect their property and do routine upkeep. They should also address any complaints or concerns regarding dangers.
The dangerous condition was not corrected or properly addressed
You then need to show that the property owner didn't repair the hazard. If they were unable to fix the damage for some reason, it's then helpful to show that they didn't warn visitors about the hazard.
The hazard caused your injuries
You need to establish that the hazard caused your injuries. It's not enough that you fell and that there was an issue with the property; your fall must have actually occurred because of that issue. For example, if you fell down the stairs because you were on your phone, it won't matter much that the handrail was loose if you weren't even using it and weren't paying attention to your surroundings.
You suffered damages
And finally, you need to prove you lost something. This is typically both economic damages, such as medical bills and missed pay, and non-economic damages, such as physical pain and suffering or emotional anguish.
These things need to be investigated and proven. The best way to do this is to speak to a premises liability attorney as soon as possible.
What evidence can strengthen a slip-and-fall case?
Getting the necessary evidence to prove the property owner was negligent and the negligence caused your injuries is the key to building a successful slip and fall lawsuit. Main evidence may include:
Photographs and videos
Clear images or video of the spot where you fell are crucial. You should take photographs of the hazard, such as the spill, uneven surface, or poor lighting, and any visible injuries you may have sustained. It can also be good to see if there is any video footage of your accident, such as store surveillance cameras, or if there was a witness who happened to have a video of the accident.
Incident reports
If your fall happened in a business, you should report it and ask them to fill out an incident report. Always request a copy, as this can document the accident and the property owner’s response right after it happened.
Medical records
Getting medical treatment promptly also helps document the severity and timing of your injuries. Hospital and medical records give you a documented report relating your injuries to the fall.
Witness statements
Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw you fall or who saw the risky condition before the accident. Bystanders’ accounts, written or recorded, may help confirm your version of what happened. You don't have to personally take their statements or talk to them in detail. Just collect their contact information, and your attorney can talk to them later.
Maintenance or inspection records
Records showing when areas were last examined, cleaned, shoveled, or repaired, if accessible, may establish whether property owners fulfilled their duty of care or failed to remedy a hazard for too long. Your case can also be supported by past accident records or complaints.
Gathering as much evidence as possible after a slip and fall can have a major impact on how your claim is handled. If you’re unsure where to start or how to preserve your rights, speaking with an experienced Washington slip and fall lawyer is always a good first step.
Do you have a local slip and fall lawyer I can speak to?
Smith McBroom has local slip-and-fall lawyers who can help if you’ve been injured in a fall anywhere in Washington state. We have decades of combined experience, and we know how to build these cases to give you the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries. Our office is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 210, Seattle, Washington 98188. Call when you’re ready, and we’ll help you get set up with a free consultation.
Contact Smith McBroom to schedule a free consultation with a Washington slip and fall lawyer
If you’ve suffered an injury from a slip, trip, or fall because of unsafe property conditions and you’re left struggling with medical visits, lost wages, or long-term impacts, you need someone by your side. Our goal at Smith McBroom is to shoulder some of the burden and help you recover the compensation you need so you can focus on getting better. Reach out to us today to set up a free, no-pressure consultation with a Washington slip and fall lawyer.