Slip and Fall Accidents Attorney in Seattle, Washington

According to a report of injury facts from the National Safety Council, approximately 8.2 million individuals were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2018. In Washington, property owners have the responsibility to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition in order to avoid exposing visitors to an unreasonable risk of harm. If you slip and fall on someone else's property, you may be entitled to pursue an injury claim.

I am dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and representation to clients in slip and fall accident cases. As an experienced Washington personal injury attorney, I will review every aspect of your case, seek to prove liability, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. I will fight to protect your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries.

At The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, I proudly represent slip and fall accident victims across Seattle, and all of Western Washington, including the Puget Sound Area, Everett, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Call my office today to schedule a free consultation.

Premises Liability in Washington

In the state of Washington, property owners are required to keep their premises maintained to prevent injuries to visitors. A premises liability lawsuit aims to hold a property owner accountable for any injuries or damage resulting from an accident caused by the hazardous condition of the property. Common accidents that may occur and lead to premises liability claims include:

• Slip and fall accidents

• Dog bites and other animal attacks

• Inadequate maintenance

• Negligent security

• Elevator and escalator accidents

• Porch collapses

• Ceiling collapse

• Staircase accidents

• Swimming pool accidents

• Inadequate lighting

• Water leaks or flooding

• Fire safety and building code violations

• Electrocutions

• Chemicals or toxic fumes

• Garage door accidents

Statute of Limitations

According to Washington Revised Code Section 4.16.080, "an action for injury to the person or rights of another shall be commenced within three years." Therefore, a person injured in a slip and fall accident must file an injury claim within three years of the date of the accident.

Determining Liability

When a slip and fall accident occurs, any of the following persons or entity may potentially be at fault:

• Property Owner/Homeowner: The homeowner or property owner may be held liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on their property.

• Business Owner: A shop owner may be held liable for the slippery or dangerous conditions on the business's premises.

• Government Entity: Victims may hold the government entity or municipal agency liable if their injuries occurred in a slip and fall accident on public property.

• Your Own Carelessness: If your negligence or lack of attention was a contributing factor to the accident, the court may shift some or all of the blame onto you.

Comparative Negligence in Washington

Washington uses a "pure comparative negligence" rule. Pursuant to Washington Revised Code Section 4.22.005,

"In an action based on fault seeking to recover damages for injury or death to person or harm to property, any contributory fault chargeable to the claimant diminishes proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages…but does not bar recovery."

For instance, if the total settlement awarded by the court is $20,000, and the judge determined that you were 10% at fault for the slip and fall accident, then your compensation will be reduced by $2,000. The final amount that you may recover will be $18,000. Under the pure comparative negligence system, you may still be allowed to recover damages even if you were 99% responsible for the accident.

Work with a Skilled Attorney

Getting hurt in a slip and fall accident is an emotional and stressful experience. Whether you sustained minor or severe injuries, proving liability and recovering damages may present various challenges. It is important that you retain a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights and help pursue your rightful compensation.

I have dedicated my career to offering experienced legal services and protecting the rights of slip and fall accident victims and their families. As your legal counsel, I can:

• Fight to represent your best interests

• Review the details of your case and carry out a thorough investigation

• Estimate the extent of your injuries and determine the case value

• Handle all communications and help negotiate a fair settlement with insurance providers

• File personal injury lawsuit, if necessary

I will fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.